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We leave the hotel and head for Glaumbær in Skagafjörður, which we are told, is a museum. Not really sure what to expect, this place took us completely by surprise. It is described as a turf farm but no, it wasn't used to farm turf, it was actually made from turf! Apparently, it was quite common for houses to be constructed in turf due to the lack of wood for building and fuel for heating. IGlaumbær, the facade of the house is made from wood and interior walls in some rooms covered with wooden panels. The walls are otherwise exclusively built of turf. The roof is also of turf, supported by wooden frames and posts.
The Icelandic sagas relate that Snorri Þorfinnson, son of Þorfinnur karlsefni and Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir farmed at Glaumbær in 11th Century. He was born in the wilds of Vin-land, the first child born to European parents in the New World. He built the first church at Glaumbær.
A Small statue of Guðríður, carrying Snorri on her shoulder, in a boat sits in the churchyard.
Continuing east, we arrive in the town of Akureyri – a picturesque place which is the main city of northern Iceland. First stop is the botanical gardens - which boast examples of every species of plant native to Iceland. We wander down into the town for some refreshments and a stroll around the shops. Everything is so expensive here. Siggi has arranged for a visit to a liquor store which is very useful as the supermarkets in Iceland do not sell alcohol.
We then trace the shore of Iceland’s longest fjord with a stop at Godafoss or Waterfall of the Gods, an almost symmetrical waterfall.
Legend has it that In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoð made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Hence the name.
We are nearly trampled by a herd of galloping horses, a moment later and we would have been pinned to the sides of a bridge over rushing water!
Onwards to the town of Husavik to explore the whale museum. We are staying here for two nights. We are now in the north of the island and the temperature is noticeably cooler.
The Icelandic sagas relate that Snorri Þorfinnson, son of Þorfinnur karlsefni and Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir farmed at Glaumbær in 11th Century. He was born in the wilds of Vin-land, the first child born to European parents in the New World. He built the first church at Glaumbær.
A Small statue of Guðríður, carrying Snorri on her shoulder, in a boat sits in the churchyard.
Continuing east, we arrive in the town of Akureyri – a picturesque place which is the main city of northern Iceland. First stop is the botanical gardens - which boast examples of every species of plant native to Iceland. We wander down into the town for some refreshments and a stroll around the shops. Everything is so expensive here. Siggi has arranged for a visit to a liquor store which is very useful as the supermarkets in Iceland do not sell alcohol.
We then trace the shore of Iceland’s longest fjord with a stop at Godafoss or Waterfall of the Gods, an almost symmetrical waterfall.
Legend has it that In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoð made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Hence the name.
We are nearly trampled by a herd of galloping horses, a moment later and we would have been pinned to the sides of a bridge over rushing water!
Onwards to the town of Husavik to explore the whale museum. We are staying here for two nights. We are now in the north of the island and the temperature is noticeably cooler.
- comments
Chris H Amazing rock sculpture.
Chris Did I tell you he takes really great photos as well as being an awesome driver and all round good guy?