Akureyri Botanical Garden
The Akureyri Botanical Garden, known in Icelandic as Lystigarðurinn, is one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, sitting just 50 kilometres from the Arctic Circle. It covers 3.6 hectares on a hillside above Akureyri, with views across Eyjafjördur fjord, and is home to over 7,000 plant species including around 430 native Icelandic flora. Entry is free throughout the summer season.
Over 7,000 Plant Species Flourishing Just Below the Arctic Circle
The site was first developed as a public park in 1912 by the Women's Alliance of Akureyri, who wanted a green space for the community. The botanical section was added in 1957, and the garden has since grown into a serious horticultural institution and one of the most surprising attractions in North Iceland. The sheltered position within Eyjafjördur fjord creates a favourable microclimate that makes it possible to grow species from well beyond Iceland's typical range, including plants from the Himalayas and New Zealand. The garden's collection of native Icelandic species, around 430 in total, is the largest such collection in the country. Busts within the park commemorate three figures connected to its history: Jón Rögnvaldsson, whose donation helped establish it; Margarethe Schiöth, whose early work helped it flourish; and Matthias Jochumsson, the local poet and clergyman who wrote Iceland's national anthem.
The garden is divided into sections covering alpine plants, herbaceous borders, rock gardens, shrubs, and an arboretum. The unexpected variety of colour and life on display, particularly during the peak summer months of July and August, tends to genuinely surprise visitors who arrive without strong expectations. Several of the wooden buildings within the park are among the oldest in Akureyri. A café on site serves coffee and cakes, and there are restrooms available during opening hours. The garden is wheelchair accessible and a good option for cruise passengers calling at Akureyri, as it is within walking distance of the harbour, though the approach is uphill.
The garden is open from 1 June to 30 September, with weekday hours from 8am to 10pm and weekend hours from 9am. Entry is free. In winter the gates remain open for walks, but facilities are closed and paths may be impassable in snow. The garden is located on Eyrarlandsholt, about 15 minutes on foot from Akureyri town centre, and sits directly above the Akureyrarkirkja church. It makes a natural addition to a visit to Akureyri alongside the church, the harbour area, and the Akureyri Art Museum nearby.
