Akureyri Iceland Excursion

Friday, 19 September
7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

An entire page on the impossible Icelandic language, with helpful traveler’s phrases.

Icy Jewels Lake Myvatn Tour

Frank, who is arranging the buses, reminds us that the list for the Icy Jewels bus tour will reopen in July, and there is lots of space. So, keep an eye on the Cruise Critic thread and you can sign up then.

Here is the Icy Jewels sign-up page.

Goðafoss Falls (Waterfall of the Gods)

Not in Akureyri but some 50 kilometres east you can visit the impressive Goðafoss. With a height of 12 meter not one of the highest in Iceland but it certainly is one of the prettiest. It is also closely related to the religious history of the country, hence its name.

Around the year 1000 the chieftain of Alþing (the parliament), the highly respected þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, was given the authority to solve the dilemma of the two incompatible religions. Both worshippers of Odin and of Christ lived in Iceland at that time. By throwing his own idol statues of pagan gods in this waterfall and declaring Christianity the official state religion, Þorgeir (formerly a pagan himself) saved the country from a possible civil war.

Mt. HverfjallMt. Hverfjall

This is one of the most impressive waterfalls of the country. It is situated in the 175 km long glacial river Skjalfandafljot just south of road no. 1. Both the river and the lava field it runs through have their sources far in the south.

According to the Saga of Christianity the formerly pagan chieftain Thorgeir threw the wooden images of the pagan gods into the waterfall after Christianity had been accepted in the Parliamentary Plains in the year 1000. The name of the waterfall, The Waterfall of the Gods, is derived from this event.

The chieftain Thorgeir played the most important role in the Christianisation of Iceland. After extended disputes and the danger of a bloody battle between the pagans and the Christians it was left up to him to decide which religion should become the religion of the state. Godafoss is 40 km. from Akureyri

Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods” derives its name from the momentous occasion on which the Chieftan, Thorgeir of Ljósvatn, threw his Pagan Idols into the falls as a demonstration of his conversion to the Christian faith. Myvatn is famous for its abundant bird life – in fact, one of the largest concentrations of breeding ducks in the world can be found here. The surroundings are truly magnificent – the volcanic & geothermal features succeed in reminding the admiring tourist of the incredible forces that surge below the ground. The grotesque lava formations of Dimmuborgir have been forged into a maze of towers, castles & caves that resemble a fantastic giant’s playground. The area is considered one of the World’s natural wonders & is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist resorts.

Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn is the country's fourth largest natural lake. It abounds in lake char and is netted by the farmers the whole year round. The lake area is known world wide for its exceptionally many breeding duck species (15) and the abundance of other avifauna. The lake's surroundings show such variety in landscapes and amazing geological formations, that the visitors have to spend several days there to enjoy them fully. This area is extremely volcanic. Nine eruptions took place there during the period 1975-1984 and the continental drift was measured 4,8 m. This show of nature's immense power gave the scientist the first real opportunity to study the plate tectonics on dry land. There are two hamlets on the lake, Skutustadir and Reykjahlid. Both offer good restaurants, accommodations, bike rentals, car rentals, grocery shops, swimming pools, petrol stations with car washes and a variety of sightseeing possibilities. From Akureyri, it's 99 km .

Lake Myvatn's area is about 37 square kilometres. Numerous bays and creeks incise its coastline and the lake comprises some fifty islands and islets. The lake is not very deep, its average depth being 2.5 metres, and the maximum depth is 4 metres. The ecosystem of Lake Myvatn is unique. The lake derives its name from the profusion of midges that pervade the area. Bird life is extremely diverse and more species of duck are believed to live around Lake Myvatn than anywhere else in the world. The natural environment of the area is very diverse and the landscape has a unique character, being formed by volcanic activity.

The water in Lake Myvatn often takes on a greenish or brownish tinge in the summertime because of the blue-green algae (Cyanophyta) that inhabit the lake. The algae are carried into River Laxa and form the basis of its food chain. River Laxa is the most fertile river in Iceland. Black fly larvae constitute the river's most important food for fish and fowl. The female black flies distract blood from livestock and people to gain nourishment for breeding.

Mt. Hverfjall

Mt. Hverfjall is a gigantic tephra crater, which erupted 2,500 years ago. The crater is one kilometre in diameter and 140 metres deep. Tephra has been carried from Hverfjall, all over the Myvatn district. A landslide apparently occurred in the south part of the crater during the eruption, which accounts for the disruption of the round shape of the mountain. During the Age of Settlement, lava flowed from Svortuborgir, at the southern end of Namafjall Mountain, around Mt. Hverfjall, which was nearly encircled by the lava. At the same time an eruption occurred in the slopes above the valley of Hlidardalur.

Dimmuborgir

Dimmuborgir (dimmu "dark", borgir "cities" (or "forts") is a large area of unusually shaped lava fields east of Mývatn in Iceland. The Dimmuborgir area is composed of various caves and rock formations, remnants of volcanic activity that are perhaps reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel, with columns spewing plumes of sulfuric smoke. In Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is said to connect earth with the infernal regions.

Dimmuborgir are peculiar lava formations in the Younger Laxa Lava Field. A pool of molten lava, about 2 kilometres in diameter, was formed there during the fissure eruption of Ludentsborgir. This pool was drained when the lava exited towards Lake Myvatn, leaving behind high pillars of lava, which have taken on most bizarre forms. It is believed that these pillars were formed in the pool where steam percolated through the molten lava and cooled it. Horizontal lines, formed when the half-congealed lava crust of the pool gradually collapsed, are a frequent sight in the lava. The collapsing crust also coated the pillars with scoria, which can be seen in many places as a thin coating with vertical etchings. Lava formations like Dimmuborgir have been found at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Mexico but are not known to exist on dry land outside the Lake Myvatn region. The lava pillars at Hofdi (named Klasar and Stripar) are similar formations.

