Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri is the second largest urban area of Iceland and is referred to as the "Capital of the North."  Only 62 miles (100 km) from the Arctic Circle, the city is at the head of a 37-mile (60-km) fjord, one of the longest in the country.

Originally settled in the 9th century, Akureyri remained a small town until the late 19th century, when agriculture put the town on the map with meat and wool products.  Later, Norwegian settlers arrived and established the fishing industry, focusing on herring and cod.  Akureyri is now the headquarters of some of Iceland's largest fishing companies.


Arriving in town

Art in the port

Heading into town

Whimsical taxi

We wander over to the main street and stroll seveal blocks.


Down the main street

There is less art around the city than the other locations we have visited in Iceland.  But, some of it is quite whimsical, for example, the trash cans are covered with troll outfits.


Artwork

Trash can art

We quickly stick our head into the famous Akureyri Luthern Church, a significant landmark towering over the city, then continue our stroll through the city.

Akureyri Church

View from the front of the church

We head back down the hill from the church, entering the main part of town from a different direction and pass back down the central street toward the port.

Heading back down past a small park


Back to Commercial Square and the main street

One great sight that we heard about, but hadn't yet seen (towns were too small for a traffic light), is that the red lights on traffic lights here are heart shaped.  We spot several! 

Red light

This has been an interesting stop.  We had a good wander and note that this is clearly a commercial, fishing-oriented town.

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