The suburb of Breiðholt in eastern Reykjavík stands as the city’s most populated district, housing 23,000 residents across approximately 7,600 apartments. It also boasts the highest percentage of foreign-born residents, lending the district a diverse and vibrant community unmatched by other parts of the city.
Breiðholt’s residential development, situated on former berry-picking grounds for residents of older districts, traces its roots to the historic June Agreement of 1964. This pivotal agreement between the labour movement and employers addressed Reykjavík’s severe housing shortage by planning the construction of 1,250 apartments for low-income families over the following five years in the city’s easternmost area. The name Breiðholt, which translates roughly as “Broad Hill” in English, derives from a farm of the same name abandoned in 1925, later acquired by the City of Reykjavík.
Icelandic Times recently visited Breiðholt to capture the local atmosphere amidst the spring showers.
- Small cozy house by Keilufell
- AT Arnarbakka
- One of the longest blocks in the country at Norðurfell
- Breiðholtsdraumar, Krummahólum
- Balcony to the north at Vesturhóla
- Fella- og Hólakirkja
- At Grýtubakka
- View of Krummahó
- Ready for summer, Hólaberg
Reykjavík 27/05/2024 : RX1R II, A7C R – FE 2.8/100mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z
Photographs & text : Páll Stefánsson
