Historical Trail of Akureyri

A walk through the town’s main historical sites and landmarks (the blue route in the Akureyri Guide brochure).

The walk begins at Ráðhústorg Square and continues south through the town center. Stop at Kaupvangstorg Square, where Akureyri Church and the Art Alley (Listagilið / Kaupvangsstræti) come into view. Continue toward the Old Town (Innbærinn). Along the way, you will see Sigurhæðir, where the national poet Matthías Jochumsson once lived, as well as the Samkomuhús (the theatre) and the historical information sign located there. If time is limited, the walk can be shortened here by heading up Menntastígur (Education Path) just north of the theater. Please note that the path is steep and can be slippery in winter.

Continue to the intersection of Hafnarstræti and Aðalstræti. Several impressive buildings stand there, including the two large and beautiful wooden houses, Höefner House and Tulinius House. South of the intersection is a historical information sign showing and describing old Akureyri (see here).

You may wish to enjoy an ice cream at Brynja before continuing to Laxdalshús and other notable buildings such as the Old Hospital, Friðbjarnarhús, and Nonnahús.

At the Akureyri Museum / Museum Church / Nonnahús, the route heads uphill via Nonnastígur, which climbs the slope north of the museum up to the hill top. Enter the cemetery and walk through it to the right (north). Stop at the viewpoint by Höfðakapella chapel, where you can rest on a bench and/or read the informationsign about Nonni (Jón Sveinsson) before continuing down the path that ends in Lækjargil gorge.

Once down in Lækjargil, turn right and then left again up Spítalavegur. Follow the road until you reach the Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn). Explore the garden and then continue down Eyrarlandsvegur past the Akureyri Junior College (Menntaskólinn á Akureyri), St. Peter’s Church, and the statue of the Outlaw. Continue further down Eyrarlandsvegur to Akureyri Church and descend the church steps into the town center, returning to Ráðhústorg Square where the loop is completed.

Here you can get GPX file for the trail.

Below you find the starting point of the trail