Voyage of the Vikings: Akureyri

Today we arrive in Akureyri early for a scenic day. I didn’t sleep well and finally decided to get up for good at 4:30. The sun was already up and I had this beautiful scenery with my first cup of coffee.

The ship is in the Eyjafjordur fjord which is the largest in Iceland with more than 40 miles in length. So beautiful!

It’s the first day it wasn’t foggy in the morning in a week or so. Steve joined me when he got up. He decided to stay on board one more day for recovery. We could see hot springs across from the ship.

I didn’t know the orange circle in the top right of the photo is the entrance to a tunnel I would be traveling through in a short while.

Godafoss Waterfall, Lava Labyrinth & Hot Springs Excursion

Tour Description: Begin with a drive along the coast of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, with an excellent view of Akureyri and its surrounding mountains. After crossing Víkurskard Pass, you will view Fnjóskadalur Valley, where geological remains of glacial and post-glacial times can be clearly seen.

Stop at Goðafoss — the waterfall of heathen gods and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The Skjalfandafljot River falls from a height of 36 feet over a breadth of 100 feet. You’ll drive directly to the Lake Myvatn area, stopping by the Skutustadir Craters before lunch. After lunch, visit the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth — a paradise of towering lava castles, natural arches and countless unexplored grottos.

The last stop is at the gurgling purple and yellow sulfur cauldrons at the high-temperature geothermal field of Namaskard. If time allows, you’ll also enjoy a short panoramic drive through the town of Akureyri.

When breakfast started at 6 am, I ordered an omelet. Afterward, it was back to the cabin to get ready for the 7:30 am meeting time in the main theater. I checked in and “bought” a canned water. We left after a short wait for blue 2 bus.

I had an empty seat next to me which was nice all day. After driving through the city we went across the fjord and in to the countryside. This path included passing the airport.

Our guide was Teresa and she laid out our plans for the tour’s five stops with return time of 3 pm. A lot to do but fortunately four of the five are all in the same area by Lake Myvatn.

We learned those hot springs I saw earlier where discovered when they were digging the tunnel.

We passed farms, horses, rivers and more.

Godafoss Falls

After about an hour driving through the beautiful countryside we got to Godafoss falls which you can see from the road. We were dropped close to the top and given instructions on where to meet the bus and when.

It was clear today was a day to wear the head nets.

Here’s a short video of the falls.

A view from downriver.

After viewing the falls, I visited the ladies room and then the shop.

I found these cute slippers for about $30 US (I’ll have to wait for the credit card statement to see the final amount). One couple was 10 minutes late back to the bus but she had misunderstood the return time and was very embarrassed.

Namajfall Geothermal Area

Next we made the drive to the Godafoss Namajfall Geothermal area.

Teresa said Neil Armstrong had trained in this area before his trip to the moon. It did look like a moonscape!

We had about 40 minutes and it took me every minute to walk around the roped area with brief stops for photos.

I wonder how hot is the water.

The sulfur smell was very strong.

I’m thinking the rocks were arranged by humans.

This is a power plant we saw nearby.

Dark City Lava Fields

The next stop was the Dimmuborgir or Dark City Lava fields.

There are three marked paths (different colored stakes).

The guide recommended and took the group on the shortest, yellow one which is about a mile. She was waiting for our slow pokes to get to her so I and a bunch of others walked on our own around.

I had to wait a while to get that hole without people in it. Someone nicely took my photo in front of a cave.

On the bus Teresa had handed our vouchers for the restroom.

She also told us to immediately open the entry after scanning your ticket; less than 2 seconds later it won’t work. Sure enough as i walked up to ladies room I heard a lady say she waited to long and her husband nicely gave her his ticket.

I did peruse the gift shop but prices seemed high here. Hopefully I can get souvenirs for family in Reykjavík on the way back.

Hotel Laxa Lunch

Then we loaded up on the bus for a 15 minute drive to the Hotel Laxa for lunch. We saw more views of Lake Myvatn.

In the restaurant we were shown to our tables. It was a preset menu served family style.

That was a bit surprising to me —- hello pandemic! Our table had one empty seat (must have been Steve’s) but I didn’t eat his share, lol. We started with tomato soup and bread.

I found it interesting that the wife ladled the husband’s bowl in all four couples at the table. Next we had two platters with trout, a few potatoes and even less salad.

There as no way each platter could provide salad for five people. There was a lot of the fish so I did have two filets eventually but this is it for the other items. We were here for one hour which was plenty of time to eat and use the facilities. I thought it was interesting that the roof of the hotel had grass growing.

Is it for insulation?

Pseudo Craters

We had passed the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters on the way to the hotel so we were there quite fast.

The craters are created by water explosions; they are not volcanic. Hence the pseudo part of the name.

It’s interesting seeing “craters” not caused by volcanoes and of course on a much smaller scale than a volcanic crater.

The psudo craters are pretty and in a beautiful setting.

We also saw Icelandic horses living their best life.

After loading up again it was an 1 hour and 20 minutes ride to the city. Even though I was tired it was just so beautiful, I didn’t want to close my eyes.

Another river.

Back in town. I took some photos.

The stop sign red signals were all changed to heart after financial crisis in 2008 to give people a reason to smile.

There was a nice view of the ship across the way as we got closer.

This sculpture below is named “Sailing” and is by the famed Icelandic artist Jon Gunnar Arnason.

I got back on board five minutes to three. Teresa was a great guide!

Akureyki Evening

Steve wanted to sit one more dinner out form our group to ensure he was well before returning. I was worn out from the day so we dined in the lido. Looked like lots of people did! We did eventually find a table.

I had roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots.