Akureyri

Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, the country’s longest fjord, ringed by snow-topped mountains. With a compact, walkable centre full of cafés, shops and galleries, it’s by far the largest town outside the capital region.

Highlights include the landmark Akureyrarkirkja church, a surprisingly lush botanical garden, whale watching on the fjord and the Christmas Garden just outside town. In winter it’s a leading skiing base at Hlíðarfjall, and it makes the perfect hub for the Diamond Circle.