Town in Northeastern Region, Iceland
Is Akureyri safe?
Very safe; crime against visitors is almost unheard of.
Is Akureyri safe?
Very safe; crime against visitors is almost unheard of. Winter roads and weather matter far more.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-05-04.
- Homicide rate in Iceland: 1.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Iceland: 2.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Akureyri at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Occasional bike theft and drunken noise on weekend nights; little else. |
| At night | Safe at any hour; the center is empty and quiet after midnight. Pavements are icy in winter. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women, day and night. Standard care on remote roads and hikes. |
| Other risks | Icy roads and sudden snowstorms Oct–Apr; Fast-changing weather at Mývatn and Goðafoss |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Unplowed winter roads outside town: wait for road.is updates
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Off-road driving is illegal, with heavy fines.
- Campervans and tents must stay overnight at campsites, not by the roadside or in car parks.
- Supermarkets sell only light beer; buy wine and spirits at Vínbúðin stores, which keep short hours.
How Akureyri compares in Iceland
Quick answers
Is Akureyri safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women, day and night. Standard care on remote roads and hikes.
Is Akureyri safe at night?
Safe at any hour; the center is empty and quiet after midnight. Pavements are icy in winter.
What is the crime rate in Akureyri?
Occasional bike theft and drunken noise on weekend nights; little else. Nationally, Iceland records 1.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Akureyri?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
More about Akureyri
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Visit Akureyri
- Akureyri Airport (Isavia)
- Akureyri Hospital
- SafeTravel Iceland
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.