Akureyri - 23rd July, 2018

The ship docked in Akureyri at 10.00 am this morning, after crossing the Arctic Polar Circle at around 2.00am this morning.  Akureyri is in northern Iceland, with a population of approx 17,500. 

 

After breakfast in the dining room, we were ready for our excursion around the town and to Santa’s House. Our excursion started with short drive around the town with a stop at Akureyri Church, the symbol of the town.  We were unable to go inside the church as it was closed.  The people are very proud of this church, however, its not the prettiest !!! 

On leaving the church we drove for approximately 15 - 20 klms, the majority of the way alongside a huge silver pipe, which carries hot water to all the houses and even the swimming pool.  We arrived at Santa’s House, not quite what we expected, as it was just a Christmas Shop, but quite cute.

Next stop was “Nonni’s House”.  The renowned Icelandic author and Jesuit Priest Jon Nonni Sveinsson.  He wrote 12 children's books, about a character called “Nonni”, which have been translated into 40 languages and some have been made into movies.  

Up the hill from the House was a small museum, which contained some shipping artefacts.

Next stop was the Botanic Gardens.  The gardens were beautiful, full of perennials from all around the world. A surprising splash of colour in the centre of Akureyri.  We stopped for an Icelandic Beer and a muffin, and ran into Olga (with flowers in her hair) who was on a well earned break from her duties on the ship.  

As it was still reasonably early when we arrived back at the dock, we decided to take a look at a small Icelandic Museum before boarding the ship.  

After a full day we headed for Deck 14 for drinks, as it the temperature had reached 20 degrees, then to the cabin to get ready for the gala night. The ship left this pretty town at 9.00pm