BOTANICAL GARDEN (LYSTIGARÐURINN)

Open from June 1st to September 30th from 8am to 10pm on weekdays and from 9am to 10pm the weekend.

While in Akureyri, be sure to visit the Botanical Garden, known as Lystigarðurinn, a haven of peace nestled in the heart of the town. This unique site, inaugurated in 1912 thanks to the bold initiative of local women, notably Anna Cathrine Schiöth and then her daughter-in-law Margrethe Schiöth, was conceived as a space for ornament, culture and relaxation open to all. Spread over more than three hectares, the garden features almost every plant species capable of thriving in Iceland's climate. But it doesn't stop there: plants from the four corners of the globe also find their place here, creating an astonishing botanical patchwork in this region of northern Iceland. As you stroll along its carefully tended paths, you'll come across several historic buildings, including the Storð d'Eyrarland house, once the headquarters of the county council. Witnesses to a living past, these buildings blend harmoniously into the green landscape. But Lystigarðurinn is much more than just a garden: it's a place charged with emotion and symbolism. Everywhere, statues and monuments pay tribute to the figures who have marked its history, including the bust of Matthías Jochumsson, the park's oldest statue, and that of Margrethe Schiöth, the garden's great benefactress. In the center of the park, Café Lyst invites you to take a gourmet break. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, you can enjoy exceptional coffee, hand-crafted chocolate and tasty dishes. It also offers a fine selection of natural wines and local beers. At the Akureyri Botanical Garden, every step takes you on a journey where plant beauty meets community heritage. It's a place where you come to stroll as much as to recharge your batteries.