How do I get to Flatey island?

Flatey is a stop on the Baldur ferry route between Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. The ferry runs in summer (typically June to August). You can hop off on Flatey and catch the next ferry onward or back.

Can I stay overnight on Flatey?

Yes, but accommodation is very limited. There is a small guesthouse and a few rental options. Booking well in advance is essential, especially for July and August. Many visitors come as a day trip between ferry departures.

What is the Flateyjarbók?

The Flateyjarbók (Book of Flatey) is one of the largest and most important medieval Icelandic manuscripts. Written in the 14th century, it contains sagas of the Norse kings, the Grœnlendinga saga, and other historical texts. It is now preserved at the Árni Magnússon Institute in Reykjavík.

What is there to do on Flatey?

Flatey is about slowing down. Walk among the colourful restored wooden houses, visit the tiny 19th-century church with murals by Baltasar Samper, watch the abundant birdlife (including Arctic terns and eider ducks), and enjoy the views over Breiðafjörður bay. There are no cars on the island.

Flatey Island Iceland: Historic Breiðafjörður Gem & Visitor Guide

A tiny, car-free island in Breiðafjörður bay where colourful restored houses, rich literary heritage, and abundant birdlife create a timeless Icelandic atmosphere.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

Breiðafjörður, West Iceland

Summer ferry from Stykkishólmur on the Baldur route.

Flatey sits in the island-studded waters of Breiðafjörður, a shallow bay between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords. Once an important trading post and monastic centre, the island is now home to only a handful of year-round residents but comes alive in summer when families return to their restored timber houses. The Flateyjarbók, one of Iceland's most treasured medieval manuscripts, was written here in the 14th century.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

SafeTravel

Location

Breiðafjörður

Situated in the island-rich Breiðafjörður bay between Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords.

Season

Summer Ferry

The Baldur ferry stops at Flatey on the route between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur, typically June to August.

Famous For

Flateyjarbók

One of Iceland's most important medieval manuscripts was written on this island in the 14th century.

What to Expect

Colourful Historic Houses

Beautifully restored 19th-century timber houses painted in bright colours line the island's single lane, giving Flatey a storybook quality.

Flatey Church

A tiny church featuring murals by the Catalan-Icelandic artist Baltasar Samper, painted in the 1960s with scenes mixing Christian and Icelandic imagery.

Birdwatching

Arctic terns, eider ducks, black guillemots, and dozens of other species nest on and around the island. Breeding season runs from May to July.

Literary Heritage

The Flateyjarbók, a massive 14th-century manuscript containing Norse kings' sagas, was produced here, cementing the island's place in Icelandic cultural history.

Walking the Island

Flatey is about 2 km long and 1 km wide. You can walk the entire island in a couple of hours, with no cars and no rush.

Breiðafjörður Views

The bay's countless islands, skerries, and bird-rich waters stretch to the horizon, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier visible on clear days.

Getting There

Flatey is a stop on the Baldur ferry, which connects Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula with Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. The ferry typically runs from June to August. You can disembark at Flatey and board a later sailing to continue your journey. Stykkishólmur is about 170 km (2.5 hours) from Reykjavík via Route 54. There are no cars on the island, and none are needed.

Best Time to Visit

Flatey is a summer destination, accessible by ferry from roughly June to August. July is peak season with the longest days and warmest weather. Birdwatching is best in June and early July during nesting season. The island is extremely quiet even in summer, so book accommodation far ahead if planning an overnight stay. Outside the ferry season, Flatey is essentially inaccessible.

Planning help

Flatey FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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