Matthiasarhus, Akureyri

Advantages: Right in the middle of town, decent quality and value
Disadvantages: The restaurant can be a wee bit noisy at night at the weekends

...I stayed here a couple of times over the years during my travels around Iceland. Typical tourist class hotel, not too big, friendly staff, reasonable priced restuarant (was local, now Chinese) downstairs, and very close to the town centre, 5 minutes walk from the bus station, and a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport. If you're ever in Iceland, please consider straying off the usual Reykjavik / Golden Circle routes, and head north to Akureyri. Lovely town in dramatic setting, with this good hotel, and staff who are knowledgable about the local area, things to do and see etc. They will also arrange day trips to any nearby attractions, or even into the desolate interior of the country - not to be missed! Rooms are comfortable, reasonably priced considering the high cost of living over there, and have the usual comforts - TV, tea making... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: SEE THE WHALES, THE DOLPHINS and THE PUFFINS
Disadvantages: STILL EXPENSIVE

...Akureyri lies in the North of Iceland, which lies between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. The whole island was created by volcanic activity and the area to the South East of Akureyri is still extremely active and eruptions occur at almost any time. This country belonged to Norway, then Denmark before declaring Independence in 1944. It was first settled, in the 9th century, by the Vikings, It owes much of its language, music, poetry and art to the Vikings. Akureyri has been the home of some of Iceland’s most famous literary figures. David Stefannson, the poet, lived here as did Jon Sveinsson. The Matthias Jochumsson Memorial Museum commemorates the poet who wrote the words for Iceland’s National Anthem. History over! Now let us get to the more interesting bit, but enough culture!! It was from here that we went out... Read review

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Advantages: Beautifully wild, peaceful, very uncrowded
Disadvantages: Can be stark, often adverse weather conditions, steep & winding roads

...alluded to earlier, it is possible to take a ferry into Isafjordur if winding roads tend to make your stomach churn; however, I do not know what the costs are for this nor the exact times. A word of warning though, if narrow roads do your head in, I would recommend you completely avoid this region and concentrate on other parts of Iceland that are just as lovely and wild in their own ways. For instance, if you have not read my review on Akureyri and the North of Iceland, you will find a completely different world at your beck and call. You can also travel by coach from the direction of Akureyri in the north or from Reykjavik to the south. This is the way I did a few of my tours while in Iceland and can attest to the niceness of the coaches. Most of them are made by Volvo and on many of the gravelled roads, they still provide a high level... Read review

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