Akureyri is an exceptionally beautiful and well-located town in the middle of the north in Eyjafjörður. The fifth largest town in the country. About 30 thousand people live in the Eyjafjörður area. Akureyri is not just a university town, but a great tourist-, cultural- and outdoor recreation town. It takes just a few minutes to go up to Hlíðarfjall, one of the best ski areas in the country, from the city center. Or into Kjarnaskógur, an outdoor paradise located above the airport, and in the winter there is one of the best cross-country ski areas in the country. Akureyri has a number of good museums and cultural centers such as Hof in the heart of the town. From Akureyri it is a short drive to Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Mývatn or north to Siglufjörður and Húsavík. A little further, a day trip north to Rauðinúpur or Grjótnes on Melrakkaslétta or east to Ásbyrgi in Öxarfjörður. Icelandic Times / Land & Saga travelled around Akureyri and the surrounding area. Captured the winter mood which is amazing, and also found the Christmas spirit in the middle of February.
Photographs & text: Páll Stefánsson