Flatey is a small, flat island in Breidafjordur bay in northwest Iceland, roughly two kilometres long by one kilometre wide. It is part of a cluster of about forty islands and islets, and the crossing from Stykkisholmur to Flatey takes about one and a half hours by ferry.
Where Flatey is and why visit this Breidafjordur island
Flatey lies in Breidafjordur, between the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords. The island is part of a cluster of about forty islands and islets in the bay.
Breidafjordur is a protected area renowned for its many islands and abundant birdlife. Flatey itself is small and flat, with dimensions of roughly two kilometres long by one kilometre wide.
Getting there: the Baldur ferry from Stykkisholmur
Flatey is reached by the Baldur car ferry, which sails between Stykkisholmur on Snaefellsnes and Brjanslaekur in the Westfjords with a stop at Flatey.
The crossing from Stykkisholmur to Flatey takes about one and a half hours. Visitors leave their cars at the pier and explore the island on foot.
The old village: timber houses and Iceland's smallest library
The tiny old village preserves restored, traditionally painted timber houses from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 19th century Flatey was a cultural and commercial centre of northwest Iceland.
Flatey holds Iceland's oldest and smallest library building, established in 1864. The library was once home to the medieval manuscript known as the Flatey Book, or Flateyjarbok.
A church built in 1926 has interior murals painted by the Catalan artist Baltasar Samper.
Puffins, arctic terns, and the island nature reserve
Flatey has rich birdlife, with puffins and arctic terns nesting on its shores and ledges. Puffins are present through the summer nesting season and are often seen at close range.
Part of the island is a nature reserve with access restricted around nesting areas during the breeding season.
Exploring Flatey on foot and when to go
Visitors explore Flatey on foot after leaving their cars at the pier. The island's size, roughly two kilometres long by one kilometre wide, suits walking between the village and coastal bird areas.
Most services on Flatey, including the summer ferry stops, operate during the summer months. The Baldur ferry schedule is reduced outside the summer season.
Adding Flatey to a Snaefellsnes tour
If you want to compare options in the region, see Snaefellsnes tours.
Flatey lies between the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords, and the Baldur ferry sails from Stykkisholmur on Snaefellsnes with a stop at the island.
Build a sensible route
Before setting off, use the Driving Distance Calculator to compare Flatey Island in Breidafjordur: what to know with the other places you plan to visit.
