Literary tourism has become a significant driver for travel across Europe, with readers increasingly seeking out destinations tied to their favourite authors and stories. In northern Iceland, a new hotel has opened that taps directly into this trend, offering a design rooted in the country's rich tradition of poetry and storytelling.
Skáld Akureyri, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is located on the historic Hafnarstræti street in the heart of Akureyri, a city of around 19,000 people that sits at the base of the Eyjafjörður Fjord. The hotel features 71 guest rooms and 15 serviced apartments, each designed with literary references, handcrafted Nordic materials, and bespoke artworks. The name skáld — the Old Norse word for poet — reflects the property's focus on Iceland's celebrated tradition of poets and storytellers.
“Skáld Akureyri has been created as more than a place to stay,” said Magnea Þórey Hjálmarsdóttir, the hotel's general manager. “It is a house rooted in Akureyri, inspired by Icelandic poetry, and shaped by the surrounding landscape.”
Design and Dining
The rooms and apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and private balconies. For guests who prefer not to cook, the hotel's restaurant, Abba-labba-lá, serves contemporary Nordic cuisine made from locally sourced Icelandic ingredients and seasonal produce. There is also a fitness centre and two rooftop terraces where visitors can dine, drink, and take in panoramic views over the town, the fjord, and the surrounding landscape.
Skáld Akureyri joins a growing number of European hotels that blend local culture with modern hospitality. In Greece, for instance, a new boutique hotel on Paros offers private pools or jacuzzis in every room, while in Germany, The Dean Munich has expanded an Irish hotel brand's presence in the Westend district.
Exploring the Capital of the North
Akureyri, often called the “Capital of the North,” lies about 380 kilometres from Reykjavík. The city serves as a gateway to the Diamond Circle, a 250-kilometre scenic loop that passes waterfalls, hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and hiking trails. Visitors can also explore Akureyri's own cultural sites, including the Akureyri Church and the Botanical Garden, one of the northernmost in the world.
The opening of Skáld Akureyri comes at a time when Iceland's tourism sector is navigating challenges, including the recent resumption of fin whale hunting after a two-year pause. The country's literary heritage, however, remains a strong draw for international visitors. For those interested in broader European literary tourism, the BABELL Festival in Porto recently brought together Nobel and Booker winners, highlighting how cities across the continent are leveraging their literary connections.
With its focus on Nordic design and Icelandic storytelling, Skáld Akureyri offers a distinctive base for travellers looking to experience the landscapes and culture of northern Iceland.
