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Godafoss and Laufás
 Duration:
Approx. 4 hours
Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland with a population of
approximately 15,000 inhabitants, is set at the head of the Eyjafjördur,
the longest fjord in the country. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it
is reputed to be the nation’s loveliest town where urban, rural and marine
lives intermingle easily, and in which its residents take great pride. Our
tour starts with a drive through the town, passing the Akureyri church
which dominates the skyline, and on to the Botanical Gardens which we
shall visit. The gardens house examples of every species indigenous to
Iceland, as well as an extensive collection of plants from all over the
world. We then cross the fjord and head to Godafoss, ‘the waterfall of the
gods,’ a raging but majestic waterfall which hurls down a huge volume of
water. The name celebrates the throwing of Thorgeir’s pagan gods into the
falls in the year 1000; Thorgeir was president of the Althing that decided
in favour of Christianity. From Godafoss, we travel through the wide-open
valley Fnjoskadalur, to the Laufas Folk Museum which originally served as
a manor farm and vicarage. The turf house dates from 1866 and contains a
collection of household and agricultural implements used by the gentry
during that period. Following the visit, we return to Akureyri with a
pleasant scenic drive alongside the fjord.
By coach/on foot, subject to a minimum of 30/maximum of
200. |
