Eiriksstadir Museum - Horse farm visit - Travel overland to Akureyri

Long circuitous drive north and east on both wet gravel and pavement, and a very scenic one… albeit periodic squalls of rain and constant wind. Our first stop was once the site of the home of Eirik the Red, father of the legendary Viking Leifur Eiriksson. Known as "Leifur the Lucky," Eirik's famous son discovered America around 1000 AD.

We then visited a horse farm where we had soup and salad for lunch and watched an outside demonstration of horsemanship on Icelandic horses. The breed was originally brought over by the Vikings a thousand years ago. They are smaller in stature, but very strong and durable.

Our destination was Akureyri, the second largest city in Iceland with about 20,000 people. Situated on the northern fjords near the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is improbably sunny and enjoys a mild climate in spite of its location. We'll find out tomorrow to begin our 3-night stay…

Quick Photo Links: Eiriksstadir Museum | Gauksmiyra horse farm | Vithimyri Church