Today left Akureyri for Husavik – not a long drive but did rain/drizzle virtually all of the day. Swung down by Lake Myvatn. It is a well-known, large lake in Iceland with many different geological features, birding, fishing, etc. was a really nice drive. We did get out and shoot some pictures, rain or not.
Forgot to mention we also stopped at one of the signature waterfalls in Iceland. Really nice shots – not the largest but easily accessible on Hwy-1. Right after this we stopped at a really unique restaurant with the name the Cowbarn Restaurant. Nice, new, restaurant and in the same building, on the north half, were the cow stalls.
So you could eat and look through the windows into the cow barn! They handle their cows not unlike in Germany where they keep the cows in a very nice barn all the time in individual stalls. Had no cow odor in the restaurant – really a neat place.
After lunch, as we are heading to our destination, we came upon some buildings which looked like large chicken buildings. Drove down to this and turned out it was a very sizeable hydroponic operation raising tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers. The heating comes from some thermal (212 degrees) springs on the property. Talked to the owner – he said it was one of the largest operations of this kind in Iceland. The produce is sold completely within Iceland and they have a small farm store on the facility. There were about 8-10 buildings that were at least 150 ft. by 50 feet. They plant the seed then transplant the plants to the hydroponic trays and grow them out from there. After about seven months they recycle and do it again. The use some high wattage led bulbs (looked like) to get the day/night cycle they need. The plants were at least 8-10 feet tall and loaded with tomatoes.
After this we went on into Husavik where we will spend the night. Supposedly the whale watching capital of the world! Did not go as the weather was sloppy and at about $100 per person, well decided to not go. Did go to the local whale museum – very nice museum and then the obligatory church in town. Based on seating available a rather large church and very nicely done. Followed this by a visit to the local folk museum which was nicely done as well and that was pretty much a wrap for the day.
Additional Information
Leave the Eyjafjörður area and head for one of Iceland’s most beautiful areas surrounding Lake Mývatn. Along the way, stop by the legendary Goðafoss Waterfall where a historical event took place in the year 1,000 when Icelanders converted to Christianity. The story goes that a so-called law speaker named Þorkell disposed of the pagan gods by throwing them into the waterfall—thus the name, Goðafoss, which means the “waterfall of the gods”.
Continue your journey to explore the abundance of natural wonders Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area, including amazing formations of geological interest. Visit the numerous highlights of the area: the Dimmuborgir lava field, the Námaskarð geothermal area, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, the nature baths, Krafla Volcano, and numerous other interesting spots.
Proceed to Húsavík town, the “whale watching capital of the world”, where you can join a whale watching tour or simply relax after a day of sightseeing.
Highlights:
Goðafoss Waterfall
Lake Mývatn
Húsavík Town
Photos