Car hire Akureyri

Introduction

Akureyri is also called the capital of North Iceland. It's an important economic, social and cultural center. For a city of this size it's remarkable that it has its own university, as well as a symphony orchestra. For golf lovers, the city has something special: the northernmost golf course in the world.

Population

The city has over 17,000 inhabitants.

Location

Akyreyri is located in the north of Iceland at the end of the sixty kilometers long Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord of the country. The city is surrounded by mountains, the highest being Súlur (1213m) and Hlíðarfjall (1116m). Despite the northern position Akyreyri disposes of an ice-free harbor.

Economy

Traditionally, fishing plays a principal role in the local economy. Two of the five largest fish processing companies of Iceland are headquartered in Aykeyri. It also houses the biggest brewery of the country as well as a large dairy factory. Higher education and healthcare also create a lot of employment.

Airports

The city airport, Akureyri Airport, is located three kilometers south of the city center. It's mainly used for domestic flights, but in summer months there are also flights to the Danish capital Copenhagen. The runway stretches out spectacularly in the Eyjafjordur.

The airport is easily reachable from the city center by rental car: follow road 821. The exit to the airport is clearly indicated.

Public Transport

Although Icelanders are mad about their car Akureyri has a good bus system. Since rates have been lifted in 2008, many citizens have discovered the advantages of bus transportation.

Traffic and Parking

Parking in Akureyri city center is free, both in the street and in local car parks, which are mainly situated along Skipagata, close to the pedestrian street Hafnarstræti. Make sure to place a parking disc behind your windshield during working days. Parking discs are available at most stores.

Hotels

Akureyri has a good supply of accommodation, ranging from guesthouses and hotels to apartments. A bit further away from the city center cheap guesthouses can be found, mainly used by university students.

External Sources

For more information about Akureyri we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Akureyri
• Official website Akureyri (Icelandic, English)
• Tourist Information Akureyri (Icelandic, English)