Flatey Island, West Iceland
GPS POINTS N65° 22′ 25.742″ W22° 55′ 12.295″
Flatey Island, West Iceland
Location: West Iceland
Directions on Google maps
There is something about Flatey Island that just draws people in. Maybe it’s the mystery that surrounds it, or maybe it’s the stunning beauty of the island itself. Regardless, Flatey Island is a place that you don’t want to miss if you’re visiting Iceland.
Flatey Island is located in the Breiðafjörður bay, and is a part of the Westfjords region of Iceland. The island is only about three square kilometers in size, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s plenty to see and do on Flatey Island. One of the most popular things to do on the island is to explore the abandoned village. The village was once home to a thriving community, but now it’s eerily empty, kept alive and maintained by descendants . Two families stay on the island throughout the winter, but many more migrate during the summer, mainly for leisure but also to serve tourists. Visitors can wander through the town houses and get a glimpse into what life was like on Flatey Island in the past.
If you’re interested in history, you’ll also want to visit the Flateyjarstofa library. The library is home to a wealth of historical documents and books, including some dating back to the 13th century. Even if you’re not a history buff, the Flateyjarstofa library is worth a visit – it’s one of the most beautiful libraries in Iceland.
Of course, no visit to Flatey Island would be complete without taking a ferry ride. The ferry to Flatey Island departs from Stykkishólmur, and the journey takes about two hours. The ferry ride is an adventure in itself, and it’s the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery of the Breiðafjörður bay.