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.

Akureyri, Iceland

I really shouldn't be partial. I am very fond of the entire country of Iceland, but yes, I am partial to Akureyri. It is the 2nd largest city in all of Iceland. This is the Ocean Princess at the Icelandic port which is just a few short miles from the Arctic Circle. In future postings I will introduce you to a few of my favorite Akureyri things. Meanwhile, click on the video on the right sidebar about this city. It was filmed by someone on the Dawn Princess and includes unusual sightings of whales in the harbor.

 

We weren't the only ship in the harbor. Akureyri is very popular with visiting cruise ships. Click here to see which cruise ships will be visiting this port this year.

 

Mein Schiff really gets around. This former MV Galaxy of Celebrity Cruise Lines has been seen in other places. See it on Paulo Camacho's blog.

Pride of Isafjordur

We had an opportunity to visit the forest in Isafjordur. This was no small project. If you are interested in reforestation in Iceland, please click here.

 

We all drank from the clear waters of the stream cascading down the mountain.

 

A closer view of the Forest.

 

This is the winter ski complex. I understand they have to move it from time to time, due to avalanche activity.

 

All of this vegetation is very exciting in Iceland.

Isafjordur, Scenes Around Town

 

Residential District. The Old Hospital, which is now the Edinborg Cultural Center

 

Looking back towards the Port.

 

Closeup of the Cultural Center (formerly Old Hospital), which also houses the Tourism Office. You can't miss it. It dominates the town.

 

Business District (easy walking distance from the Port).

Osvor Museum, Bolungarvik

Meet Johann. Dressed in skins from head to toe, he related tales of the Bolungarvik fishing fleet (in Icelandic). That is why Kristin was there (to translate).

 

This fishing boat is an exact replica of the boats used in the rough seas of the Westfjords.

 

Johann found the skins quite warm, but heavy. Ropes were tied in strategic places to enable his fishing mates to rescue him, should he fall overboard in the rough seas.

 

Home, Sweet Home.

 

The catch of the day, drying to preserve the food.

A Sunny Day in Bolungarvik

 

Bolungarvik Church. Approximately 80% of Icelanders belong to the National Church of Iceland (Lutheran).

 

When we visited, this young lady was performing for us. She was the premier performer in the national accordion contest we were told, but I have searched and cannot find her name. If anyone knows her name, please leave that information in the comments.

 

Church graveyard.

 

Bolungarvik, near the end of the Westfjords. (It looks like a troll might have sat on the mountains behind the town.)

Driving in Iceland Video.

Hiking in Westfjords, Iceland. (Link)

Oshlidargong Tunnel, between Hnifsdalur and Bolungarvik

I realize that tunneling in certain parts of the world is an old, established system of getting through mountains (Norway and northern Italy, for example). But this concept is a recent one for Iceland. Since our visit, the OSHLIDARGONG TUNNEL has been completed (end of September 2010). I find this report fascinating. A map is provided to show the route. (This may take a short while to load, but it is worth the wait.)

 

The tunnel begins just after you pass through the village of HNIFSDALUR. This village is subject to avalanches, just as the coastal road was continuously subject to avalanches, falling rocks (boulders), and icing.

 

Mini-tunnels were constructed to protect the most vulnerable areas.

 

Fencing was added along the road in other areas to protect against rock slides.

 

This is the tunnel entrance from the Bolungarvik side.