Laufas Turf Houses, the Nonni Museum & Terta Cake
-
Port
Akureyri, Iceland
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$199.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
3½ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Akureyri is Iceland's primary settlement in the north, and the influence of its Danish trading past prevails here. You will notice the many contrasts in the town's interesting and varied architecture.
Step inside the Nonni Museum, commemorating the children's books written by Pastor John Sveinsson in the early 20th century. 'Nonni' left Iceland at a young age, lived all over Europe and wrote his books in German. He died in Cologne in 1944.
The Icelandic turf house was the product of a difficult climate, offering superior insulation compared to buildings solely made of wood or stone. You'll drive to one of Iceland's most famous 19th-century turf houses at Laufás. Built in the traditional Icelandic style of stone and turf, it is now a regional museum and one of only a few remaining turf farmhouses in the country. Original implements and equipment, essential to life in past centuries, are on display along with a beautiful country church (1865). This is a genuine glimpse into the Icelanders' way of life from the 9th century to the 19th century.
Return to Akureyri and pause at one of Iceland's best cafés -- the Bláa Kannan Café, in the town center. The café is renowned for its homemade terta (cake), commonly made in Icelandic homes for special occasions. Among the choices are Devil's Terta, Marens Terta, Chocolate Terta, Orange Terta, and Vienna Tertia -- you absolutely cannot go wrong! Enjoy coffee or tea or the café's popular hot chocolate with fresh cream.
Walk off your snack with some free time for browsing or shopping. Guests wishing to stay in town to shop or explore on their own are welcome to do so but must return to the ship on their own.
Notes:
Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Wear sturdy, closed-toe, non-skid walking shoes. Tour requires some walking. Terrain includes inclines, rough grass/mud/gravel paths, and a steep descent from Akureyri Church down to the café. The museums have uneven floors, narrow hallways, low ceilings and, in some areas, narrow wooden steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking. All walking is optional, and most sights can be viewed through the motorcoach windows. 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.