Akurey, Brim's ship, tourists can be seen in the distance and Hallgrímskirkja in the far distance.

The Island in the Capital

Örfiri is the former name of an island you can walk to at low tide. There are several in the country called Örfirisey; one of the islands is in Kollafjörður, on the west and north side of Reykjavík Harbor. It has been landlocked to the capital by a landfill for a century. The largest fishing company in the country, Brim, is located on the island. Almost all fuel imports to the country are also pumped ashore in Örfirisey. Storage tanks for oil/gasoline are located there, but the first tanks were built in Örfirisey around 1950. There are many other companies in Örfirisey; for example, chocolate, natural ointments and, for a short time, tents are produced there. There is also the School of Photography with its facilities, as well as several companies related to tourism. However, the fishing industry takes up a lot of space since a large part of Reykjavík Harbor is on and around the island. Icelandic Times / Land & Saga walked around the island in the wind and rain today. The atmosphere on the so-called island is unique; the area is a world of its own and close to the city centre. The city of Reykjavík acquired the island in 1906.

There is always a lot going on in Reykjavik Harbour, especially in Örfirisey.
Brim’s premises, the Marshall House cultural centre in the background.
Faint sunlight in Örfirisey, the Marshall House on the left, Brim’s headquarters in the middle of the picture.
The oil depot in Örfirisey.

 

Reykjavík 31/08/2022 : A7RIV, FE 1.2/50mm GM

Photographs & text: Páll Stefánsson