Flateyri
Flateyri is a village in Iceland's Westfjords (Vestfirðir) region. It is located on the Álftafjörður fjord, a branch of the larger Ísafjarðardjúp fjord.
Geography and History:
Flateyri is situated on a narrow strip of land beneath steep mountains. This geographic feature played a significant role in its history, particularly during an avalanche in 1995 that devastated the village. A series of protective barriers have since been constructed to mitigate the risk of future avalanches. Historically, the village was a significant trading post and fishing center.
Economy and Culture:
The economy of Flateyri is largely based on fishing and related industries. Tourism is also becoming increasingly important. The village has a small but active community, with a school, church, and other essential services. It retains a strong sense of its cultural heritage, reflected in its architecture and local traditions.
Transportation:
Flateyri is accessible by road, connecting it to Ísafjörður and other settlements in the Westfjords. The road to Ísafjörður includes tunnels.
Population:
The population of Flateyri is relatively small, typically numbering around 200 inhabitants. This number can fluctuate slightly.