2012Akureyri 150th Anniversary - Sheetlets

Akureyri is Iceland's fourth most populous municipality. At the end of 2011 the population numbered approximately 18,000. Grímsey and Hrísey islands are also within the jurisdiction of Akureyri. The Book of Settlement reports that the first settlers in the area was Helgi, “the Skinny” Eyvindarson who arrived in the 9th century. In 1778, the first house was built and permanent residence began. Eight years later Akureyri became a township together with five other towns in Iceland. This was at the behest of the Danish king who wanted to improve living conditions in Iceland by encouraging urbanization which was virtually unknown at that time.