Akureyri, Administrative center in Northeastern Region, Iceland
Akureyri is a center in northeastern Iceland that extends along Eyjafjörður, where residential neighborhoods and commercial areas spread between the shoreline and the slopes. The town sits within a valley whose mountains enclose the water on both sides.
The settlement arose in the late 18th century as a Danish trading post and gained the right a few years later to exist as a full town with permanent merchants. Over time it grew into the main center of the region and a hub for fishing and trade in the north of the island.
The local botanical garden shows how northern plant life has been studied for over a century. Visitors can walk among beds where Arctic species grow alongside those from temperate zones.
Buses run fare-free through the different districts and connect residential areas with museums, shops and leisure facilities. Pedestrians can reach most areas comfortably, as distances are manageable and paths usually run level.
During the winter months, traffic lights in the center glow red in the shape of hearts, a tradition that began during the financial crisis. These small red hearts at the intersections remind residents to keep hope even in difficult times.
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