Eyjafjordur, Iceland (Scenic Cruising) cruises
Eyjafjordur port guide.
Eyjafjordur is your tranquil route to Akureyri, a pretty city that lies at the end of the fjord. On your way here, you’ll pass a number of smaller towns and villages along the shore.
Almost 50 miles in length, Eyjafjordur offers an unforgettable scenic journey that instills a sense of calm. With mountains towering high on both sides, including the magnificent Mount Kerling at 5,046 feet, you’ll find yourself taking endless photos of the picturesque views.
Top landmarks and sights in Eyjafjordur.
Eyjafjordur makes for idyllic, scenic cruising due to the remarkable sights you’ll find at every turn. Simply sit back and enjoy miles and miles of still landscape, and let it take you away to a feeling of true relaxation and wonder at the world around us.
Both the waters and shores in Eyjafjordur are home to an abundance of wildlife, and the location is in fact one of the best for whale watching and spotting puffins in Iceland. Stay on the lookout for humpbacks, porpoises, and dolphins, and possibly even the more elusive orcas and blue whales. Time spent on deck can bring all manner of surprises, so be sure to keep a keen eye out.
Among other sights to savor include the stretch of impressive mountains that seem never to end. Plus, every so often you’ll see evidence of a little local life in the form of farms that date back thousands of years to the Vikings and a number of photogenic villages that are scattered along the shore.
Things to do in Eyjafjordur.
While sailing along the peaceful waters of the fjord, one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time is wildlife watching. Whether your interest lies in the skies above searching for different birds or you’re more excited about the prospect of spotting whales and dolphins, the fauna in this part of the world is sure to delight. Be sure to pack your best photography equipment, plenty of memory cards, and maybe even a pair of binoculars so you don’t miss a thing.
You could also make the most of this opportunity to simply unwind on deck – or inside, if you prefer – in a nook all to yourself on board. When you’re not peering out into the distance, perhaps you’re sipping a warming hot chocolate or a glass of wine while swapping stories with loved ones and new friends. Maybe you’re absorbed in a book from the library, whether it’s an exciting thriller or a nonfiction book from which you can learn more about Iceland.
While you won’t have the opportunity to step off your ship and explore ashore during the cruise-by period of your voyage, the scenic cruising in Eyjafjordur may well end up being a highlight. Enjoy the gift of time and take the day at a slow pace, savoring the scenery and the feeling of calm.
Eyjafjordur culture and history.
While you make your way along this northern Icelandic fjord, ponder the rich Viking presence that once dominated here. Eyjafjordur welcomed Viking settlers more than 1,000 years ago, and Helgi the Lean built a farm in Kristnes, a small village that lies south of Akureyri, when he arrived with his wife and children.
Grund is also in this region and has been home to many historical figures. These include Thorunn, the daughter of the last Catholic bishop of Iceland, and Jón Arason, who was beheaded in the 16th century because he stood against the Lutheranism that the Danish King Christian III was advocating for. Arason was born in northern Iceland and educated at Munkathvera monastery, which is also in Eyjafjordur. Today, a 19th century church stands there. Here, you’ll find a memorial for the bishop. Munkathvera was also the home of other historical figures, including Bergr Sokkason, and is thought to be the site where Sighvatur Sturluson, Snorri Sturluson’s brother, was buried after the battle at Orlygsstadir.
The region of Eyjafjordur offers a bounty of rich culture and history to discover, from ancient farms and monuments to picturesque churches and villages. If you are traveling in the summer, particularly around the summer solstice – June 21 – Eyjafjordur is also one of the places in Iceland where you are most likely to experience the infamous midnight sun.
Top tips for Eyjafjordur.
Weather.
With its location being so close to the Arctic Circle, it will come as no surprise to learn that Eyjafjordur sees fairly low temperatures throughout the year. The summer months, between June and September, see average highs of around 46°F, and in the winter, November to April, you can expect temperatures of around 36°F. March is the coldest month, when the warmest it will get is roughly 32°F.
As well as packing for cold weather, it’s also wise to be prepared for rain and possibly even snow. It’s most likely to snow between December and April, and the driest period is between mid-April and August.