The rock formation were created by an eruption 3000 years ago. Because the underground of this lava rock was soft, the lava field collapsed. This is what makes the unusual rock formations of Dimmuborgir so special.

Whatever your interest, be sure to visit the sundial located near the Service Centre to orient yourself to the site. It provides a panoramic 360 degree view of the area, and is great for photographs.

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Other things to do

Akureyri and Santa’s House

Akureyri has approx. 16.000 inhabitants and is Iceland’s second most important commercial and industrial center. As you drive through Akureyri’s colorful streets, it is almost like taking a journey through the different eras of Akureyri’s history. We begin with a stop at the modern church whose wonderful stained glass windows are renowned. Stroll the pathways of the lovely Botanical Garden before continuing to the Nonni Museum. Here, you will find an exhibition commemorating the works of writer Pastor John Sveinsson whose children’s books earned international acclaim in the 1930’s–1950’s. See the fishing boats in the busy harbor en route to Listagil Street. It is in this area, in the very heart of the town, that artisans keep their workshops and galleries. You will have time to browse for a short while before boarding your coach once more in order to drive outside of Akureyri’s city limits. Santa’s House is your destination and while at this latitude it is tempting to believe that it could well be the real thing, this Santa’s House is actually a charming Christmas store which is open for business all year round! This is a great opportunity to pick up some mementos of your trip to Iceland.

Taste of Iceland

This tour of Eyjafjördur offers a most interesting insight into Iceland’s varied cultures. The itinerary includes visits to the Churches at Munkatverá & Grund, a stop at The Horse Centre at Melgerdismelar – where visitors are introduced to the sturdy Icelandic horse by way of a horse-show. A meal of traditional (& rather adventerous!) Icelandic fare at a restaurant built in the old style of turf, stone & timber is also included. Our final stop will be the charming Christmas Shop.

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In Praise of Brennivin

Having a national beverage seems to be de rigueur for small countries who want to maintain their cultural identity. Iceland is no exception, especially with the holidays almost upon us. The local tipple – its signature alcoholic beverage – is called “Brennivín,” an ancient Icelandic word that translates as “we see a really bad headache in your future.” It’s made from fermented potato pulp and flavored with caraway seeds.

At times it is consumed as a “chaser” after sampling “hákarl,” which consists of putrified shark meat, to mask the meat’s taste. One taste and you might think it must also be used to strip paint. In fact, while Icelanders don’t regularly drink Brennavin, they seem to delight in buying visitors a round just to see their faces after downing a shot or two.

It’s sold all over the country, even in cute little Icelandic sweaters at the airport. People like to pretend you have to be some kind of reality TV show contestant to drink Brennivín. It’s really not that bad. Just keep it as close to 32 degrees F., and you’ll be fine. Drunk yes, but otherwise fine.

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Pictures

Bubbling mud flats, lunaresque volcanic craters, newborn lava fields, and grassy shoals teeming with waterfowl; these are among the sights of the striking Lake Myvatn region, one of the most geologically active and stunningly beautiful areas in Iceland. In 1974, the lake was declared a national conservation area, and since then it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Its name means “Midge Lake,” after the hordes of gnats that breed in the shallow waters (so bring bug spray), but the pesky insects – perfect food for fish – support the best trout and salmon fishing in Iceland. There are also more species of duck here than anywhere in Europe, 15 in all.

The heavy volcanic activity in the region during the last few thousand years accounts for its extraordinary land formations and geology. Dimmuborgir, on the East side of the lake, is a badlands of lava pillars, some of which reach 65 feet in height. Just north is Hverfjall, a smooth, stadium-shaped volcanic cone that formed during eruptions 2500 years ago. One of the most bizarre attractions in the region are the mud pits of Haverarond, which are so hot that they actually boil. Far cooler are the waters of Viti, an explosion crater where you can bathe in a comfortable 22C hot spring. Another unforgettable sight near Myvatn is Eldhraun (“fire lava”), an absolutely barren lava field where the Apollo 11 crew came in the late 60s to train for their impending moonwalks.

Northeast Iceland sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth. The Ridge plays an explosive game of tug-of-war that literally rips Iceland apart at a rate of an inch every year, and volcanic lava rises up to fill this rift. Amid all this booming and hissing is a serene, sparkling-blue oasis, Lake Mývatn.

Fourteen square miles and only about 7 feet deep, the lake lures wildlife lovers with its great variety of birdlife. It has the largest population of breeding ducks in the world, including the harlequin and the mallard. A peninsula provides a superb vantage point to view gyrfalcons, short-eared owls, and red-necked phalaropes. Bring your bug spray, however: Mývatn means "midge lake," for the swarms of gnats that invade the area in the summer. Most don't bite, they just make a nuisance of themselves. Lake Mývatn

A dirt road surrounding the lake leads you to the bubbling, steaming, and starkly beautiful landscapes you'd expect of a volcanically active region. Eldhraun ("fire lava") is the barren, lifeless aftermath of a volcanic eruption in the 1720s. So lunaresque is its topography that NASA sent its Apollo 11 crew there for moonwalk training in the late '60s. Dimmuborgir, on the east side of the lake, is a sprawling 2,000-year-old field of black volcanic pillars, some as high as 65 feet. You can explore the caves and arches of this perfect science-fiction movie set, including an inexplicable 16-foot-wide hole in the middle of a lava formation.