Iceland: Day 8 - Akureyri

July 2, 2004

Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland outside of Reykjavík. It has a huge harbour where many cruise boats come and dock. Akureyri boasts a birch 'forest' that is one of the pride and joys of the region (ok, it didn't make much of an impression on us Canadians!). It is also known for its botanical garden which is the furthest north outdoor botanical garden in the world. Established in 1912 by a Danish woman living in Akureyri, the gardens are a rich display of plant life enclosed by that Icelandic rarity, fully grown trees. Besides virtually every Icelandic species, there's an astonishing number of sub-tropical plants from South America and Africa, even though the mean temperature of Akureyri is barely 3.4°C. Dozens of kids tidying up around the garden are there on behalf of the town council, earning a little pocket money in the process. Young kids gardening and tidying up was a sight we saw quite often in Iceland.

A little bird enjoying the gardens.

 
The plants were all labelled with both their latin and icelandic names.

 
Pretty colours.

Rubby checks out the blue poppies.

A more familiar colour, this poppy seems to have grown ear muffs to keep it warm!

 
Some more close-ups.

Akureyri sculpture.

[ Iceland Vacation Home Page ]