Region
Westfjords
430 km from Reykjavik
Flateyri Iceland: Booktown & Avalanche History Guide
A resilient village that has reinvented itself as a booktown after tragedy—now home to charming bookstores and a powerful story of community survival.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Population
~200
Westfjords • Booktown
Flateyri carries a heavy history—the 1995 avalanche that killed 20 residents marked a turning point for this small fishing village. Today, protected by massive earth barriers, the village has found new life as Iceland's only "booktown," with second-hand bookshops attracting visitors to browse shelves filled with treasures from across the world.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The avalanche barriers protect the village. Check road conditions in winter as mountain passes may close.
Sources to check
Population
~200
Resilient community
Known for
Booktown
Second-hand bookstores
Top Attractions in Flateyri
Second-hand Bookstores
Browse Iceland's charming booktown shops
Avalanche Barriers
Massive earth structures protecting the village
Old Bookstore Cafe
Coffee and books in cozy atmosphere
Onundarfjordur Beach
Sandy beach rare in the Westfjords
Hiking Trails
Mountain walks with fjord views
Memorial Garden
Remembering the 1995 avalanche victims
How to Get to Flateyri
From Isafjordur: 25 minutes drive along Route 64 around Onundarfjordur fjord.
From Reykjavik: Fly to Isafjordur airport (40 minutes) then drive, or 5.5-6 hours by car.
Road conditions: The road is paved but check conditions in winter months.
Best Time to Visit Flateyri
Summer (June-August): Longest opening hours for bookstores, pleasant weather for walking the village.
Winter: Cozy atmosphere, Northern Lights, but some bookstores may have limited hours. Check before visiting.
Planning help
Flateyri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.