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Port of Akureyri - Iceland (ID: 14414)
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ABOUT AKUREYRI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A city for all reasons Visitors to the City of Akureyri cannot fail to be impressed by its beautiful setting. In particular, those arriving by ship can enjoy the spectacular approach to the Port of Akureyri between the towering crags and gentle slopes of the Eyjafjor?ur. Cathedral city -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Akureyri, dominated by its fine cathedral, is the capital of northern Iceland, the Nor?urland. Of the region's 21,000 inhabitants, about 15,000 live in or near Akureyri, where the main sources of employment are agriculture, fishing and industry. This is the largest conurbation outside greater Reykjavik, set in one of the richest and most beautiful agricultural areas of the country. Even though the region is barely 100 km from the Arctic Circle, the weather is surprisingly mild for this latitude - a factor that contributes to the Eyjafjor?ur's value as an important ice-free haven all year round. Within the fjord are two islands, Hrisey and Hrolfssker Skerry, and along its shore the picturesque fishing communities of Olafsfjor?ur, Dalvik and Grenivik. The favourable climate is also reflected in the local flora, with small trees and, in summer, an abundance of flowers. Akureyri was established as a trading post many centuries ago and became an important harbour which today is home to many vessels of the Icelandic fishing fleet. Service sector -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The local economy is supported by a steadily expanding commercial and service sector, in which over 20 per cent of the local working population is employed, while Akureyri is also developing a reputation as a centre of logistical activities. In recent years the port has become a popular cruise destination, bringing thousands of visitors to the area each summer. They come to see the natural wonders of northern Iceland and to discover the rich cultural heritage of Akureyri that includes a month-long summer arts festival, as well as several museums relating to local history and celebrated poets and writers - for example, Nonni, the internationally renowned children's writer. There is an art gallery to be visited and, of course, the splendid botanical gardens. As well as being the administrative centre of the region, Akureyri contains one of the country's leading universities, which plays an important role in training people for industry, health care, teaching, fisheries science and management as well as carrying out research into the regional environment. The special nature of the local environment is one of the region's prime assets. The fresh water in this area is exceptionally pure, while the local marine habitat is one of the least polluted in the world. The region contains a thriving agricultural industry, producing large quantities of high quality meat, dairy produce, drinks and beverages as well as hides, sheepskins and wool as a by-product of meat processing. But fishing is the main source of the region's prosperity and this is evident at Christmas when the fleet - comprising as many as 25 vessels - returns for the festivities. Serving the nation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fishing industry's need for vessel repairs, equipment, sundry materials and technical support has given rise to a significant industrial sector, led by the Slippsto?in shipyard, that now reaches out to serve the country as a whole. Akureyri also contains some of the most modern fish-processing plants in the country. Thanks to a strong economy, Akureyri enjoys a high standard of living as well as an enviably low rate of unemployment. And here people enjoy the benefit of an environmentally friendly energy source, because - as in other parts of Iceland - houses are heated by a geothermal system. Meanwhile, bearing in mind the need to safeguard its future, the community has widened its economic base from traditional industry into tourism, transportation and high technology services. Local people value their surroundings as a good place to live, work and play and are careful to preserve this special environment. At the same time, this friendly community is always ready to welcome visitors - and to place its energies, expertise and experience at the disposal of businesses wishing to invest in the port and the city of Akureyri. Port of Akureyri. Port of Akureyri - Iceland