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June 7, 2025
Akureyri, Iceland


Akureyri, the “Capital of North Iceland”

Today’s port was Akureyri in northern Iceland. In fact, this town is nicknamed “Capital of North Iceland.” It is the largest town outside of the Reykjavík-capital region.

Russell was assigned to escort a whale watching expedition, but he gave his assignment to Gail. In the rough weather, the boat was able to spot a single whale off in the distance. Gail argues that she got the best photo of the entire group.


Gail’s whale

In the meantime, Russell walked into town to run some errands. His main goal was to find some fast and free wi-fi. According to the web (and a hotel concierge), the library across town should have been open on Saturday. But when he arrived there, Russell discovered the library is closed on Saturdays after mid-May.

Russell was able to find some document portfolios and a new laptop backpack at the bookstore, so all was not lost. Fortunately, we have been to Iceland many times, and we will be back here again in September.


The Viking Sky docked in Akureyri. Viking provides a free shuttle bus into town, but it’s only 10-minute walk.


The ship docks at the lower right. Downtown Akureyri is the red outline at the middle right.


The south and north entrances to downtown. The Viking shuttle bus stops at the south entrance.


Akureyrarkirjka (the Church of Akureyri, no. 12 on the map) was built in 1940


Iceland (like Norway) is famous for its hot dogs, and there is a stand in the middle of downtown. We didn’t eat there this time, but here's a memory of Russell from 2023 (when the weather was warmer).


The library (no. 16 on the map). Maybe next time…


We have very fond memories of Akureyri. Back in 2021 (our first cruise to Iceland), Gail and Russell were assigned to different excursions and didn’t expect to see each other all day. By pure chance, we ran into each other at the spectacular Goðafoss Waterfall (considered the birthplace of Christianity in Iceland). We were able to get a quick photo together.

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