88 Stories Around Iceland:Breiðafjörður

In 88 Stories Around Iceland, writer Ármann Reynisson offers his readers a unique glimpse into Icelandic society and the past. His stories cover a variety of topics set in the countryside and the towns alike, exploring the country's people, animals and natural wonders.

Ármann Reynisson, well known in Iceland for his "vignettes", has kindly permitted Iceland Monitor to publish a couple of the stories for the next three consecutive weekends.

Reynisson has also published 88 Stories Around Reykjavik in the same series. English translation: Martin S.Regal. The books are available in most major bookstores in Iceland and at Keflavik International Airport.

Breiðafjörður

"There are so many islands in this fjord that no one has managed to count them all. To this day cartographers still have not solved this great riddle, and they constantly have to concede defeat. Moreover, Breiðafjörður constitutes one of the largest exhibitions of sculpture on the seven seas. The rocky islands in all their manifold variety appear to have been hewn, and their undulating grassy knolls vary widely in shape and form . Only experienced seafarers with a feel for the place can navigate their way between these sculptures since the currents are often strong and the waves treacherous. The place has its own natural storehouse of food so that the local people did not suffer when famine raged through other parts of the country. All kinds of birds can be seen here, not least the eider in its nesting grounds and all that busy goings-on that accompany the collection of down. The local waters are plentiful, especially with delicious shellfish, fit for a gourmet’s palate. In the bright flood of summer light, the fjord looks like a mirage as dozens of yachts skim along the surface of the water with their sails billowing in the breeze. In the evening, the rays of the midnight sun flood across the water like lights on a dance floor while the islands dance with one another late into the night to the compelling beat of nature’s music. Calm descends over Breiðafjörður in the winter months after the migrant birds have flown south to warmer climes, and the bay appears to be full of white streaks on a dark background, afloat in the blue-black sea. Despite this, the fishermen there still go out to sea in their craft, unperturbed by the weather, and bring in a fair catch when the fishing is good. A variety of scenes alternate throughout the year and all them please clear eyes that look on in admiration."