Akureyri The center of cross-country Akureyri is the center of winter-sport in Iceland. The town lies innermost in Eyjafj�r�ur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland. The weather in Akureyri is more stable than in many other parts of the country. The winter is long in Akureyri. There is often snow from October/ November until April/May. Therefore, the place is a real paradise for skiers, whether they prefer Alpine skiing, cross-country or snow-boarding. It only takes 10-15 minutes to drive to the ski-area, which lies about 500-700 meters above sea level. Excellent facilities for cross-country Cross-country has become more and more popular in Akureyri, and the nearby ski-area offers excellent facilities for that kind of ski-sport, even the very best in Iceland. From January to April a 5 km track for cross-country is laid every day in the ski-area in Hl��arfjall. The track is illuminated, and it is a pleasure to ski in the evening when the weather is fine. This 5 km track is approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) for international ski-raceing and some world-famous skiers have been among the participants. Besides the cross-country trail in the ski-area in Hl��arfjall, there are excellent facilities for cross-country skiers in the park at Kjarnask�gur. Having run a few rounds it is wonderful to go swimming in Sundlaug Akureyrar, one of the best swimmingpools in Iceland. A popular tourist attraction With its 15,000 inhabitants, Akureyri is the capital of the Northern part of Iceland and a center of trade as well as an important fishing-port. There is also a variety of industry. The tourist can choose between four first-class hotels and a lot of private guest-houses. There are about twenty different restaurants, caf�s and dance places in the town, several interesting museums, for example, the Museum of History, Museum of Natural History and Museum of Industry. The cultureal life in Akureyri is flourishing, including musical events, art galleries, theater and litterature. Communications From the capital, Reykjav�k, there are at least three flights to Akureyri every day, and busses for those who want to take it more easy. A useful web-site: www.eyjafjordur.is