Eskifjörður

Eskifjörður

Eskifjörður is a coastal town on the northern shore of the fjord of the same name in East Iceland. The fjord branches north from Reyðarfjörður and is surrounded by steep mountains, creating a sheltered and picturesque setting. Eskifjörður is one of the main settlements in the region, with a population that has remained relatively stable in recent decades.

The town has a long and rich history. In 1786, Eskifjörður was one of six locations in Iceland granted trading town status following the abolition of the Danish trade monopoly, although these rights were later withdrawn.

In 1798, the Danish trading company Örum & Wulff built a trading post in the area known as Útkaupstaður, marking the beginning of permanent commerce. The building still stands today and now houses the East Iceland Maritime Museum, which preserves the history of seafaring, settlement and working life in the region.

A major turning point came in the late 19th century, when Norwegian fishermen began large-scale herring fishing along the Icelandic coast. This led to rapid population growth, and by 1902 the number of inhabitants had risen significantly.

Fishing and fish processing have long formed the backbone of Eskifjörður’s economy. Today, trade, services and public administration also play important roles. In 1853, the office of the District Commissioner for South Múlasýsla was relocated to Eskifjörður, and the town remains an important centre of law enforcement in East Iceland.

Eskifjörður became an independent municipality in 1907 and regained town status on 22 April 1974. In 1998, the town merged with Reyðarfjörður and Neskaupstaður to form the municipality of Fjarðabyggð.

Today, Eskifjörður is a vibrant fishing town where strong maritime traditions meet modern community life. Its combination of cultural heritage, historic landmarks and dramatic surrounding nature makes it a popular destination for travellers exploring East Iceland.