Akureyri

Akureyri is Iceland's "Capital of the North," set at the head of Eyjafjörður, the country's longest fjord. The harbour, framed by snow-capped mountains, has a mild climate by Icelandic standards. The ship docks at Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, a short walk from the town centre. Goðafoss waterfall is a common day trip, where, according to legend, pagan idols were thrown into the falls during Iceland's conversion to Christianity. The volcanic terrain around Lake Mývatn has pseudocraters, lava formations, and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Back in town, the botanical garden is one of the world's most northerly, and the Akureyrarkirkja church has views over the fjord. Whale-watching tours leave from the harbour, with humpbacks and minke whales often spotted. The town's shops sell hand-knitted woolens, ceramics, and silver jewellery. Look out for the heart-shaped red traffic lights, a local quirk.