The history of Iceland unfolds over centuries, from the arrival of the first settlers in 874 to the full habitation of the island. Among these early pioneers were Ingólfur Arnarson and Hallveig Fróðadóttir, who settled in Reykjavík. Over time, 383 male settlers and 54 female settlers, along with their families and thralls, made their home here.
One remarkable figure stands out: Thorgerdur, whose surname remains unknown. She claimed a significant portion of the Öræfasveit region and settled in Sandfell alongside her sons. Meanwhile, her son-in-law, Bárður Bjarnason, established himself in Bárðardalur valley. The valley itself, as well as the second-highest mountain in Iceland—Bárðarbunga in Vatnajökull glacier—bears his name.
Glacier Spur: A glimpse of Svínafellsjökull’s icy expanse.Litla-Hérað, or “Little-Shire,” once thrived as one of the country’s best agricultural areas. However, its fate took a dramatic turn when the Öræfajökull volcano erupted in 1362. This cataclysmic event ranks among the largest and most devastating volcanic eruptions in recent Earth history. The Hekla eruption in 1104 and the Öskjuvatn eruption in 1875 are also quite significant volcanic events in Iceland.
The accompanying images capture the rugged beauty and contrasts of Iceland:
Öræfasveit 16/04/2024 : A7RIV, RX1R II – 2.0/35mm Z, FE 1.8/135mm GM
Photos & text : Páll Stefánsson
