Ready to plan your next winter thrills? Look no further than Iceland’s new “it” destination!
Surprisingly, Iceland is one of the easiest European countries to reach despite seeming like a fairytale land in the middle of nowhere.
With 2 Icelandic airlines serving the U.S. as well as a pair of America’s own, your bucket list dreams await.
But if you’ve held off scratching Iceland off your list, you may be late to the party since Reykavjaik, as well as some other former hidden gems, have spiked in popularity.
One city on the northern side is all the rage right now, especially as more airlines trickle in, making for convenient connections.
With frigid weather full steam ahead, Iceland may not seem like an ideal escape, but with some awe-inspiring natural phenomenons and cheap thermal spas to combat the cold, don’t sleep on visiting Iceland’s new tourism hotspot this winter.
Reykjavik Is Old News! More Travelers Are Scoping Out Akureyri
Reykjavik is a cool little city. The word “city” is a stretch since it feels more like a charming town, yet it’s Iceland’s largest “metropolis” at just a smidge under 140,000 in a nation of only 394,000 people.
More often than not, Keflavik, followed by Reykjavik, are the most common gateways into one of the world’s most otherworldly destinations to explore indescribable landscapes, stunning waterfalls, active volcanos, and possible elf sightings – well, at least to some locals who swear by it.
While spotting Will Ferrell in an open field would surely make lasting memories, in reality, more travelers are discovering the charms and wonders of Iceland’s fourth biggest city, Akureyri.
Offering more of an authentic feel than, say, Reykjavik’s Hard Rock Cafe and touristy shops, this vibrant community has so far welcomed visitors with open arms.
Honestly, that’s partly because locals know much of a trek their beloved hometown is to reach, even with easyJet set to launch a new flight from the U.K. on November 12th.
Secondly, Reykjavik isn’t a common place to witness the Northern Lights, given the light pollution, but Akureyri is more remote and a great entry point this time of year to see the skies dance green.
Akureyri’s Fabulous Northern Lights Display
Colder months = more Northern Lights. At least that’s the case for Akureyri.
Tour operators rake in the dough this time of year taking you to the best spots away from light pollution to witness Aurora Borealis put on a show.
According to Arctic Adventures, one of Akureyri’s top tour guides, the best time of year to witness this natural phenomenon is from ‘mid-September until March’.
All you have to do is pack some extra layers and let the experts do the rest.
The bad news being tour guides don’t control the weather, so you will need a bit a good fortune with a clear night.
While Arctic Adventures offers a great price at $123, it’s best to do your due diligence since Northern Light Tours is their own industry here.
For a full list of options, check Akureyri’s official tourism page.
Forget The Blue Lagoon! Visit Akureyri’s Cheaper Spas
Popular belief is Iceland is best explored by road trip.
That’s why you’ll see so many awesome photos or videos of travelers’ adventures across the country on Instagram and TikTok.
Of course, one of the most common and photo-worthy places to visit is the world-famous Blue Lagoon, often a highlight on many travelers’ road trip itineraries.
That said, the experience of relaxing in this spa’s natural thermal springs is expensive.
The cost of visiting the Blue Lagoon varies by package, but even the most affordable option doesn’t compare to what Akureyri offers.
Spas galore in Akureyri. Arguably the most popular is Forest Lagoon, holding an impressive 4.7 Google rating and only costs $50 to enter, while the Blue Lagoon is roughly $75 – $105 for the low-end Comfort option.
Another great choice is the Beer Spa, where yes, you can take a beer bath!
Or opt for another thermal bath away from the charming town’s delights.
Set along a black beach overlooking astounding open scenery, a day pass at Hauganes Hot Tubs only costs $14!
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