Akureyri & Santa’s House

OVERVIEW

Tour a range of Akureyri attractions, capped off by a visit to a famous store where Christmas stays in full swing 365 days a year. A compact city considered the unofficial capital of Northern Iceland, Akureyri packs a lot of sightseeing punch for its size. On this walking excursion, you’ll encounter everything from a balmy botanical garden filled with color and fragrance, to a museum dedicated to one of Iceland’s most beloved children’s book authors, to a modernistic Lutheran church that’s become the enduring icon of the city, and more. But the absolute top treat of all has to be the visit to Santa’s House – a gingerbread-clad emporium awash in Yuletide joy no matter what month visitors drop by. Inside, you’ll see decorations from all over the world, and be introduced to the quirky ins-and-outs of Iceland’s holiday traditions. One of them involves children leaving shoes in their windows for 13 consecutive nights leading up to Christmas, so that 13 different Santas (affectionately referred to as The Yuletide Lads) can pop by to fill them with presents.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wander a botanical garden that thrives in a warm microclimate you’d never expect to find so far north.
• Tour the Nonni Museum, childhood home of author Jón Sveinsson and one of Akureyri’s oldest houses.
• Visit a year-round Christmas landmark, Santa’s House – and be introduced to Iceland’s 13 Santas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing including a water/wind proof jacket.
• Comfortable, flat walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.