Akureyri - History



Akureyri town in northern Iceland lies at the southern end of Eyja Fjord. Akureyri is the chief centre of the north and is one of the island's most populous urban centres outside the Reykjavík metropolitan area. It is the country's second biggest town.

It is thought that Helgi the Lean and his wife Þorunn settled Eyjafjörður by around 890.

The history of the town is very closely linked to trade and services. Trade began in Akureyri in the 16th century but it was not until 1760 that merchants began living there year round.

In 1862 the town was granted its municipal rights and the population was around 300.

While primarily a commercial and distributing centre, Akureyri is also an important fishing port, agricultural market, and manufacturing centre for woollen goods, fish oil, shoes, and fish and dairy products. Iron working, woodworking, and shipbuilding are all significant industries. Its facilities for conferences and meetings are some of the best in rural Iceland. The town has around up to 16,000 inhabitants.