Iceland's unofficial northern capital is the city of Akureyri. It stands at the head of a fjord, 62 miles south of the Arctic Circle but enjoys one of Iceland's mildest climates. The island of Hrisey, 22 miles north, is also part of Akureyri, used as a livestock quarantine zone. Visitors who hire a car in Akureyri can tour the sights of the area, including the Hlíðarfjall ski slopes to the west and the remains of the medieval trading post at Gásir to the north. The best views come at the top of Mount Sulur, which can be climbed via easy walking trails from the city.
Akureyri's large ice-free natural harbour has helped it develop into Iceland's fourth largest city. It has a university and a busy fishing industry. If you hire a car in Akureyri You'll find that the city is built around the Town Hall Square. You'll also discover there are museums, churches, shops and restaurants to enjoy. The city is sheltered by the high mountains around it; visit the thriving Botanical Gardens to see the effect they have - they are one of the world's most northerly public gardens. Akureyri's golf course is also the most northerly 18-hole course in the world.
