Önundarfjörður

Önundarfjörður

Önundarfjörður is a 20-kilometre-long fjord in the northern part of the Westfjords of Iceland. It lies between Dýrafjörður and Súgandafjörður and opens northward into Ísafjarðardjúp.

At the northern end of the fjord lies the village of Flateyri, the main settlement in the area and an important part of the cultural and economic history of the fjord.

Settlement and history

According to historical sources, Önundur Víkingsson was the first settler in the area. The fjord takes its name from him and has been inhabited since the earliest years of Icelandic settlement.

From the beginning, the fjord played an important role as a farming and fishing area, benefiting from sheltered waters and fertile lowlands near the fjord’s head.

Nature and landscape

Önundarfjörður is known for its dramatic and varied landscape. Steep mountain slopes rise on both sides of the fjord, with waterfalls, ravines and green hillsides creating impressive scenery throughout the year.

At the inner part of the fjord lie flat lowlands and scenic viewpoints, along with hiking routes and natural attractions that appeal to visitors seeking quiet and unspoiled nature.

Önundarfjörður today

Today, Önundarfjörður is a popular destination for travellers exploring the Westfjords. The area offers activities such as hiking, kayaking, photography and birdwatching, as well as peaceful rural surroundings.

The fjord is also closely connected to the history of avalanches in the Westfjords, most notably through the Flateyri avalanche of 1995, which had a lasting impact on settlement planning and safety measures in the region.

Önundarfjörður combines striking natural beauty, deep historical roots and a strong sense of place, making it one of the most scenic and historically rich fjords in the Westfjords of Iceland.