The Botanic Gardens, Nonni Museum & Santa's House
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Port
Akureyri, Iceland
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
City Tour,Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest city, only 60 miles (96 km) from the Arctic Circle. It is a surprisingly green community with lush vegetation. The town boasts some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.
As you travel through Akureyri's timeline of cityhood, stroll through the lovely Botanic Gardens.
You will also visit the Nonni Museum -- the childhood home of the writer and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson (Nonni), who wrote books for children. Nonni's house, built in 1850, is among Akureyri's oldest homes. Many items connected with Nonni and the Nonni books are housed here.
Head to the Santa's House Gift Shop -- a genuinely magical world of Christmas just a few minutes' drive from Akureyri. Opened in 1996 and set on two stories, it is a repository of countless items from around the world related to Christmas. Look into a cave with the troll Grýla -- the Icelandic mother of Santa Claus. In the Santa's House Garden (Jólagarður), don't miss the 19-foot-tall tower that doubles as a Christmas calendar. Shop inside for Christmas handicrafts and Christmas candy delicacies.
Notes:
All walking is optional. Terrain includes some inclined surfaces and rough grass/mud/gravel paths. Suitable for guests with mobility limitations with a companion to assist. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. Santa's House is not wheelchair accessible. Dress warmly in layers. Wear sturdy, non-skid walking shoes. Depending on the weather, the botanic gardens are usually in full bloom in June, with fall dieback beginning in August. Parents traveling with children under the age of 3 must rent a child's car seat from the tour operator; please see the Shore Excursions team on board. You cannot use your child's car seat from home in Iceland.