Akureyri

Iceland

Coat of Arms

<<>>

Appearance

[[]]

Location

Akureyri is located at 65°41′N 18°06′WCoordinates: 65°41′N 18°06′W and positioned on the west side of the inland end of the fjord Eyjafjörður.

It is surrounded by mountains, the highest being Kista (1447 metres) and another peak of 1538 metres at the head of Glerádalur. There is a narrow coastal strip of flat land; inland is a steep but low hill. In earlier times a few spits of land (Icelandic: eyri, thus Akur-eyri) jutted from the narrow coast, but a lot of land has since been reclaimed from the sea so that today the coastline is more even except for the largest, Oddeyri, which was formed by the river Glerá which runs through the town. It is thought that the name of the town is derived possibly from the name of a field which may have been situated near some of the sheltered locations by the river.

The body of sea between Oddeyri and the end of the fjord is known as Pollurinn ("the Pool") and is known for calm winds and a good natural harbour. Akureyri today is centered on Ráðhústorg (Town Hall Square) near the north-west corner of Pollurinn. The districts of Akureyri are: Innbær, the oldest part of town on the strip of land between the hill and Pollurinn south of the central area; Brekkan, on top of the hill; Oddeyri on the peninsula with the same name; and Glerárhverfi on the north bank of the Glerá (also referred to colloquially as Þorpið, 'the Village'). Because of the town's position at the end of a long fjord surrounded by high mountains, the climate is actually more inland than coastal, meaning greater variations in temperature (warmer summers, colder winters) than in many other inhabited parts of Iceland. However the mountains shield the town from strong winds. The relatively warm climate (for its latitude) allows the Botanical Gardens to flourish without need of a greenhouse. The area around Akureyri has one of the warmest climates in Iceland even though it is merely 100 km (62 mi) from the Arctic Circle.

Northern Lights

[[]]

Climate

Akureyri has a subpolar oceanic climate with cold though not severe winters and mild summers. The snow cover starts forming in late October and melts in April, yet snow on the mountain peaks around Akureyri can stay for the whole year. Akureyri is a very cloudy town, averaging only 1047 sunshine hours annually, with barely any sunshine between November and February, but precipitation is much lower than in southern Iceland because the prevailing winds are from the south - it is as little as a fifth as much as in Vík í Mýrdal. [[]]

History

The Norse Viking Helgi magri (the slim) Eyvindarson originally settled the area in the 9th century. The first mention of Akureyri is in court records from 1562 when a woman was sentenced there for adultery. In the 17th century, Danish merchants based their camps at the current site of Akureyri, which was one of the numerous spits of land in Pollurinn. The main reasons for choosing this spot for trading operations were the outstanding natural harbour and the fertility of the area. The merchants did not live at Akureyri year round but returned home in the winter.

Permanent settlement at Akureyri started in 1778, and eight years later, the town was granted its municipal charter by the king of Denmark (and at the time Iceland also) along with five other towns in Iceland. The king hoped to improve the living conditions of Icelanders by this action because at the time, Iceland had never had urban areas. As far as the king was concerned Akureyri was unsuccessful, because it did not grow from its population of 12. It lost its municipal status in 1836 but regained it in 1862. From then on Akureyri started to grow because of the excellent port conditions and perhaps more because of the productive agricultural region around it. Agricultural products became an important sector of the economy.

During World War II, Akureyri was one of three air bases used by the Norwegian-British No. 330 Squadron RNoAF. The squadron, which was formed on 25 April 1941, flew Northrop N-3PB bombers: 'A' flight was based at Reykjavik, 'B' flight at Akureyri and 'C' flight at Budareyri. On 1 December 1940, 'A' and 'B' flights ceased operating from Norwegian bases, but 'C' flight continued to fly Northrop N-3PBs from Akureyri until 5 April 1943. No. 330 Squadron RNoAF also operated Catalina flying boats from Akureyri, which protected convoys from the United States to the United Kingdom and Murmansk from attack by German submarines.

