From 1968 to 1974, a major dispute arose over large-scale hydropower plans in the Laxá river in Þingeyjarsýsla. These plans included the diversion of water from the Skjálfandafljót river (Suðurá/Skjálfandafljót diversion), associated reservoirs, and a dam up to 60 meters high at the lower end of Laxárdalur.

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Hydropower development on the Laxá River at Brúarfossar, along with construction at the river’s outlet from Lake Mývatn, has a history spanning more than 90 years. The Laxá dispute came to an end after locals from Þingeyjarsýsla blew up a dam in Miðkvísl in August 1970, and special legislation on the “protection of Laxá and Mývatn” was enacted in 1974.

The lecture will explore the broader context of hydropower development in Laxá and the conflicts that emerged over the planned environmental disruption caused by water diversion from Skjálfandafljót. It will include images from both within and outside the conflict areas and revisit key figures and major events, also reflecting on their later significance.

Benedikt Sigurðarson is a retired resident of Akureyri. He is a specialist in educational management and a former school principal, university lecturer, and executive director. He is a member of the Akureyri Academy and currently focuses on documenting historical accounts and memories from the Mývatn community, where he was born in the mid-20th century. He grew up on the farm Grænavatn and was a teenager when the Laxá dispute began in earnest.

This lecture is part of a series organized by the Akureyri Academy this year for residents of nursing homes and other townspeople. The Cultural Fund of Akureyri supports the events.

Everyone is welcome – free admission!