Business and community
Eskifjörður became an official trading point in 1789 and the village is home to historical remnants of the fishing industry. A visit to the East Iceland Maritime Museum puts history into perspective and a visit to Randulf’s Sea House provides a personal perspective of the area. The Sea House is an old fishing booth where you can see fishermen’s accommodation as they were in 1890. The fisheries exhibits and the taste of local seafood at the restaurant intertwine and create a unique atmosphere in the building. During the summer months, boats and fishing rods are available for rent so visitors can try their hand at fishing in the fjord. Fishing and fish processing are the main industries in Eskifjörður which is home to one of Iceland’s largest fishing operators, Eskja hf., as well as Laxa ehf., which runs a growing fish farm in the fjord.
The office of the District Commissioner of Suður-Múlasýsla moved to Eskifjörður in 1853 and today it is home to the office of the Chief of Police of East Iceland.
The population of Eskifjörður is approx. 1,100. The elementary school has approx. 150 students and the preschool approx. 60 students. A music school is operated in Eskifjörður and Reyðarfjörður.