Iceland day 1: Arrived Akureyri (Ack you ray ree), located in the lower end of the Eyjafjörður Fjord.
Since our excursion did not leave until afternoon, I walked into town. Stopping at the unusual visitor center, I asked for the best things to do in the two hours I had allotted.
From there I walked into town and up 112 steps to the Akureyrarkirkja Church (Lutheran), a highly visible landmark, unfortunately closed. But I had beautiful, wonderful views of the town and port. (Click to enlarge)
On my way to the church I saw an unusual covering for a local trash can, which was attached to a pole. It seems to be made of felted wool again. Seems all weather resistant. Have a look at the creature!
I had also asked for a for an Icelandic food recommendation. Therefore, back down, in town, I stopped at Kristjan’s Bakari, and I had an Islandic donut (Kleinu) chocolate iced. It was a twisted cake donut, sorry, I bit into it before taking the photo, and something like a Bismarck, long, filled with cream, caramel topped with a drizzle of chocolate zig zagged over the caramel. Very good!
After the snack, I ran into a woolen statue! Tall one. Take a look! She was taller than almost everyone around.
Next stop was the book store. Very nice, cafe inside as well. There was lots of cafes located all around town, in many stores, museum, etc.
I walked through town back to the ship. Along the way I saw some of the oldest houses that were built, as in Alesund, out of fire resistant materials after a huge fire in the area nearest the port.
After lunch on board, we headed out to our excursion: Laufas Folk Museum, Godafoss Waterfall, and Botanical Gardens
Laufas is an ancient manor farm; there was a church there in 1047. The current church is only about 150 years old. The current arrangement of structures is current to 1856-70. They farmed eider down, from the nests of Eider ducks nesting on the rocks leading down to the fjord.
The fjord and river are fished for salmon. You have to get a license and it is very expensive. Well overpriced for the average person.
Practically the entire island was deforested as it was settled and the wood used for homes and heating. Then in the early 1900s, reforestation was begun in earnest. To retain shifting soil as in Norway, lupines were planted. You can see fields of them as you traverse the island.
Godafoss is called the “Waterfall of the Gods”, our next stop. Pretty amazing! The usual giant loud rush of water over rocks and continuing in the river.
Additional falls below the main:
Back on the bus, we headed to the Botanical Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens were very lush. Flowers there are gigantic! Size of dessert plates! Unfortunately we lost our bearing and nearly missed the bus back to port.
Our ship in the fjord in port.
