Ferðirnar

Ferðirnar is a small coastal community situated on the western rim of Iceland’s mainland, approximately 120 kilometres south of the capital Reykjavík. The settlement lies within the municipality of Búðardalur and is accessible via a narrow state road that winds along the Atlantic shoreline. Historically, Ferðirnar developed as a fishing village; its harbour, though modest in size, has served local cod and herring fleets since the late nineteenth century. The economy of the area continues to rely on small-scale fisheries and limited tourism, with guests often attracted by the dramatic basalt cliffs and the nearby geothermal hot springs of Hallormsstaðir.

The population of Ferðirnar has fluctuated over the decades, peaking in the 1970s during a regional boom in fishing activity and declining in recent years as many residents moved to larger towns for employment opportunities. According to the most recent census, the community is home to fewer than 150 people, predominantly Icelandic nationals. The demographic profile is skewed toward older age groups, with a growing number of retirees and seasonal visitors.

Culturally, Ferðirnar preserves several traditional Icelandic practices, including the seasonal “Jólabókaflóð” book flood celebration, which draws visitors from surrounding communities. The local church, built in 1948, and a small museum depicting early 20th-century fishing life are key landmarks. Notable environmental efforts in the area include coastal erosion mitigation projects that use native lichen and willow planting. Ferðirnar’s strategic placement along the Atlantic, combined with its enduring cultural heritage, makes it a representative example of Iceland’s modest yet resilient rural settlements.