Akureyri History, Iceland

The city of Akureyri is located north of the Republic of Iceland. It is the second biggest metropolitan area in the country after Reykjavik. This fourth biggest municipality in Iceland has its own shares of highs and lows. It is therefore worth noting some facts through Akureyri History.

Akureyri History – Temporary Settlements

In the 9th century AD, Helgi Eyvindarson, a Norse Viking, lived in the area where Akureyri is presently located. However, it was only in a 1562 court record that the city was first mentioned.

In the 1600s, merchants from Denmark built up their camps in Akureyri, one of the many rotisseries of land found in Pollurinn. Here, the merchants greatly benefited from the trading undertakings because of the city’s natural docks and the fertile land. During winter, the merchants returned back to Denmark.

Akureyri History – Establishment of a Permanent Settlement

In 1778, an enduring settlement was established in Akureyri and in 1786, the king of Denmark bestowed the city with its municipal charter. At the time, the Danish king ruled over both Denmark and Iceland. He aimed to make better the state of living of the citizens of Iceland. He wanted the country to have its own metropolitan regions. However, the conditions in Akureyri did not improve because its population only totaled to 12 residents. This caused the city to lose its municipal status in 1836.

It was in 1862 that Akureyri gained back the municipal status and since then, the city began to progress. The development was mainly due to the outstanding agricultural lands surrounding it and the superb port conditions. The economy increased because of the agricultural products manufactured by the city.

Akureyri History – 20th Century

During the Second World War, the city was made one of the three air headquarters of the British-Norwegian Squadron. This troop was instituted on April 25, 1941 and started to fly bombers in Akureyri shortly after. The city also set boats on sail that guarded fleets from the United States against the attacks by the German submarines.

After the war, the whole of Iceland went through an influx of migration from the countryside to the towns. During the 1990s, Akureyri’s main companies were the service and export industries.

Akureyri History – 21st Century

At the dawn of the 21st century, the fishing industry in the city gained more importance because of the rise in profits of the two main fishing companies of the country. In 2004, the municipality of Hrisey became part of the city of Akureyri.

Akureyri History shares many lessons to people who read it. Now, the city continues to improve. It also gains its fair share in tourist attractions and boasts of its own sights. While exploring this city, check Reykjavik Sights as well.