Islands in North Iceland

Grímsey is the northern most point of Iceland situated on the Arctic Circel. It is the home to one hundred people, one million seabirds and one of the biggest Puffin colonies in Iceland. It is a great place to enjoy the midnight sun around the summer solstice.A ferry serves the island several times a week from the town Dalvík and flights are provided from Akureyri several times a week during winter and daily during summer.

Hrísey, often referred to as the “Pearl of Eyjafjörður”, is Iceland’s second largest island and a popular destination for those seeking tranquillity, nature and outdoor recreation. Situated in the middle of Eyjafjörður fjord, the island is known for its rich birdlife, scenic walking trails and beautiful views across the fjord. The island is characterised by gentle landscapes, rich birdlife and scenic views across one of Iceland’s longest fjords. A network of walking trails makes it easy to explore the island’s diverse surroundings, from peaceful coastlines and grassy meadows to viewpoints overlooking Eyjafjörður and the mountains beyond. Hrísey is particularly known for its abundant birdlife and is a favourite destination for birdwatchers during the summer months. Most of the island’s residents live in the village at the southern end of the island, where visitors will find a swimming pool, local services and a welcoming community.  Hrísey is connected to the mainland by a ferry from Árskógssandur Árskógssandur, with crossings taking approximately 15 minutes.

Flatey is a peaceful island off the coast of Skjálfandi Bay, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Iceland’s past. With its colourful historic houses, quiet walking paths and rich birdlife, the island provides a tranquil escape from modern life and a chance to experience a slower pace of living. Although no one has lived permanently on Flatey since the late 1960s, many of the original houses have been carefully maintained by descendants of former residents and continue to be used during the summer months. The island’s church, lighthouse, old schoolhouse and harbour serve as reminders of a once-thriving fishing community. Flatey is also renowned for its abundant birdlife. More than 30 bird species can be observed on the island during summer, including puffins, Arctic terns and eider ducks. The combination of wildlife, history and peaceful surroundings makes Flatey a memorable destination for visitors exploring North Iceland. 

Drangey is a striking rocky island rising nearly 200 metres from the waters of Skagafjörður fjord and is one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. Formed of volcanic tuff, the island’s steep cliffs and flat summit create a dramatic silhouette that has fascinated visitors for centuries. The towering sea cliffs provide nesting grounds for large numbers of seabirds, making Drangey an important bird habitat and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. For generations, local people travelled to the island to collect eggs and harvest seabirds, traditions that played an important role in the region’s history. Drangey is also closely linked to Grettir’s Saga, one of Iceland’s most famous medieval stories. According to the saga, Grettir Ásmundarson and his brother Illugi lived on the island for three years before meeting their fate there. The island can only be accessed at one landing site, and during summer guided boat trips with Drangey Tours offer visitors the opportunity to experience its nature, history and spectacular views of Skagafjörður.