Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður is a small town, situated in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. It is situated between a mountain range and the sea. The nearby mountain Kirkjufell forms a small peninsula.

Grundarfjarðarbær
Skyline of Grundarfjarðarbær
Coat of arms of Grundarfjarðarbær
Location of Grundarfjarðarbær
Grundarfjarðarbær
64°56′N 23°16′W
RegionWestern Region
ConstituencyNorthwest Constituency
MayorBjörg Ágústdóttir
Area148 km2 (57 sq mi)
Population872
Density5.89/km2 (15.3/sq mi)
Municipal number3709
Postal code(s)350
Websitegrundarfjordur.is
Landscape not far from Grundarfjörður, craters of the Ljósufjöll volcanic system
Kirkjufell Mountain in Snæfellsnes in Iceland

Overview

The town received the right to do commerce in 1786. Around 1800, French merchants came to Iceland and lived in Grundarfjörður, where they constructed a church and a hospital of their own. The town has become rich through the fishing industry, and this wealth shows in the style of the original, luxurious houses being built.

The road to nearby Stykkishólmur crosses a big lava field, called Berserkjahraun. The name of the lava field comes from the Eyrbyggja saga, according to which two Berserkers were slain here by their master, because one of them fell in love with his master's daughter.

Twin towns and cities

See also
  • Volcanism in Iceland
  • List of settlements in Iceland

References


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