Akureyri, Iceland 🇮🇸
#792
,
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Akureyri is the largest town in northern Iceland, known as the 'Capital of North Iceland'. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 19,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ISK ≈ 0.0070 USD, major banks include Íslandsbanki and Arion Bank |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, known for its purity and taste |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Síminn, Vodafone, and Nova |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely, ATMs available |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and guesthouses |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are accepted everywhere |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are popular |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Akureyri Backpackers and other hostels |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center offers proximity to shops, restaurants, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center or close to the harbor, where coworking spaces are available. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work in Akureyri - offers hot desks and private offices |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Ljónsbítur - reliable Wi-Fi and comfy seating |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local entrepreneurs |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Icelanders and expats regularly gather at local pubs and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi Akureyri - local taxi service |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rental available at Akureyri Cyclery |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Neslaug Beach, about a 10-minute drive from the city center |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect - operates from Akureyri Airport |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair connects Reykjavík and Akureyri with international flights |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Ring Road (Route 1) provides access to other parts of Iceland |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; bus services provide transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tickets available for local bus services, priced at around ISK 350 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Akureyri with other towns in the region. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Akureyri Hospital - provides emergency and general healthcare services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Akureyri offers classes for all levels |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Laugavatn Gym and Akureyri Swimming Pool for fitness enthusiasts |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat located near the city center |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Chef's Box - local delivery service for a variety of cuisines |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plokkfiskur (fish stew) - a traditional Icelandic dish |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Vagninn - offers wholesome vegetarian and vegan meals |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | GAY Húsid - famous for its cakes and pastries |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Icelandic local markets and Bónus supermarket for affordable groceries |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Sambíóin Online Store - local shopping with home delivery |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Netverslun.is offers grocery delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tryggvaskáli - popular bar in the city center |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Kaldi - known for its craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Gullfoss Wine Bar - specialized in Icelandic wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Fish & Chips Akureyri - local food truck |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Akureyri Grill - variety of cuisines available |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Akureyri Church and the Arctic Botanical Gardens |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Akureyri Art Museum showcases local and international art |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town of Akureyri features well-preserved historical buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Akureyri Church - a prominent landmark in the city |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Akureyri Summer Festival - vibrant cultural celebration held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center hosts many cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Akureyri Theater offers plays and performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Tuesday Market held during summer months for crafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various music festivals, especially during summer, featuring both local and international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes available focusing on Icelandic cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hverfisgata Contemporary Art Gallery features rotating exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Akureyri Folk Museum showcases the town's rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local folklore and cultural traditions celebrated in various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Mývatn, approximately an hour's drive, is great for nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Vatnajökull National Park is a few hours' drive and is known for its glaciers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous scenic paths by the fjord for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from Akureyri Church provide stunning panoramas of the city and fjord. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Mývatn is a renowned birdwatching spot. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the fjord for bonfires and picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and UPS courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | IT services and electronic repair shops available in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complexes offer ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools and community centers offer Icelandic language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Akureyri Public Library provides quiet study locations. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural Center Akureyri hosts events and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, but the city has gaming arcades. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €162,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €232,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate in Iceland |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 22% on dividend distributions |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system with international agreements in place. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.24% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% standard Value Added Tax rate |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries meeting criteria. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 0.4% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents are typically taxed only on Icelandic-source income. |