Northern Iceland has gained an extraordinary new destination for travellers who believe that every journey begins with a story
In the heart of Akureyri, often called the “Capital of the North”, Skáld Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton has officially opened its doors, offering a boutique hospitality experience deeply rooted in Iceland‘s centuries-old literary tradition. The hotel’s name is no coincidence. The Icelandic word skáld means “poet” or “storyteller”, paying tribute to a country where medieval sagas, epic poetry and oral storytelling remain central pillars of national identity. Rather than simply decorating rooms with Nordic motifs, the hotel has been conceived as a celebration of Icelandic literature itself. Located on the historic Hafnarstræti street, in the centre of Akureyri and overlooking the spectacular Eyjafjörður fjord, the property combines contemporary Scandinavian architecture with handcrafted materials, bespoke artworks and carefully curated literary references throughout its interiors. Every detail is intended to evoke Iceland‘s unique storytelling heritage while embracing the minimalist elegance for which Nordic design is renowned. The hotel features 71 guest rooms together with 15 serviced apartments, many equipped with full kitchens, generous living spaces and private balconies.
These longer-stay accommodations make the property attractive not only for tourists exploring North Iceland but also for digital nomads, families and travellers seeking an extended Arctic experience. Food also plays a central role in the guest experience. The on-site restaurant, Abba-labba-lá, offers contemporary Nordic cuisine based on locally sourced Icelandic ingredients and seasonal produce. Guests can also enjoy two rooftop terraces with panoramic views across Akureyri, the surrounding mountains and Eyjafjörður, while wellness facilities include a modern fitness centre. The opening reflects one of the fastest-growing trends in international tourism: literary travel. Around the world, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations connected to authors, novels and cultural heritage, and Iceland is particularly well positioned to benefit.
Home to the medieval Icelandic Sagas, Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness and one of the world’s highest rates of book publication per capita, the country has long cultivated a remarkable relationship with literature. For visitors, the hotel also serves as an excellent base for exploring North Iceland. Akureyri offers easy access to the famous Diamond Circle, a spectacular scenic route featuring waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, dramatic coastlines and exceptional wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors can experience whale watching, skiing, the Midnight Sun or the magical Northern Lights. For Hilton, the opening further strengthens its Icelandic presence through the Curio Collection, while for Akureyri it represents another significant step in establishing itself as a year-round destination capable of combining nature, culture, gastronomy and design.
For readers of All Things Nordic, Skáld Akureyri perfectly captures a defining characteristic of the Nordic world: places where architecture, history, literature and landscape come together to create experiences that are both authentic and deeply meaningful. Here, visitors do not simply sleep in a hotel—they become part of Iceland‘s enduring tradition of storytelling.
Suggested Online Sources
Euronews.com
Stories.hilton.com