In the 20th century, Iceland experienced a mass exodus from the countryside to the towns. Commerce and service industries grew to be the primary employers in Akureyri in the 1990s. Pater Jón Sveinsson, a popular author of children's books, was born in Akureyri and died in 1944.

In the early 21st century, fishing industries have become more important in Akureyri as two of the major fishing companies of Iceland have become a more important source of revenue and are expected to grow further in coming years. The University of Akureyri was founded in 1987 and is growing rapidly. Akureyri is also the home of RES - The School for Renewable Energy Science.

Since 2004, the former municipality of Hrísey, an island 35 km to the north, has been a part of Akureyri. Hrísey, which has a population of 210, is the second largest island off Iceland and is a site for pet and livestock quarantine. The settlement was previously the site of fishing processing. The town is located on the southern part of the island. The northern part consists on privately owned land that requires passes to enter.

Population

City (17,754) - 2008 census
Density 139.0/km2 (360/sq mi)

Demographics

Akureyri has a population of 17,304 based on the 1 April 2008 census. The population in 1910 was 2,239, increasing to 7,711 in 1950 and 16,756 in 2005. 20% of the working population is employed in service industries. The January 1, 2008 population of the 600 postal code area (Akureyri) was 9,759. The January 1, 2008 population of the 601 postal code area (Akureyri) was 2,213. The January 1, 2008 population of the 603 postal code area (also Akureyri) was 7,375. Postal code 602 is used for post office boxes and is not associated with a specific geographical area. There were 8,541 males and 8,779 females in Akureyri on 1 January 2008. Deaths that year in Akureyri totaled 44 males and 79 females. In 2008, 1,098 moved from Akureyri but this migration was offset by a net migration into Akureyri of 78 people.

Crime

Crime statistics have been published by the Iceland national police for 2000. Akureyri had a reported 726 non-traffic offenses per 10,000 population compared with a national average of 892, while 2,891 traffic offenses per 10,000 population were recorded compared with a national average of 2,397. Akureyri has five police officers on call. There have been incidents when there were insufficient police officers on duty to respond to criminal activity in progress, as confirmed by the mayor. However, Akureyri, and Iceland in general, has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Economy

The fishing industry has historically been a large and important part of the local economy. In recent years, other industry and business services have also begun. Higher education is also a growing sector in the local economy. Twenty percent of the work force is in the service industry.

Two of the five largest fishing companies in Iceland are headquartered in Akureyri.[13] The ice-free port is a contributing factor. Other large companies in Akureyri include Samherji, Norðurmjólk, Brim hf, and Vífilfell, the largest brewery in Iceland. Sjúkrahús Akureyrar (FSA/Akureyri Hospital) is a major employer in the area and is one of two major hospitals in Iceland.

Corporations pay a tax rate of 18% to the national government, which is one of the lowest in the world. There are no additional local corporate taxes. Property tax, at 1.99%, accounts for most of the tax base. A local government deficit of ISK 1 billion (US$ 9 million) was anticipated in 2009 prompting a cut in salaries of the mayor, town councilors, and committee members by 10% and increases in local taxes and property taxes.

Culture

Akureyri has a robust cultural scene, with several bars and reputable restaurants (such as "Greifinn", "Bautinn", "RUB 23 Steak/Sushi", "Kung Fu sushi bar" and "Götubarinn"). The Icelandic folk dance ensemble "Vefarinn" comes from Akureyri. Folk culture in general is more prevalent in Akureyri than in Reykjavík. During the summer there are several festivals in Akureyri and its surroundings. One example is the medieval festival held every summer at Gásir. The Akureyri International Music Festival, a concert series by bands, was held for the fourth time in 2009. The town has one of the largest libraries in the country. The Arctic Open Golf Championship is an international event that is held in Akureyri.

