Friday, April 22, 2011

Lystigardur Akureyrar -- One of the Northernmost Botanical Gardens in the World


Near the Arctic Circle one can find botanical gardens. This one in northern Iceland has many native, as well as non-native plants. To see a listing of plants native to Iceland, click here.

The Botanical Gardens are very popular with the local population and with tourists who would rather see native flora beauty instead of the sulphur mud pots in the countryside (Hverarönd). (I've seen both.)































































Thursday, April 14, 2011

More Northern Iceland

Returning from the countryside to Akureyri.





















Next:  The Botanical Gardens

(Now comments appear to be unresponsive. I am trying to fix that!)

Monday, April 11, 2011

Laufás

Laufás is one of many Icelandic sod farm museums. It is really very cozy inside. 
Click here, if you wish to see locations of other















Thursday, April 7, 2011

From Akureyri, A Ride Through the Countryside

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland is Goðafoss. These falls have religious significance, because it was here (sometime between 900 and 1000 AD) that Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði officially tossed the statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall and turned to Christianity.


Local countryside near Goðafoss.



After the waterfalls, a subdued stream flows towards the ocean.


On the road to Laufas.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011

Scenes From Akureyri, Iceland

Even though this 2nd largest city in Iceland is just a few kilometers from the Arctic Circle, the climate is very temperate in the summer months.






Rush hour!





Verdant tranquil village along the fjord.



Dining -- 24 hours a day.