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Interesting places around Akureyri
Hrísey (20 km)
A lovely drive from Akureyri along the way to the town of
Dalvík. One passes the farm of Fagriskógur, which is the birthplace
of our very famous poet, Davið Stefánsson. From there one takes a
drive down to the harbour at Árgskógssandur to take the ferry across
to the island Hrísey. Hrísey is known for its interesting bird life
and it is possible to go for easy walks around the island.
Vaglaskógur (34 km)
There is a beautiful forest called Vaglaskógur in the valley of
Fnjóskadalur to the east of Akureyri. The tarred road along
Víkurskarð will get you there and during high summer it is even
possible to drive along the old highway over Vaðlaheiði to return.
There are wonderful views of the valley and Akureyri along this way.
Grímsey
The island Grímsey (66°N) is reachable by boat or airplane and there
are scheduled trips every day. The bird life is amazing, especially
the many different kinds of sea-birds which nestle in the cliffs. It
is not strange that the Arctic Tern chooses to nest here on the
Arctic Circle.
Goðafoss (40 km)
The “waterfall of the Gods” Goðafoss is not very high, but one of
the most beautiful in Iceland. The name of the fall originates from
the incident when the local chieftain, Þorgeir, had the power to
decide whether Icelanders would continue as heathens or switch over
to Christianity. He threw his idol into the waterfall and from that
moment on had made his decision.
A short distance above the fall, the river splits and the island
Hrútey lies in the river. The lava banks around Goðafoss come all
the way from the volcano Trölladyngja near the glacier Vatnajökull,
over 100 km away and is over 7000 years old.
Lake Mývatn area (90 km)
The Mývatn area lies on the active rift in Iceland and volcanic
eruptions are par for the course. The Lake area is of course, well
known for its bird-life, especially ducks and there are many
interesting walks and hikes to suit everyone, such as Grjótagjá,
Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, Vindbelgarfjall, Höfði and Skútustaðagígar.
There are also interesting spots along the drive to or from Lake
Mývatn and you will certainly not be disappointed.
Other usefull Akureyri links:
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Tourist Information Bureau
Hafnarstraeti 82
600 Akureyri
Iceland
Tel: +354 462 7733
Fax: +354 461 1817
The Tourist Information Bureau is located in the Akureyri Bus
Terminal which is near to the town centre. There one can find
information on all trips and regular bus schedules which are on
offer in the vicinity of Akureyri, booklets etc.
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