Media

The Vikudagur Newspaper is published in Akureyri. Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (Ríkisútvarpið) operates two radio channels nationwide. There are several radio stations in Akureyri, including FM Akureyri and Voice FM 98.7. Several television stations that can be watched in Akureyri. N4 is a station whose studios are located in Akureyri. Initially a local channel, it began to broadcast nationwide in 2008.

Airports

Akureyri Airport - is a single-runway international airport in Akureyri, Iceland located about 3 km south of the town center. Air Iceland and Norlandair link the airport with several domestic locations.

Arenas

Akureyrarvöllur: Akureyrarvöllur is a multi-use stadium in Akureyri, Iceland. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 2,000.

Þór Akureyri: Sports Club

Attractions

Lystigarður Akureyrar = Botanic Gardens of Akureyri

Bars and Clubs

Calamari Cantina - run by Hadyn Fishman

Cemeteries

Churches

Akureyrarkirkja: The Church of Akureyri is the prominent Lutheran church in Akureyri. It is located in the centre of the city, and towers above the city on a hill, it was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, and completed in 1940. Akureyrarkirkja contains a notably large 3200-pipe organ, a unique interpretation of the crucifixion and a suspended ship hanging from the ceiling which reflects an old Nordic tradition of giving offerings for the protection of loved ones at sea. The opaque central window in the chancel, once belonged to Coventry Cathedral in England.

[[]]

Glerárkirkja: Glerárkirkja is another protestant church in Akureyri; it was designed by Svanur Eiríksson and covers an area of 2100 m².

Corporations

Evard Alternative Energy - Dr. Gladwyn Winship

Current Events

Districts

[[]]

Brekkan - on top of the hill.

Glerárhverfi - on the north bank of the Glerá (also referred to colloquially as Þorpið, 'the Village').

Hrísey Island (35 km to the north)

Innbær - the oldest part of town on the strip of land between the hill and Pollurinn south of the central area.

Oddeyri - on the peninsula with the same name.

Pollurinn - The body of sea between Oddeyri and the end of the fjord is known as Pollurinn ("the Pool") and is known for calm winds and a good natural harbour.

Ráðhústorg (Town Hall Square) - near the north-west corner of Pollurinn.

Events

Arctic Open: Held each year in the last week in June, since 1986.

Akureyri Town Festival: At the end of August each year.

Summer Arts Festival: From the end of June to the end of Auguest, each year.

Galleries

Golf Courses

Government

The Mayor: Veronika Abel (F)

The Town Council (11 members): Hinrik Eysteinn Agnarsson; Lárus Hilmarsson; Páll Ingolfsson; Sindri Johnsson; Lúðvík Olvirsson; Haraldur Robertsson; Ragnhildur Ásdís Steinsson (F); Elísabet Sigurdsson (F); Róbert Thorirsson; Unnur Fríða Valdís Thorirsson (F); Tryggvi Vilhjalmsson

Amateur Radio Communication Groups

Animal Control: Ari Olvirsson - Supervisor; Jónas Ármannsson- Technician

Coastguards: Hákon Nielson - Yfirmaður Norður Strand Starfsemi (Commander of Northern Coastal Operations); Eiríkur Heimirsson - Skipstjóra (captain); Þórir Vilhjalmsson - Skipstjóra (captain); Eysteinn Nielson - Skipstjóra (captain)

Earth Services: Prófessor Jóhann Jóhannes Stefansson; Sigrún Heimirsson - Graduate Student of the University of Renewable Energy (F)

Emergency Medical Service: Læknir Maria Vilhjalmsson (F)

Fire Department (7 + volunteers): Ólafur Agnarsson (Fire Captain); Eysteinn Agnarsson; Lárus Ingolfsson; Njála Ingolfsson; Aðalsteinn Sigurdsson; Óskar Friðrik Heimirsson; Margrét Nielson (F)

Geothermal Utilities: Aðalsteinn Leifsson - Senior Engineer

Local Militia: Pála Hilmarsson - Militia Leiðtogi (militia leader)

