The early settlers came across the sea, bringing with them knowledge and experience in seafaring and shipbuilding, which we have depended on for both fishing and trade.  They also brought with them livestock laying the foundation to farming which constituted one of the country’s base industries well into the 20th century, providing Icelanders with their renowned lamb meat and dairy products.

While the population has traditionally been divided between fishing villages and farms, the two economic sectors were at times so closely in intertwined they could hardly be distinguished and neither could survive without the other.  Farmers along the coast would have boats, and where conditions were favorable fishing stations were set up.  During fishing seasons, inland farmers and their farmhands would head to the fishing stations, particularly for the winter season when there was less work around the farm but more need for food.

Given Iceland’s climate and landscape, farming has always been vulnerable to hardships such as harsh winters and volcanic eruptions whereas the sea has always been a more reliable resource for livelihood.  The sea and the coast have therefore played a leading role in our culture.

For more than a thousand years, we have utilized everything the sea has to offer.  Driftwood was an important resource ever since the settlement, providing timber for all needs, including houses and boat building.  Seals and birds were hunted along the coast, and cliffs were repelled to gather eggs.  Farms with special rights to some of these resources were considered most valuable.

Seaweed and beach plants were also valuable resources on the coast.  Animals would graze on them and they were gathered for food and medicine.    Seaweed was also dried and burned for heat.

Beached whales were considered a great fortune.  There are accounts of beached whales saving whole communities from famine during hardships.

Where conditions were favorable, fishing stations grew into villages and a town, where the harbors have always played a key role as bustling centers of activity.  Changes in the natural environment and the global cultural environment have shaped the life and activity in these settlements considerably in the past century.  In places along the coast, like Fjörður, Flateyjardalur and on Langanes, you can find remnants of fishing stations that at one time were bustling with life but have since been abandoned.  Five settlements still remain along the region’s coast.

On the eastern side of Skjálfandaflói bay lies Húsavík, the largest settlement of Þingeyjarsýsla with about 2300 inhabitants of the regions total population of 5000.  This is also where our regions cultural history began, back in the year 870, when Swedish explorer Garðar Svavarsson spent winter here, four years before the official settlement of Iceland.  The main industries have traditionally been fishing, trade and processing of agricultural products.  Being a quaint town surrounded by natural wonders, Húsavík has seen a lot of tourist traffic in the past.  In the last decade however, it has become more of a tourist destination, with whale watching being its main attraction.

The village of Kópasker lies on the eastern side of Öxarfjörður bay.  Kópasker derives its name from seals which are frequently sighted along the shore.  The village, with a population of 122, provides services to local fisheries and the surrounding community.
Raufarhöfn is Iceland’s northernmost village.  It was one of Iceland’s most active ports when herring was abundant around the mid 20th century.  With a population of 235, Raufarhöfn is quieter now, but nature still springs to live in those long days of spring and the midnight sun enchants visitors from far and near.  The Arctic Henge (sundial), now under construction, with its strong allusions to Icelandic mythology, will likely attract even more visitors.

The town of Þórshöfn (population 388) sits at the base of Langanes peninsula.  Fisheries are still the predominant industry and the town hosts Iceland’s only quahog company.   Þórshöfn is also the gateway to Langanes peninsula, which is a veritable outdoor paradise with incredible bird life and countless possibilities for hiking and nature study.
Rounding the northeast corner, we come to Bakkaflói bay, where the tiny village of Bakkafjörður sits peacefully with a beautiful view across the bay to the majestic Gunnólfsvíkurfjall mountain.  Bakkafjörður is all about fishing, but the population has dwindled to below 100.