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Patreksfjörður
Village in the Westfjords of Iceland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Patreksfjörður (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈpʰaːtrɛksˌfjœrðʏr̥], lit. 'Patrick's fjord') is a fishing village in the Westfjords of Iceland. It was an important fishing and trading post until the Icelandic government's introduction of a fishing quota in 1990. Administratively, it is part of the municipality of Vesturbyggð. It is the westernmost settlement of Iceland.
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Etymology
According to the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements) – a medieval record of Norse settlements in Iceland – Patreksfjörður was named after Bishop Patrick of the Hebrides who was the spiritual guide of Örlygur Hrappson, the first settler of the area who also came from the Hebrides.[2]
History
Patreksfjörður has been settled by farmers since at least the 9th century. However, like most coastal villages, it did not grow to the size of a village until the late 18th century, when Iceland experienced a fishing boom.[1] The village became an important fishing and trading post and experienced another fishing boom at the turn of the 20th century.[1][3] In 1990, the introduction of a national fishing quota by the Icelandic government prompted many residents of the historically self-sufficient village to leave.[1]
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Geography
Summarize
Perspective
Patreksfjörður is located in the south of the Westfjords peninsula, 400 kilometres (250 mi) from the Icelandic capital Reykjavík. Administratively, Patreksfjörður is part of the municipality of Vesturbyggð, along with Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur. It is the westernmost settlement of Iceland.[3][4]
The Látrabjarg cliffs, Rauðisandur beach, and Dynjandi waterfalls are situated nearby.[3] Natural hot springs and an outdoor swimming pool are also within driving distance of the village center.[3]
Climate
Patreksfjörður has a tundra climate.[5]
Architecture
Most houses in Patreksfjörður were built in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.[1]
Demographics
The population of Patreksfjörður declined following the imposition of a national fishing quota by the Icelandic government. In 1981, the village had about 1,000 residents; as of January 2022[update], the population was approximately 720 people.[1]
Economy
Despite the fishing quota, fishing and fish processing are still the primary economic activities of Patreksfjörður. Salmon fishing in particular has grown in popularity. Tourism is also a growing industry in the village, with many residents working in the service sector.[1]
Education
Snæfellsnes Peninsula High School has a small branch in Patreksfjörður.[1]
Transport
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Bíldudalur Airport, 36 km (22 mi) from Patreksfjörður.[3] There are scheduled buses from Patreksfjörður to Bíldudalur Airport, as well as to the nearby villages of Bíldudalur and Tálknafjörður.[7] Patreksfjörður Airport was an airport located across the fjord, about 5 km (3 mi) south of the town; it closed in 2011 after being non-operational since 2000.[8]
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Notable people
- Leiknir Jónsson, Olympic swimmer[9]
See also
References
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