Northern Iceland
 Akureyri was our first look at Iceland. The impression was of towering mountains over a land bereft of trees. |
 As we got closer, we saw farms and pastures like the high plateau of Colorado, except that it was at sea level. |
 Then we saw our first steam vent, witnessing to the geothermal resources just below the surface. |
 The city of Akureyri, Iceland's second largest, is a seaport, university city, and the cultural and commercial center for the region. |
 It gives the impression of being a no-nonsense sort of place, dedicated to the task of making a living 60 miles below the Arctic Circle. |
 The hardiness of the people is reflected in the tough little Icelandic horse who is able to spend the winter outdoors. |
Sod Houses
Outside of town, at Laufas, is an ancient manor farm, currently part of the National Museum. It consists of houses, barns, and outbuildings with sod walls and earthen roofs. It was the parsonage for the neighboring Church.
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 The stables |
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 Another Church, on the way back to Akureyri. |
Gothafoss
The river Skjálfandafljót flows through rough, volcanic terrain, and at Goðafoss plunges over the edge of a forty foot cliff.
 This sign tells the history of the arrival of Christianity in Iceland. |
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 The top of the falls | |
 Just below the falls the river is crossed by a bridge creating an ideal location for a gift shop, |
 The terrain is made up of old lava flows, like most of Iceland. |
 Hi, Marie! |
 Commemorative window in the Akureyri Church. |
Botanic Gardens
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Akureyri Church
Akurkeyri’s main Lutheran church is the Akureyrarkirkja, situated on Eyrarlandsvegur. It cannot be missed, with a large tower dominating the town’s skyline. The church was designed by the architect Gudjon Samuelsson. It was built in 1940, and is constructed of basalt. The interior is fairly plain, but boasts a 3,200-pipe organ. The main central window was brought here from the original Coventry Cathedral in England.
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