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Northern Iceland

By the time we got to Akureyri, I knew I was in love with Iceland, and I still had so much more to experience. Our next stop was Akureyri, also known as the capital of the north. Akureyri sits at the end of a fjord almost smack dab in the middle of Northern Iceland. This town breathes charm, everything I ever imagined I would find in a European town was accounted for. Cozy pubs, shoppes, friendly people, and of course, a hostel. The Akureyri Backpackers hostel served as the center piece for our stay in town, and proved to be a perfect launch pad for our adventures in Northern Iceland. The weather was still rainy when we got to town, so the hostel made getting organized, warm, and reconnected a breeze.

Outside of Akureyri stands impressive jagged, snow covered peaks in every direction, it’s no wonder that Akureyri area is the most popular part of the country among skiers and snowboarders. Though there was no snowboarding or skiing on our agenda, that did not stop us from spending some time in the mountains. We spent a day hiking up and attempting to climb the spire-like mountain called Hraundrangi. We even made a new friend in the process, an Icelandic Sheepdog, that we affectionately referred to as Charlie. We didn’t quite make it to the top due to some avalanche risk, but the wonderful thing was that we were just as thrilled being out there and taking in the scenery as we would have been had we made the summit. I think that is an important quality to have while traveling and out on adventures.

Hightlights

    • Akureyri – This cozy little town in Northern Iceland is packed full of charm. Many little shoppes, pubs and sights to keep you busy.
    • Akureyri Backpackers – If you are looking for a place to stay on a budget, check out Akureyri Backpackers. We stayed for about 2100 Kronur a night. (Approx. 20$ US.) Also be sure to try their Guinness pulled pork sandwich, it was awesome!
    • The Many Mountains – Look in any direction in northern Iceland, and you will see impressive peaks. this is especially evident around Akureyri.
    • Goðafoss – Iceland legend states that this was the very location where Iceland cast away its pagan heritage in favor of Christianity, and if you see this waterfall, you might understand how it could affect such a change.