Leisurely Akureyri and Godafoss
For those of you who prefer a more relaxed trip, this leisurely tour is ideal.
For those of you who prefer a more relaxed trip, this leisurely tour is ideal.
Heading out of the city, you will drive towards the River Skjálfandafljót, site of the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall. From the western bank of the river, you’ll have a lovely view of this powerful cascade, which carries a great volume of water over a 30 feet drop. The ‘Falls of the Gods’ earned their name when the chieftain, Thorgeir, threw his old pagan gods into the Falls at the time of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
Cultural and commercial centre of the north, Akureyri is a friendly town, colourfully framed by mountains and the sea. Driving through the oldest part of the town, you’ll see the Danish influence, dating back to the times when Iceland was under the Danish Crown, and Akureyri was the most ‘Danish of all Danish towns’.
Take a short walk through the Botanical Gardens, home to a collection of high latitude and high altitude plants from around the world, before returning to the ship.
Jewels of the North - BEST SELLER
A cocktail of waterfalls, lava formations and bubbling mud pools – the perfect blend of what Iceland has to offer.
A cocktail of waterfalls, lava formations and bubbling mud pools – the perfect blend of what Iceland has to offer.
The ‘Falls of the Gods’, Godafoss Waterfall is a most impressive waterfall that carries a huge volume of water from the Skjálfandafljót River. This beautiful crescent of cascading water gained its name at the time of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in AD 1000, when images of the old pagan gods were thrown into the Waterfall.
Frequent lava flows have left Iceland’s fourth largest lake, Lake Mývatn very irregular in shape. This is a paradise for nature lovers and geologists and more species of duck are said to breed at this bird-watching site than anywhere else in the world.
Marvel at Dimmubørgir, an incredible panorama of rugged crags and peculiar lava formations in shapes such as columns and arches. The striking geothermal field, next to Namafjall Mountain, is another highlight of this tour, full of mud pots, steam vents, sulphur deposits, boiling springs and fumaroles.
Coffee or tea and Icelandic cakes will be served at a local restaurant during the tour.
Nature, Folk and Fauna
A delightful combination: the dramatic Godafoss Waterfall; a traditional folk museum, and the Botanical Gardens of Akureyri.
A delightful combination: the dramatic Godafoss Waterfall; a traditional folk museum, and the Botanical Gardens of Akureyri.
Known as the ‘Falls of the Gods’, Godafoss Waterfall is an especially beautiful waterfall that played an important role in the Icelanders' conversion to Christianity. Torrents of water drop over 30 feet, making an impressive spectacle.
The wide, open valley area known as Dalsmynni is where you’ll see formations on the hillside that suggest a large pro-glacial lake, which once occupied the valley.
The Laufás Folk Museum presents a glimpse back into ancient times. Once a manor farm and vicarage, the turf farmhouse dates back to 1866. This is now a museum with period furniture and utensils giving it a realistic, lived in look.
After a pleasant drive back to Akureyri, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital of northern Iceland. You’ll drive past Akureyri Church, visit the Botanical Gardens and view what remains of the old town before travelling back to the pier.
Whale Watching and Godafoss Falls - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
An excellent opportunity to explore the Icelandic waters and catch sight of some amazing mammals.
An excellent opportunity to explore the Icelandic waters and catch sight of some amazing mammals.
The potential for whale watching in Iceland is excellent! Over half of the 36 species of whales are found in northern European and Icelandic waters.
Enjoy an exciting boat trip from Husavik harbour across the bay to begin your search for whales. The prime period for whale watching in Iceland is late spring to early autumn (May - September). No two trips are the same and consequently there is always a feeling of excitement and anticipation.
Back on land, lunch will be served at a local restaurant before a visit to the award-winning Husavik whale centre. Here, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the habitat of the whales around Iceland.
Godafoss waterfall is historically known as ‘the Waterfall of the Gods’ A short stop will be made to capture this splendid fall and its tumbling waters.