Six Experiences for a Unique Journey to Akureyri, Iceland
With a population of about 18,000, Akureyri is one of Iceland’s largest cities and is known as a center of culture, education and outdoor activities for everyone. Nicknamed The Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is also an important port and fishing location. The area has a relatively mild climate because of geographical factors, and the town’s ice-free harbour has played a significant role in its history.
The area where Akureyri is located was settled in the 9th century but did not receive a municipal charter until 1786. The town was the site of Allied units during World War II. Further growth occurred after the war as the Icelandic population increasingly moved to urban areas.
Akureyri is a charming town in itself, with plenty of things to do for such a small place. It is also the gateway to the spectacular beauty of the north, most notably the Mývatn region, Dettifoss waterfall, Goðafoss waterfall and Ásbyrgi canyon. If you are going to Akureyri, you should spend at least a day in the town itself but then venture out and explore the nearby breathtaking locations.
1. Visit Akureyrarkirkja
Perched high above town, Akureyrarkirkja Lutheran Church is the work of the architect Guðjón Samúelsson, whose designs also shaped the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. Hence, the basalt rock columns. The church, which was built in 1940, is home to a remarkable 3200-pipe organ. One of the church’s most striking features is the beautiful central stained-glass window above the altar which once adorned Coventry Cathedral in England where it was partly destroyed in an air raid. The suspended ship hanging from the ceiling refers to the old Nordic tradition of giving offerings for the protection of fishermen at sea.
2. Enjoy the beauty of the Arctic Botanical Garden
The first thing you notice when you visit the Lystigarður Akureyrar, Akureyri’s Botanical Garden, is the lovely sense of tranquillity. What’s even more remarkable is that this Garden is located only 50 kilometres South of the Arctic Circle – easily one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. Still…there is a stunning combination of Arctic plants, plants from the temperate zones, and those from high mountains. They all manage to grow and survive together. The Botanical Garden is home to 7,000 species, of which Icelandic plants represent about 400. In wintertime, the Garden turns into an enchanting winter wonderland with trees bending with the weight of snow and is a favorite stop for flocks of Snow Buntings.
3. Explore Kjarnaskógur Woodland Area
Located South of Akureyri, Kjarnaskógur Forest boasts a wide range of short hiking trails and great playgrounds for the whole family and is Iceland’s most visited forest. More than 1 million trees of many species were planted within the last 50 years, resulting in an immense recreational area. The forest hosts lighted and backcountry trails with an exciting 10km long mountain bike trail.
During the winter months a 10km trail is made available for cross-country skiing. If you would like to relax for a day or two enjoy one of the two playgrounds, a volleyball course, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, and the bird watching shelter by the Hundatjörn pond. Talk about a tranquil experience in untouched nature …this is the place that will not disappoint.
4. Visit Laufás turf houses
On your visit to the North, visit the Laufás picturesque turf houses, whose first historical record dates back to the settlement of Iceland (874-930). Some are colorful and others blend into the landscaping.
Building a turf house was traditional in Iceland. The thick turf walls and roof were well insulated and designed to keep the cold out which was essential during the long cold winters. At night, the inhabitants gathered in the baðstofa (sitting room), where they ate, did handiwork and slept.
From the settlement of Iceland around 870 until the mid 20th century, Icelanders (both rich and poor) lived in turf houses. The last inhabitants moved out of their turf-houses in the mid 20th century, around 1966. Nowadays there are few turf houses left in Iceland as they need a lot of maintenance. Some larger turf houses serve as museums while others cannot be visited as they are delicate and have to be preserved.
5. Soak in a Beer Spa
This one is for all the beer lovers. Combine a relaxing spa experience with the natural health benefits that the yeast brings to this Beer Spa …..and get to taste the Kaldi beer brewed just next door. Sounds a little too weird ? Opt for the outdoor hot tubs – regular geothermally heated pools.
You lie in a bathtub filled with beer, water, hops and yeast for 25 minutes. Beer yeast is used in various ways – the most common is a tablet form where the effects of the yeast are very beneficial for one’s health. You bathe in both young beer and live beer yeast. It has an extremely powerful effect on the body and skin. After that you go into a relaxation room for another 25 minutes.
6. Dive and Explore the World’s only Accessible Hydrothermal Chimney
How would you like to go on a diving expedition in some of the best-kept natural wonders in the North Atlantic Ocean? In Strýtan, you can explore the only accessible hydrothermal chimney in the world. The theory of hydrothermal vents says that they form at locations where seawater meets magma. A venting black smoker emits jets of particle-laden fluids. The particles are predominantly very fine-grained sulfide minerals formed when the hot hydrothermal fluids mix with near-freezing seawater. These minerals solidify as they cool, forming chimney-like structures.
Similar chimneys have been found at 2000 – 6000 meters deep but it is exceptional to find them at such shallow depths. Strýtan chimneys rise from 65m up to 15m, and are still forming in some places, with continuous freshwater coming from the chimney. This adventure requires advanced diving skills and can only be done with a guide as the site is protected.
References:
www.heyiceland.is/blog/nanar/5224/top-15-things-to-do-in-akureyri
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akureyri
https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/a-list-of-the-beautiful-icelandic-turf-houses-the-inheritance-of-generations-past
