Exploring Iceland’s Remote Islands: A Guide to Grímsey and Flatey

Far from Iceland’s Ring Road bustle, two small islands deliver outsized drama and quiet charm. Grímsey brushes the Arctic Circle off the country’s north coast; Flatey floats like a time capsule in Breiðafjörður Bay between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords. Together they offer seabirds, big skies, and a slower rhythm that lingers long after you sail away.

Why these islands matter

Grímsey is the only place in Iceland where you can step across the Arctic Circle, and its cliffs teem with puffins and other seabirds in summer. Flatey trades spectacle for serenity: a car-free village of colorful timber houses, a tiny church and old library, tidal flats alive with birdlife, and golden evening light that seems to stop time.

Getting there

Grímsey: Reach the island by a short domestic flight from Akureyri (around 25–30 minutes) or by ferry from the fishing town of Dalvík on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The ferry crossing takes roughly three hours each way and is weather-dependent; schedules thin out in winter.

Flatey: In summer, the Baldur car ferry crossing Breiðafjörður between Stykkishólmur (Snæfellsnes) and Brjánslækur (Westfjords) makes scheduled stops at Flatey. The island is car-free, so leave vehicles on the mainland. Outside the main season, calls are limited or may not operate; plan accordingly.

When to go

June to August brings long days, calmer seas, and prime birdwatching. Puffins are typically present on Grímsey from late April to mid-August. May and September can be quieter and beautiful but more variable in weather. In winter, Grímsey can offer northern lights and raw Arctic atmosphere, though transport is often disrupted; most of Flatey’s services close and regular ferry stops generally cease.

Grímsey highlights

Cross the Arctic Circle at the Orbis et Globus sculpture on the island’s north side and watch fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, and puffins wheel along the cliffs. Walk the coastal loops and visit the lighthouse, pausing by the tiny harbor and church for a glimpse of island life. Allow three to five hours for an unhurried circuit; longer if you linger with binoculars.

Pick up a keepsake certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle at the local shop or community center when open. Simple meals, coffee, and snacks are available seasonally; carry water and extras in case hours are limited.

Flatey highlights

Flatey invites wandering: clapboard houses in soft hues, a photogenic little church with painted interiors, the historic library building, and low-tide shallows busy with waders and eider ducks. Arctic terns nest in summer—give them respectful space and wear a hat in case of defensive dive-bombing. The island is compact; you can walk end to end in about an hour, but the point is to slow down, read on a pier, and watch the tides.

Sample itineraries

Grímsey day trip from Akureyri: Fly in the morning, walk the Arctic Circle route and cliffs, have a simple lunch, and return by afternoon flight. If seas are calm and schedules match, a ferry day trip from Dalvík is possible but makes for a longer day.

Flatey overnight between peninsulas: Sail from Stykkishólmur, settle into the island’s hotel or a seasonal guesthouse, stroll at golden hour, and continue next day to the Westfjords. It’s an elegant way to break the journey and absorb Breiðafjörður’s island-dotted views.

Practical tips

Book transport and accommodation well ahead for June–August. Weather changes fast; bring layered clothing, a waterproof shell and pants, sturdy shoes, hat and gloves even in summer, and seasickness remedies for ferries. Mobile coverage is generally good near harbors but can be patchy elsewhere. Cards are widely accepted, yet small shops may keep limited hours—carry water and snacks. Cliffs can be undercut and slippery; keep a safe distance. Respect seasonal closures and roped-off nesting areas.

Responsible travel and etiquette

Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing birds, and give terns and puffins generous space. Pack out all waste. If flying drones, check current Icelandic regulations, avoid wildlife and people, and follow local guidance on no-fly zones. Support island economies by choosing local guides, cafés, and lodging.

Where to stay and eat

Grímsey offers a handful of small guesthouses and homestays; options are limited, so reserve early in summer. You’ll find a simple café and a tiny store when open. Flatey has a charming seasonal hotel with an excellent restaurant and a few guest rooms or cottages; dinner is often a set menu and books up quickly, so time reservations with ferry schedules.

Packing checklist (summer)

Waterproof jacket and trousers; warm mid-layer; hat and gloves; sturdy walking shoes; binoculars; camera; sunglasses and sunblock; motion-sickness tablets; reusable water bottle and snacks; portable battery; sleep mask for the midnight sun.

Final thoughts

Grímsey delivers the thrill of the Arctic Circle and cliff-edge wildlife; Flatey trades grandeur for grace and quiet. Visit one for a bold day out, the other for a soft-focus pause—or weave both into a longer journey. Either way, these small edges of Iceland leave a lasting imprint.