This isn't another dormant volcano, but that's in the ballpark.
Skútustaðagígar is a group of pseudo-craters that surround a pond. It seems that, once upon a time, hot lava passed over a small pond of water. Pressure built up, and explosions took place. The result was a crater.
Visitors can climb up to the edge of some of the craters, and a trail goes through the area. It takes about 45 minutes for a leisurely stroll through the area. This is down the road a bit from Godafoss.
There's no sign in Akureyri, Iceland, that reads "last pizza before the Arctic Circle." Someone is missing a marketing opportunity.
Akureyri is on the north shore of Iceland, a bit below the imaginary line to the north. You can take a ferry from Akureyr to Grimsey Island, which contains the only part of Iceland that is actually north of the Arctic Circle. It's a six-hour round trip, but you can say you were on the north side of the geographic line when you were done.
Akureyri serves as an important commercial center for the entire region. I don't know if it contains the only bookstore within hundreds of square miles, but it's probably close to that. The climate isn't as cold as you might think it is, and the harbor is ice-free. That gives it some major commercial advantages.
Besides, Akureyri is beautiful. It is surrounded by mountains, and the city is something of the skiing center for the country. A road goes north on the other side of the harbor from Akureyri, and it offers a spectacular look at the city and the surrounding areas. Just don't look for much darkness here in June - when we visited, sunrise and sunset were 35 minutes apart.
You don't expect this much color so close to the Arctic Circle. Come to think of it, you don't expect a botanical garden either.
Yet Akureyri is proud to have one, and it's one of the northernmost such places in the world. The Garden is part of a public park, and there's no admission charge. So it's a nice place for a walk in the summer months.
This isn't a huge facility, but it does show how many different types of plants can survive and at 65 degrees North.
Every city needs a little culture, and that's why the HOF was built in Akureyri - the biggest city in North Iceland.
It can hold more than 500 people for a concert comfortably, and it also used for conferences and other group activities. One of the tour books made a good point when it pointed out that Icelandic buildings are often much more beautiful on the outside. But this is a rather striking addition to the city's waterfront; you can see a cruise ship that happened to be visiting during our time there in the background of the photo.
The HOF also has a gift shop, visitor information, and - for those in need - good rest rooms.
