Akureyri - attractions

Iceland is a country of hot springs , lost among snow-white mountains and glaciers. When making a tourist itinerary, the town of Akureyri should be added to it . It is located in the northern part of the country.

Tourists, who visited these places, have unprecedented opportunities. Go to the island beyond the Arctic Circle, try whale meat - this is an incomplete list of activities that await travelers.

The list of interesting places that you can see in Akureyri is incredibly wide and includes natural, cultural and architectural sights.

Architectural sights

The city has the following objects, distinguished by a refined architectural style:

1. Akureyri Church is the main attraction of the city. The exact date of the beginning of the construction is unknown. But the construction was completed in 1940. The project of the Lutheran church was designed by the famous Icelandic architect Goodyoung Samuelson. Of particular interest to tourists is the body. It consists of 3,200 pipes. It is worth looking at the stained-glass window, located behind the altar. Its previous location is the Coventry Cathedral (England). A staircase leading to the church, checks tourists for endurance. Sometimes it holds competitions for high-speed lift. You can walk to the church. Fortunately it is in the center of the city. Or you can use public transport. The bus goes to the stop HOF BUS STOP, on which the visitors go.
2. The church of Glerurkirkia is another masterpiece of architecture, which is highly recommended to be read. Due to the fact that it stands on the river Glerau, whose name translates as a glass river, then the church is mistakenly considered glass, although concrete was used as the material for the erection. The style of the building is modern. The church looks like a geyser ejection with all its appearance. The history of its construction is the history of people who united for the common goal. The church was built by ordinary citizens. Long disputes of officials about the choice of location, design and architecture led to the fact that in 1986 the people themselves took up work. With efforts of more than 300 volunteers, the work was completed in a year. Now the sounds of the electronic organ, the order for which was searched throughout Europe, bells weighing 1400 kg, fascinate citizens and tourists. A visit to the church will be interesting for children. Not only worship services are held in the church, but also concerts and festivals. There are special rooms for children, where they hold fascinating events. In the evening, the tower and the cross flood the neighborhood with a wonderful radiance. Tourists can get to the church and on foot, as it is located in the central part of the city. By motorway through Þingvallastræti and Hlíðarbraut.

Natural attractions

The nature of Iceland, including Akureyri, is of particular interest to travelers. The most noteworthy places are the following:

1. Waterfall Godafoss - is not in the city itself, but not far from it. The Godafoss waterfall is famous for the fact that the inhabitants of the country threw figures of pagan gods at baptism. Therefore, the name Godafoss is translated as a waterfall of the gods. Despite the small size, the waterfall simply beckons tourists. A lot of holidaymakers simply settle on the stones around it to enjoy the colorful countryside. Location - the northern part of the island. The height is 12 m, the width is 30 m. It was formed as a result of melting of the glacier and its shape, resembles a crescent moon. Powerful water flows fall down the basalt columns. The riddle is its correct geometric form. It is divided into three parts, two of which are absolutely identical to each other. The third is enclosed in a stone bed. You can reach the waterfall Godafoss by public transport, a rental car. We will have to go south along the Þórunnarstræti towards Bjarkarstígur.
2. Volcano Sulur . Tourists, who prefer the mountains, can visit the volcano Sulur, located near the city. You can get to it on the rented car on the route number 821. Having enough skill and special equipment you can conquer one of its peaks. In winter, ski runs are active here, and there are all the prerequisites for practicing different kinds of winter sports. As for the conquest of the Sulur volcano, it is better for beginners to climb a smaller peak. More experienced climbers conquer a high peak.
3. Visiting Akureyri, you can not not visit the Botanical Garden and the Whale Museum. I personally see almost 4000 different plant species - these are just the first impressions. From the hill on which it is located, opens an amazing view. The northernmost Botanical Garden is considered the best in Iceland. It contains all the plants that grow on the island. At the same time there are no greenhouses or greenhouses. Flowers grow in natural conditions. Location - the central part of the city.

Museums

One of the most famous sights of Akureyri is the Folklore Museum . It can draw a lot from the history of the region since the Viking settlement. Travelers who do not live without creativity, you must visit the Street of Art. Workshops of artisans, art galleries - from everywhere beats inspiration.

In the central part of the city there is also the Museum of Arts , where performances are arranged. Most of the exhibitions are free of charge. Artists decorate the halls.

How to get to the city?

From Reykjavik to Akureyri buses go - twice a day from May to September, the rest of the time - once a day. Departure time is 8.30 and 17.00. The trip will take five and a half hours. You can arrive in the city by plane. A small airport takes flights from the capital and Copenhagen several times a day. The flight duration is 45 minutes. Travelers have the opportunity to rent a car and come to Akureyri along the 1-Ring Road. It girdles the whole country, so on the way you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Iceland .