Akureyri - small town in Iceland

#northerneurope Iceland marked my 70th country & Akureyri (pronounced ah-koo-rare-ee), where we had one day stop during the cruise, was the most northerly point I had ever visited. It felt like a small town but is actually the 2nd largest city in Iceland. I wasn’t completely sure what the area had to offer. Akureyri is nicknamed the “Capital of the North” & sits just 100km away from the Arctic Circle. It is located at the base of the Eyjafjörður Fjord, the longest fjord in Iceland. Being so close to the Arctic Circle meant the one thing I prepared for was the cold. However, this area has the advantage of the Gulf Stream, making it one of the warmest climates in Iceland. I’ll tell you 5 best things to do here: 1. CHECK OUT THE ARCTIC BOTANICAL GARDENS (LYSTIGARÐURINN) The gardens contain every species native to Iceland, as well as many from around the world which thrive in areas of high latitude & altitude. The café here is also the perfect place to relax & unwind. 2. HEAD TO CHURCH AT AKUREYRAKIRKJA Dominating the skyline is the impressive landmark church. It was designed by the same architect as the stunning Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. Inside is a 3200-pipe organ & stunning stained-glass window which originally came from Coventry Cathedral in the UK. 3. EDUCATE YOURSELF AT A MUSEUM Akureyri has several museums which are worth exploring but apparently, the best is the Art Museum which features an eclectic display from local artists. 4. TAKE A BOAT IN SEARCH OF HUMPBACKS Another of the best things to do in Akureyri is to head out into the Eyjafjörður Fjord in search of humpback whales. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed, but the fjord apparently has the highest success rates for sightings in Iceland. The trip takes 3 hours with excellent guides & spectacular views. You may even be lucky enough to spot a Blue Whale too. 5. GET IN TOUCH WITH THE GODS AT GOÐAFOSS WATERFALL Fifty kilometres from Akureyri lies Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular in Iceland, a land of spectacular waterfalls! The legend is that during “negotiations” with the persuasive Christians, one of the Viking leaders threw statues of their pagan gods over the waterfall to prevent a religious war, hence the name.