This is a MUSTSEE if you are ever anywhere near Akureyri in the summer months, and you love flowers! Intending on visiting these Botanical Gardens anyway during our two-day visit to Akureyri, I nearly had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming when I realized that they were located right next-door to the Hotel Edda where we were staying! Just a quick left once through the parking lot out front, and there we were, in an unbelievably beautiful botanical paradise that seemed custom-designed for our pleasure…uncrowded, no entrance fee to contend with, still light enough to take photographs without flash between 8 and 9PM (and open till 10PM), and some of the lushest examples of delphinium, columbine, lupine and poppies I have ever set eyes upon, including a bed containing several cultivars of Himalayan Blue Poppies. I am not being untruthful when I say that those Blue Poppies alone would have brought me to that self-same spot in Iceland! I never imagined I’d have a chance to see such a breathtaking display of these cerulean flowers in my lifetime, let alone on this trip! They simply glowed in the early evening light, and quickly became a favorite subject of mine to photograph. So what if I had to wear my Icelandic wool mittens with the little sheep on them to do most of my photography since there was such a chill in the air? No matter! I’d do it again in a heartbeat, absolutely!

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the impressive job they’ve done of showcasing all of the flowering plants of Iceland in a spectacular terraced setting in one of the hillier sections of the gardens. By the time I found this magical garden-within-a-garden, it was growing noticeably darker, and I was close to missing the buffet dinner being offered by the hotel. Otherwise, I would’ve gladly have dedicated more time and more pixels on my camera to the delicate native beauties on display here.

Can’t wait to go back with a little more time on my hands!!