🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Akureyri, Iceland, my home for a while. This charming town, nestled in the heart of the country, has won my heart with its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming community. With a Nomad Score of 73/100, Akureyri is an attractive destination for remote workers looking for a mix of work, play, and adventure. The city’s stunning landscapes, from the majestic fjords to the picturesque mountains, provide endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. As an Akureyri digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community make it an ideal spot to settle in and get work done.
Akureyri’s compact size and walkability make it easy to explore on foot, and its relatively low cost of living compared to Reykjavik, the capital, is a significant draw for digital nomads. The city’s population of 19,219 people creates a cozy, small-town feel, where locals and expats alike can easily connect and build relationships. With a Safety Index of 79.93/100, Akureyri is an extremely safe city, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers and remote workers.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to finding the perfect neighborhood to call home in Akureyri, there are a few areas that stand out for digital nomads. Here are my top recommendations:
- Miðbær: The city center, or Miðbær, is the heart of Akureyri’s action. This neighborhood is home to many cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent choice for those who want to be in the midst of everything. Rent prices in Miðbær can range from 180,000 ISK (approximately $1,300 USD) to 250,000 ISK (around $1,800 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Þorvaldsdalsvegur: This charming neighborhood is located just a short walk from the city center and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Þorvaldsdalsvegur is a popular area for families and young professionals, with a mix of old and new housing. You can find one-bedroom apartments in this area for around 150,000 ISK (approximately $1,100 USD) to 200,000 ISK (around $1,500 USD) per month.
- Glerárhverfi: For those looking for a more suburban feel, Glerárhverfi is a great option. This neighborhood is located about a 10-15 minute walk from the city center and offers easy access to nature trails and the beautiful Glerá River. Rent prices in Glerárhverfi are generally lower, ranging from 120,000 ISK (approximately $900 USD) to 180,000 ISK (around $1,300 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Akureyri can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences. However, here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: 180,000 ISK (approximately $1,300 USD) to 250,000 ISK (around $1,800 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: 500-700 ISK (around $4-6 USD) for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, 200-300 ISK (around $2-3 USD) for a coffee or snack
- Transportation: 400 ISK (around $3 USD) for a single bus ticket, 4,000 ISK (around $30 USD) for a monthly bus pass
- Coworking: 5,000-10,000 ISK (around $40-80 USD) per month for a coworking space membership
Overall, the cost of living in Akureyri is relatively high compared to other destinations in Europe, but it’s still lower than in Reykjavik. As an Akureyri digital nomad, you can expect to pay around 250,000-350,000 ISK (approximately $1,800-2,500 USD) per month for a comfortable lifestyle.
Internet & Coworking
Akureyri has a reliable and fast internet connection, with average speeds of 34 Mbps. You can find coworking spaces and cafes with good Wi-Fi throughout the city. Some popular options include:
- Nordurslod: A modern coworking space with high-speed internet and a range of amenities, including meeting rooms and a communal kitchen. Membership prices start at 5,000 ISK (around $40 USD) per month.
- Kaffi Ilmur: A cozy cafe with fast Wi-Fi and a great selection of coffee and snacks. Prices start at 200 ISK (around $2 USD) for a coffee.
- Glerárterras: A beautiful cafe located in the Glerárhverfi neighborhood, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fast Wi-Fi. Prices start at 300 ISK (around $3 USD) for a coffee or snack.
Akureyri has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of events and meetups throughout the year. Some popular groups and events include:
- Akureyri Digital Nomads: A Facebook group for digital nomads living in and around Akureyri, with regular meetups and events.
- Nomad Coffee: A weekly coffee meetup for digital nomads and remote workers, held at various cafes around the city.
- Akureyri Startup Community: A community of entrepreneurs and startups, with regular events and meetups for networking and collaboration.
Culture & Lifestyle
Akureyri has a unique and vibrant culture, with a range of festivals and events throughout the year. Some popular events include:
- Akureyri Summer Festival: A summer festival held in June, with live music, food, and drinks.
- Akureyri Winter Festival: A winter festival held in February, with snow sports, live music, and hot chocolate.
- Þorrablót: A traditional Icelandic festival held in February, with live music, food, and drinks.
The food scene in Akureyri is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Icelandic dishes and modern restaurants. Some popular spots include:
- Strikið: A modern Icelandic restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes. Prices start at 2,000 ISK (around $15 USD) for a meal.
- Bautinn: A traditional Icelandic restaurant with a range of dishes, including fish stew and lamb. Prices start at 1,500 ISK (around $11 USD) for a meal.
- Kaffi Ilmur: A cozy cafe with a range of coffee, snacks, and light meals. Prices start at 200 ISK (around $2 USD) for a coffee.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa or a digital nomad visa (if available) to live and work in Akureyri. Currently, Iceland offers a tourist visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit or a work visa.
It’s worth noting that Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, which means that you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa if you’re planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living and working in Akureyri:
- SIM cards: You can buy SIM cards at the airport or at various shops around the city. Prices start at 1,000 ISK (around $8 USD) for a prepaid SIM card.
- Transportation: Akureyri has a reliable bus system, with routes connecting the city center to outlying neighborhoods. You can buy single tickets or a monthly pass for 4,000 ISK (around $30 USD).
- Safety: Akureyri is a very safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Weather: Akureyri has a subarctic climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Be sure to pack warm clothing, including a good coat, hat, and gloves.
