Akureyri, located at the end of the 90 km long Eyjafjördhur is by far the largest city in the country outside the capital, with a population of 14,500. Akureyri is the transport and cultural hub of the North. The main economic elements are: fish processing, ship-building yard, the export port and some light industry. Akureyri is famous for its pleasant climate, i.e. little rain and warm summers. The Fjord location at the foot of mountains measuring up to 1,400 m high and "an extraordinary amount of vegetation" in the cityscape contribute to its reputation as the most beautiful city on the island so one might almost forget that it lies just 100 km South of the Arctic circle. The old part of the city, "Fjaran", with nostalgic wooden buildings, is to the South of the modern city centre. Sights include: the ice cathedral, Museum of Local HIstory, the Nonni house and the Botanic Gardens.
