arctic botanical gardens (lystigardurinn)

The botanical garden in Akureyri is a beautiful floral garden full of life and color in the summer and mystery over the wintertime.

Being somewhat of a naive North American (Canadian) in terms of Icelandic climate, any preconceived ideas in this regard were once again blown away by my visit to the botanical gardens. What a treat and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Akureyri. As just about everything in town can be reached by foot, a leisurely walk to the park, with perhaps a stop or two to catch your breath as the gardens are in the "upper" town, will fill an afternoon or morning quite nicely.I did have some difficulty myself finding the entrance to the gardens though as it is not promoted from a signage perspective as far as I could see and the entrance is very small and nondescript. As I found out, the trick (as described by a helpful student) is to head to the hospital; with the entrance being off the parking lot. Once inside, just wander at a comfortable pace through the wide variety of mostly exterior displays, although several barn like structures exist as well for more delicate plant life and enjoy the lush plants and trees from around the world. Although I was there in mid September, the blooming season had generally passed but was beautiful none the less. As one wanders along the numerous paths, it becomes obvious that great care is applied with everything being labelled with enough information to peak interest. It is all very low key and non-commercial in nature but if that is what you are looking for (why else would one visit a botanical garden in Iceland ;-), you will be in for a treat and a visit should be at the top of attractions to see in this charming town.But here is the fact that causes one to pause and shake their head. This lush, colorful attraction is 100km from the Arctic Circle!So , , , my litmus test of return, , , yes or no, , , , ?If I ever get back to Northern Iceland - YES (8.5 / 10)Bring your camera, a few snacks, and enjoy! (njóta!)

We only spent ~2 hours here, but you could easily spend a whole day. It's more like a public park than Botanical gardens, but we were shocked at how many delicate flowers and other native plants would grow this far north.

I spent a lovely hour or so enjoying the meandering paths and information about the species flourishing in the garden.

Colorful in the fall, worth to spend more than 1 hour to have a walk. Yellow leaves all around and there's a restaurant in the garden.

We loved the Botanical Gardens, and in September they seemed to be at their best. Yes, some of us come from countries where such flowers, shrubs and trees can be grown without difficulty, but we can still appreciate beauty wherever it appears. The gardens are beautifully set out, with fountains and pools, glades, lawns, planters and tubs, and the colours were gorgeous. The modern cafe in the park was good too, and they do a good hot chocolate! And yes, the gardens are free, but we'd have been happy if we'd had to pay. (I can't believe that one reviewer criticised it for having snow on the ground in April. Whatever next?! - leaves falling on the ground in autumn?)

Nice area that is well tended and quite colourful. Not entrance fee and has a nice cafe in the middle which was clean and well run

We went to a few botanical gardens in Iceland and this was my favorite. It helps that I loved akureyri to begin with. It is the perfect size for a garden and has so much to see. A wonderful mix of natures beauties and decorations they have added themselves. If you want a peaceful walk with lots to appreciate, please stop here.

This was a great spot to visit in Akureyri! I was amazed at the diversity of flowers for a place so close to the Arctic!

Obviously this is Iceland, so what can you expect from a botanical garden. However, it's a bit of a non-attraction. It's a bunch of plants with tags on them. Yes, maybe it's amazing that they have them grow there, but it fails to impress.

this was a pleasant walk through the gardens to see the flowers that were still blooming ... we sat in the cafe and had dessert and coffees. very nice setting for that.

Nature lover that I am, nonetheless I would not normally make a bee-line for the botanical gardens on arrival in a new town. But as the Akureyri gardens were just 10 minutes' walk up the hill and around the cathedral from our hotel - and more importantly are the world's most northerly botanical gardens - I felt that we should at least have a look.The gardens are fairly small and easily walkable within 20 minutes. There are clear and informative (and interesting) labels on many of the plants, and a surprising amount of colour. Plenty of spots for "guess where I am" photo ops, and a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in which to browse amongst the flora.A well-kept and thoroughly worthwhile destination, and something different in Iceland. Then again, just about everything is different in Iceland. And free of charge.

Had a nice Day in Akureyri Iceland but the surprise of the day was the Botanical gardens. We had a slow walked there from the harbour as it was a nice day. We were pleasantly surprised when we got to the gardens and found plants and flowers we would not expect so far north. It is not the size of botanical garden I have come to expect from visits around Great Britain, but it is a very nice place to relax for a while. There is a nice café to get a coffee and sitting around outside with. The second surprise of the day was if you had a regular coffee there you could get free top ups and with the price of a coffee in Iceland this is a bonus. We found other Café in Akureyri doing the same so if your in Iceland keep an eye out for this if you like lots of coffee like I do. :)

We arrived after a short walk from the hotel. The flowers were blooming and the colors were awesome. They have a very nice coffee shop that is well worth a stop during your walk around.

The gardens and park are just a short distance from the town centre. Though smaller than many botanical gardens visited elsewhere, nevertheless, the colours astounded me.I've commented to others that some plants here are fairly well known home garden varieties and used extensively in public gardens displays. A noticeable difference, however, is the intensity of colour. It's been said with berries, for example, the chill of winter intensifies flavour. Could it be that the cold in Iceland does a similar thing for depth of colour in flowers? Whether that be so or not, I marvelled at the brilliance of the colours. Some flowers were truly spectacular, dahlias the size of an entree plate, delphiniums profusely blooming in many colours with plants almost two metres tall. To have such a brilliant display it is obviously a garden much loved by those who tend it.Literature read during the stay in Akureyri, indicated the gardens had over 6000 non-indigenous species and about 400 native varieties. What amazed, for example, was that some varieties from South Africa were blooming brilliantly here in an absolute blaze of colour almost as if they were Icelandic native species.There are a couple of water features much appreciated by families who were using them for photographs and for children's play activities.These gardens may be smaller than others but they are well designed and obviously much-loved and cared for .And further, what an absolute bonus, this attraction has no charge!