Plizio Visual Lab
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
factory
The Fjardaál Aluminum Smelter, operated by Alcoa, is one of the most advanced and largest industrial facilities in Iceland, located in Reyðarfjörður in the Eastern Region. Operational since 2007, the plant was built in conjunction with the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Project, which supplies the vast amount of renewable electricity required for aluminum smelting. Fjardaál was designed with a strong focus on environmental performance and workplace safety, ranking as one of the most energy-efficient smelters globally. The establishment of the plant has had a profound socio-economic impact on East Iceland, revitalizing local communities and reversing long-term population decline. The facility includes a dedicated deep-water port to handle the import of alumina and the export of finished aluminum ingots to international markets. Beyond its economic role, Alcoa Fjardaál is known for its extensive monitoring of the local environment and its support for regional development initiatives. Nevertheless, its massive scale makes it a focal point in national discussions regarding the balance between industrial growth and environmental preservation.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: byssustæði · Reyðarfjörður · Icelandic Wartime Museum
- Nearby: Eskifjörður (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 0 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 154 | 131 | 125 | 104 | 96 | 82 | 114 | 117 | 140 | 171 | 155 | 154 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This vast industrial complex, operated by Alcoa, represents a modern cornerstone of the East Icelandic economy. It transforms raw materials using renewable hydropower energy sourced from the distant Kárahnjúkar dam, completely reshaping the local demographic landscape.
Visiting
Due to strict industrial safety protocols, public access inside the smelting facilities is generally restricted to pre-arranged professional or educational tours. For regular travelers, the immense scale of the plant can be fully appreciated from the outside.
Where to view it
You can get excellent perspectives of the sprawling aluminum factory while driving along the main roads winding down into the Reyðarfjörður fjord. The stark contrast between the heavy industrial structures and the dramatic natural mountains is highly photogenic.
Local products
While the factory's output is purely raw aluminum meant for global export, the nearby town has experienced a boom in local services. Visitors will find cozy cafes, updated accommodations, and small shops catering to both the international workforce and passing tourists.
Active season
The smelting operations run continuously twenty-four hours a day, all year round, without seasonal interruptions. However, visiting the surrounding fjord area is typically most enjoyable during the summer months when the weather allows for clear, unobstructed views.
Nearby
Pair a stop here with an exploration of the East Fjords' appealing fishing villages, such as Eskifjörður or Fáskrúðsfjörður. Nature lovers frequently continue their journey towards the dramatic Hengifoss waterfall or the pristine eastern highlands.
Geography
Facts
- The annual production capacity of the smelter is approximately 360,000 tonnes.
- The plant officially began its operations in the year 2007.
- It provides direct employment for around 450 people in the region.
- The smelting process utilizes 336 electrolytic pots.
- The main production building is over one kilometer in length.
- Fjardaál consumes about 4.7 terawatt-hours of electricity per year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which company operates the Fjardaál plant?
The plant is operated by Alcoa and is located in East Iceland.
What does the name 'Fjardaál' mean?
It means 'Fjords Aluminium', reflecting its location on Reyðarfjörður.
Is the plant good for the local economy?
Yes, it is the largest employer in the East Iceland region.
Where does the power for the smelter come from?
The power is generated at the Kárahnjúkar hydropower plant in the highlands.
Can you enter the premises?
Access is strictly controlled and usually only permitted for employees and suppliers.
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter: where is it located?
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter is located in Iceland.
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter: what is there to see?
Highlights include byssustæði, Reyðarfjörður, Icelandic Wartime Museum.
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter: why is it worth visiting?
The Fjardaál Aluminum Smelter, operated by Alcoa, is one of the most advanced and largest industrial facilities in Iceland, located in Reyðarfjörður in the Eastern Region.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.
Sauðárkrókur
Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.
Sauðárkrókur
The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.
Dalvík
Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.
Siglufjörður
Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.
Blönduós
Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.
Hella
A small town in South Iceland on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá river, known for horse breeding and the mysterious Caves of Hella.
Vík í Mýrdal
Vík í Mýrdal is located on the south coast of Iceland and is the country's southernmost village.
Vik
A picturesque village on the south coast, famous for its black sand beaches and the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt stacks.
Vopnafjörður
Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.
History & landmarks
Nature
Papey Island Wildlife
Papey lies off the east coast and hosts large populations of puffins and eider ducks.
Borgarfjordur Eystri Puffins
One of the best places in Iceland to observe Atlantic puffins from a short distance.
Snæfell (East)
The highest mountain in Iceland outside the main ice caps.
Herdubreidarlindir Oasis
A lush oasis in the middle of a lava desert at the foot of Herdubreid.
Askja
Askja is a caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountains of the central Highlands.
More places
Eskifjörður Port
Eskifjörður Port is a significant center for herring and mackerel processing.
🗺️
Baugasel Ruins
Archaeological site in East Iceland showing traces of an old settlement.
Neskaupstaður Port
Neskaupstaður is one of the most important fishing ports in East Iceland.
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja is famous for its distinct pastel blue color and the rainbow-painted path leading to its door.
Þvottá
At this location, the chieftain Hallur Þorsteinsson was baptized in 997, marking a turning point in the Christianization of Iceland.
Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant
The Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant is the largest industrial project in Iceland's history.
🗺️
Stafafell Historical Site
Site with historical roots and traces of old settlement in the southeast.
Höfn Port
Höfn Port specializes in the catch and export of Norway lobster.