The magnificent Skrúður

Of several small islands and skerries, Skrúður is largest one. Partly protected by the difficulty of access, this island is a paradise for nesting swallows, puffins, kittiwakes, gannets and various other seabirds.

A broad cave extending far inside the rock, Skrúðshellir, is considered to be the largest cave in East Iceland, and used to serve as shelter for the farmers who used Skrúður as a fishing base.

Puffins nest in the cave, and amazingly lay their eggs directly on the cave floor without bothering to dig a hole.

There are several folktales of a giant living on Skrúður, who for example took the daughter of a pastor living near the other end of Reyðarfjörður for his wife.