Police Department (5): Halldór Olvirsson (Sargent); Eiríkur Hilmarsson (Constable); Jónatan Hilmarsson (Constable); Fannar Steinsson (Constable); Róbert Leifsson (Constable)

Port Authority: Baldur Nielson

Postal Service: Hallbjörn Ármannsson - Postal Inspector

Social Services: Kristín Heimirsson

Waste Management: Jón Vilhjalmsson - Senior Engineer

Water Management: Eydís Vilhjalmsson - Junior Engineer

Historic Clans of Akureyri

Hospitals

Hotels & Hostels

Amma er Gistihús
Hotel Akureyri
Hotel Edda
Hotel KEA
Hotel Norðurland
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Sæluhús - Hotel apartments

Landmarks

Maps

Monasteries

Monuments

Museums

Akureyri Museum of Industry = A museum of motorcycles.
Davíðshús = David's house or Davíð Stefánsson Memorial Museum, for the poet of the same name.
Flugsafn Íslands = The Aviation Museum
Listasafnið á Akureyri = Akureyri Art Museum
Minjasafnið á Akureyri = Museum of Akureyri
Náttúrufræðistofnun Norðurlands = The Museum of Northern Nature
Nonnahús = Nonni House or Jón Sveinsson Memorial Museum, for the writer by the same name.

Neighborhoods

Parks

Political Parties

Ports

The port of Akureyri is vital to the town, which largely bases its livelihood on fisheries. It is the site of large fish processing plants and has docking facilities for trawlers. It is also important for freight handling and for tourism, as cruise ships stop in Akureyri during the summer months. The ice-free nature of the port has been important in the town's establishment.

Private Residences

Resorts

[[]] Hlíðarfjall - is a mountain located west of Akureyri. It is the site of one of two major ski resorts in Iceland. The former hotel no longer offers accommodation and is now mostly used for meetings.

Restaurants

Bautinn
Götubarinn
Greifinn
Kung Fu sushi bar

Ruins

Schools

There are two high schools (gymnasiums) in Akureyri, one of them being the second oldest in Iceland. The <<Menntaskólinn á Akureyri]] is a junior college in Akureyri and so is the <<Verkmenntaskólinn á Akureyri]].

<<Háskólinn á Akureyri]] (University of Akureyri) is a university located in Akureyri that was founded in 1987. There are 3 faculties or colleges, the Faculty of Business and Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Faculty of Health Sciences.

The RES - The <<School for Renewable Energy Science]], established in 2006, is also located in the town. This school offers graduate degrees in cooperation with two Icelandic universities.

Shops

Theatres

Transportation

SBA-Norðurleið (Icelandic Bus Company - northern route) is an Akureyri based company that provides a bus service to the town. Local bus services within Akureyri are provided by the SVA (Akureyri Bus Company), which does not charge fares. The cessation of fares in 2008 resulted in an increase of 130% in passenger numbers compared to the previous year when fares were charged.

Utilities

Akureyri has been heated geothermally since the late 1970s. Starting in 1928, there were unsuccessful attempts to develop geothermal energy. During this period, electricity and oil were used for heating. Construction of a geothermal distribution system was begun in 1976 after the discovery of a commercially viable source in 1975. Distribution was widespread by 1979.

The Laugaland field near Akureyri was the first geothermal source commercially developed. The Ytri-Tjarnir field followed. To obtain sufficient water flow, additional fields were developed at Botn in 1980, Glerárdalur 2 km west of the town in 1981, and Þelamörk 10 km north of the town in 1992.

Water temperature is generally 65–75 C but can drop to 45 C. The cost of geothermal production is, at 32 mill/kwh, higher than the Icelandic national average of 11, but slightly less than the cost of imported heating oil. There is diminishing excess capacity but there are known and untapped resources near the town. Furthermore, there have been proposals to re-inject water to extend the life of the sources.