The town itself is clean, colourful and friendly and although within a short distance of the Arctic Circle, has a surprisingly pleasant climate. A kureyri developed as a trading point for Danish seafarers and a centre for the surrounding farmsteads. The first permanent residence, that of Fridrik Lynge, was built in 1777 and in 1862 the settlement of 286 people was granted a municipal charter. Cooperative enterprises and fishing brought a steady expansion through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Today, the decline of herring stocks in the North Atlantic has been offset by growing tourism and food industries.
Locals are both proud of local traditions and warmly welcoming to foreigners.
Situated on the longest fjord in Iceland, the town is still focused on the sea. You'll observe fishermen returning, weary from long days in the rough waters to the north. The town is a centre of Icelandic literary activity and you can visit many writers' and prominent statesmen's pretty homes. The townspeople adorn their houses and gardens with flowers bringing a colourful and friendly atmosphere to the streets, further enhanced by the bright wooden houses. Laxadulshus, the town's oldest residence dates from 1795 and houses a fascinating display on the town's history and a pleasant caf .