The Official Tourist Guide - East Iceland

14
MAIN TOWNS / VILLAGES
Reyðarfjörður www.fjardabyggd.is
Reyðarfjörður is the longest and widest of Iceland’s eastern fjords,
over 30 km long. Norwegians used to have whaling stations all along
the fjord and fishing was frequented all along the coastline. The town
Búðareyri rests in the shelter at the bottom of the fjord, where the
harbour is naturally optimal. Thus in1909, when the road through
Fagridalur to Egilsstaðir was completed, it became a trade centre for
region. Today the Alcoa aluminium smelter is the main employer.
During World War II, Reyðarfjörður was occupied by the British
forces. The remains of the
occupation are visible all
around the town, from an
airport and old barracks to
small gun shelters. In 1995
a War Time Museum was
founded in an empty Freezing
Plant and now extends to
some of the old barracks. The
goal was to give people the
opportunity to experience
the occupation and the
changes that followed.
Interesting for a country that
was never at war.
A walk up to the waterfall in Búðará is relaxing, or walk down,
towards the town centre, along the ‘Love lane’. Downtown you will
find the shopping centre Molinn (‘The Nugget’), and the restaurants
at Fjarðahótel, Hjá
Marlín or Tærgesen,
located in a couple
of old houses, where
history took place in
each corner.
Things to do:
War time museum
Try fishing at the local pond, Andapollur
Hike to the mountain Grænafell
Visit Grástein, a rock the size of a small house
Walk the trail along river Geithúsaá.