Visiting the North Coast of Iceland

Yes!  The cloudy skies and mist began to lift for us, as we made our way back through Prins Christiansund.  This waterway wiggles through the inlets and islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago.  Once again, we were ‘blown away’ by the beauty of pure, untouched nature.

Isafjordur (pronounced Is – SAF – fjor – dur) and which translates to “fjord of ices” is in a spectacular location nestled between high mountains on one of the many inlets along Iceland’s north coast.  With a population of 2500, its community have learned to live with huge amounts of snow – normally 15 metres annually – along with glorious summers during which their economy is given a gentle boost with incoming cruise ships!  Avalanche barriers protect the town – avalanches being very frequent due to the steep mountain sides.  We really enjoyed two hours of kayaking in the afternoon sunshine, especially as one of the local seals decided to join us for most of the way around the fjord. 

Akureyri  is a city (pop 20,000) situated at the end of the 60 km long Eyjafjordur fjord further west from Isafjordur.  Mountains tower above the town and along the fjord, with heavily farmed lowlands along the water’s edge.  Magnificent green fields stand out against the rugged mountainsides.  During the summer the fjord becomes a feeding ground for whales and dolphins.  We were thrilled to see humpback whales busily feeding before they migrate to their winter breeding grounds in the Caribbean (16,000 miles round trip!) 

Sadly, we are now homeward bound – two & a half days sailing to reach Liverpool early on Friday morning.  We hope  (fingers crossed for good weather) to see the Northern Lights tonight as we briefly cross the Arctic circle. Our onboard astronomer says there is a ‘high chance’!  I shall return to report on our success (or not) later on . . . . .