Akureyri is an important port and fisheries centre, with a population of 17,304.It is Iceland's second largest urban area (after the Greater Reykjavík area) and fourth largest municipality (after Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, and Kópavogur). The area where Akureyri is located was settled in the 9th century but did not receive a municipal charter until 1786.The city was the site of Allied units during World War II. Further growth occurred after the war as the Icelandic population increasingly moved to urban areas. The area has a relatively warm climate due to geographical factors, and the city's ice-free harbor has played a significant role in its history. At present, Akureyri has the world's northernmost 18-hole golf course.

(from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)