Akureyri, Iceland 🇮🇸
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Akureyri is the second-largest city in Iceland, located in the northern part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 19,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Icelandic Króna (ISK). Exchange rate: 1 ISK ≈ 0.007 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, renowned for its quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Síminn and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Kvika and Íslandsbanki are commonly used banks. International transfers possible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodations range from hotels to guesthouses and local rentals. Airbnb is popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer multiple short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Akureyri offers budget-friendly dorms and private rooms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Akureyri Coworking Space, located downtown, offers flexible seating and high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe L'Entre Deux is a cozy spot with reliable Wi-Fi and excellent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and meetups are occasionally hosted at Akureyri's cultural center. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats of Akureyri group on Facebook organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Hreyfill is the main taxi service with a mobile app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental bikes available at Akureyri Bike Rental. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hjalteyri Beach is a beautiful location, about 15 minutes drive from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect offers flights to Reykjavik. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair provides international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National roads connect with Route 1, the main ring road of Iceland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; bus is the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single-trip tickets, and monthly passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Strætó connect Akureyri with other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Akureyri Hospital provides general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and Fitness Akureyri hosts various wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sundlaugin Akureyri is great for fitness and swimming. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available downtown like Laundromat Akureyri. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Matur.is offers local food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plokkfiskur (fish stew) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kaffi Laxnes offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sæmundur í Sparifötunum has delicious homemade cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local supermarket Bónus offers affordable groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local stores like heimkaup.is deliver online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Heimkaup.is provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Jolla is a popular bar for nightlife and gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Akureyri Brewing Company offers local beer tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinbudin is the local wine shop with good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street Fish offers fresh traditional seafood at reasonable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzan Akureyri specializes in gourmet pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Akureyri Church and the botanical garden are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Akureyri Art Museum showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town features historic wooden houses. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Akureyri Cathedral is a significant site of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Akureyri Culture Night is celebrated each August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center hosts numerous galleries and artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Akureyri Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Akureyri Farmers' Market operates in summer. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local band performances frequently occur at venues like Café L'Entre Deux. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Charming murals can be found in various locations around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Icelandic Cooking Class offers local cuisine courses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Several independent art galleries showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Akureyri offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The driftwood revetments represent Akureyri's maritime heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Kjalvegur offers stunning hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Þingvellir National Park is around 4 hours drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Akureyri walking path along the fjord is scenic and accessible. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hjaltadalsvegur viewpoint provides breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The fjord is a great spot for birdwatching in summer. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire pit areas can be found near the city. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iceland Post delivers packages efficiently. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tölvulífið offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong table at the local community center. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language exchange meetups often occur at Cafe L'Entre Deux. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Akureyri Public Library is quiet and study-friendly. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Akureyri Community Center offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can gather at local gaming cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available; however, local pubs have gaming machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ISK 600,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ISK 24,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ISK 430,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ISK 17,200,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ISK 550,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ISK 33,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ISK 400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ISK 24,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ISK 520,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ISK 41,600,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ISK 350,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ISK 28,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied is 22.5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for Icelandic citizens. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Personal income tax can be as high as 46.24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 24%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value, rates vary by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Currently set at 0.5% for property purchases. |