Akureyri

Akureyri might not be a very large city, but it's definitely Iceland's second urban area after Reykjavik. Located in the north of Iceland, it sits at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, surrounded by snow-capped mountains that provide a stunning backdrop throughout the year.

Despite its small population of around 19,000 people, Akureyri offers plenty to see. The city center features colorful old houses, interesting museums, and the impressive Akureyrarkirkja church that overlooks the city. The botanical gardens are particularly special - they're one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, showing off plants that can survive in this harsh climate.

The weather here is milder than you might expect for a place so close to the Arctic Circle. Locals joke that Akureyri has its own microclimate, making it somewhat of a northern paradise. In winter, the nearby Hlíðarfjall becomes one of Iceland's best ski areas, while summer brings the midnight sun and perfect conditions for hiking or whale watching in the fjord.

Akureyri also serves as an excellent base for exploring northern Iceland's natural wonders. From here, you can reach Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss waterfall, and Goðafoss (the 'Waterfall of the Gods') on day trips. The city's food scene is surprisingly good too, with restaurants serving fresh local ingredients like lamb and seafood that Iceland is famous for.