Majestic Waterfalls
No trip to Akureyri is complete without witnessing the region’s legendary waterfalls. Just a short drive from town, Goðafoss awaits with its dramatic 12-meter drop and 30-meter horseshoe span. Its waters are fed by the river Skjálfandafljót, which carves its path through a 7000-year-old lava field originating from the majestic Trölladyngja volcano.
Goðafoss Waterfall, often referred to as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is shrouded in both beauty and mystery. While some attribute the name to its divine aesthetic, an ancient Icelandic legend suggests a different origin. The tale involves Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a Viking leader, who allegedly threw his Pagan statues into the waterfall, thus naming it. The true story behind the waterfall’s name remains unknown, adding to its mythical allure.
Geothermal Marvels
East of Akureyri, the land is vibrant with geothermal activity. At Námaskarð, near Lake Mývatn, the ground bubbles and steams with an otherworldly energy. The earth is painted in hues of ochre, red and yellow thanks to mineral-rich mud pots and fumaroles. The sulphur-scented air and lunar-like landscape are a must-see for geology enthusiasts or those seeking the surreal.
For a relaxing geothermal experience, Akureyri offers thermal pools cherished by locals and visitors alike. The Akureyri Swimming Pool features outdoor lanes, hot tubs and steam baths, all naturally heated. Nearby, the Forest Lagoon provides a luxurious soak with views of the fjord and surrounding forests, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Walking Between Continents: The Tectonic Divide
Iceland sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. While the most famous spot to see this phenomenon is Þingvellir National Park in the south, the rift’s northern reaches are visible near Akureyri, especially around Lake Mývatn. Here, you can literally walk between continents, an experience that brings home the dynamic forces shaping this land.
Volcanic Landscapes and Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn, about an hour from Akureyri, is a wonderland of volcanic features. Pseudocraters dot the shores, formed not by eruptions but by steam explosions when lava met water millennia ago.
The Dimmuborgir lava fields, with their twisted pillars and arches, evoke legends of trolls and hidden folk. The area’s birdlife is rich and varied, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Back in town, Akureyri charms with its botanical gardens, the world’s most northerly historic wooden houses and vibrant art scene. Don’t miss the iconic Akureyri Church, whose design echoes the basalt columns found in Icelandic nature.
Akureyri is the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s dramatic north. Whether you’re marvelling at waterfalls, soaking in geothermal pools, or standing between continents, this region promises adventure, wonder and memories to last a lifetime.
Jawahir Lal Raina
Jawahir Lal Raina, originally from Baramulla, Kashmir, is a retired accountant who dedicated his professional life to the Indian Defence Accounts Organization. Now enjoying his retirement, he frequently visits his daughter in the UK, where the misty landscapes and changing weather evoke cherished memories of his native Kashmir.
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Anonymous
Time for another one, surely!