The new Skáld Akureyri hotel in Iceland’s second city Akureyri, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is rooted in the nation’s literary tradition. Blending books, design, and locally-produced food, the hotel aims to be more than a place to stay.
Literary tourism is booming. People are continuously looking for new ways to explore the world and discovering new destinations through the lens of their favourite book matches perfectly with that goal. According to a report by Future Market Insights mentioned by Business Traveler, the literary tourism market can be expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2034.
Hilton is jumping on the bandwagon by opening a new hotel in Iceland. The Skáld Akureyri is part of the Curio Collection and is located in the city of Akureyri, also known as the gateway to Northern Iceland. Inspired by Iceland’s rich literary tradition, which is generally considered to have started with the 13th-century works known as Eddas and runs all the way through to the Nordic Noir that debuted the nineties, the hotel is named after the skáld – a local poet and storyteller.
“Skáld Akureyri has been created as more than a place to stay – it is a house rooted in Akureyri, inspired by Icelandic poetry, and shaped by the surrounding landscape. We look forward to welcoming guests to a hotel where design, literature, food, and warm hospitality come together in the heart of North Iceland,” said Magnea Þórey Hjálmarsdóttir, general manager of the Skáld Akureyri.
The Skáld Akureyri hotel counts 71 guest rooms and 15 serviced apartments, which blend contemporary design with local materials and – of course – books. A fitness centre and two rooftop terraces are accessible to those who stay at the hotel, offering impressive views over the town, fjord, and surrounding landscape.
While the apartments feature fully-equipped kitchens, guests can also enjoy a meal at the hotel´s Nordic restaurant, Abba-labba-lá. The menu offers a mix of unexpected associations, local ingredients, and seasonal dishes.
“The opening of Skáld Akureyri marks a fantastic addition to our growing lifestyle portfolio across Europe. Set in the heart of North Iceland, this beautifully designed hotel perfectly captures the ethos of Curio Collection by Hilton through its distinctive design and elevated guest experience. As demand for unique, locally inspired stays continues to rise, we are delighted to expand our presence in Iceland with a property in a location that will allow guests to experience the wonder of this region,” stated David Kelly, senior vice president Continental Europe at Hilton.
Located on the historic Hafnarstræti in the heart of Akureyri, the new Hilton Curio Collection hotel is the ideal base from where to explore Northern Iceland. At approximately 400 kilometers from Icelands capital Reykjavik, Akureyri can be reached through a 40-minute domestic flight or by car by following the scenic Ring Road. Iceland’s Northern region is known for its Northern Lights as well as its so-called Diamond Circle, which takes visitors on a 250-kilometer tour past waterfalls, hot springs, and unforgettable coastlines.
