Named For
Irish Monks
The name Papey derives from 'papar,' Irish monks believed to have been Iceland's earliest inhabitants.
Papey Island Iceland: Irish Monks, Puffins & Oldest Wooden Church
A small island off Iceland's east coast named after the Irish monks who may have been Iceland's first inhabitants, home to puffin colonies and one of the country's oldest wooden churches.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
East Iceland
Boat tours from the harbour town of Djúpivogur.
Papey lies about 5 km off the east coast of Iceland, near the small fishing town of Djúpivogur. The island's name means "Monks' Island," referencing the Irish hermit monks (papar) who may have inhabited Iceland before the Norse arrived in the 9th century. For centuries Papey was a working farm, home to a small community that finally left in 1966. Today the island is uninhabited, but its grassy hills host a thriving puffin colony, and a tiny wooden church from 1807 still stands — one of the oldest surviving wooden churches in Iceland.
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
Access
Boat from Djúpivogur
Summer boat tours from Djúpivogur harbour take about an hour to reach the island.
Church
Oldest Wooden
The small wooden church on Papey dates to 1807 and is one of Iceland's oldest surviving wooden churches.
What to Expect
Puffin Colony
Thousands of Atlantic puffins nest in burrows on Papey's grassy clifftops from mid-April to mid-August, making the island a highlight of east Iceland's wildlife.
Historic Wooden Church
The tiny 1807 church is one of Iceland's oldest surviving wooden churches, standing in a windswept graveyard with views over the sea.
Irish Monk Heritage
The island's name connects to Iceland's pre-Norse history. Whether monks actually lived here is debated, but the tradition enriches the island's mystique.
Abandoned Farmstead
Ruins of the farm buildings and stone walls are scattered across the island. The last farming family departed in 1966, ending centuries of habitation.
Seal Watching
Harbour seals and grey seals are often spotted on the rocky shores around the island, particularly on the approach by boat.
Untouched Landscape
Without permanent residents since 1966, Papey has reverted to a wild, windswept state — a rare glimpse of Iceland without human development.
Getting There
Boat tours to Papey depart from Djúpivogur, a small town on Iceland's east coast along Route 1 (Ring Road). The crossing takes about an hour. Tours typically run from June to August and should be booked in advance, as they depend on weather, sea conditions, and minimum group sizes. Djúpivogur is approximately 475 km (5.5 hours) from Reykjavík via the southern Ring Road, or a shorter drive from Höfn (about 100 km, 1.5 hours).
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August) is the only practical time to visit, as boat tours operate only in this period. July is typically the warmest month with the calmest seas. Puffins are present from mid-April to mid-August, with peak activity in June and July. Even in summer, east Iceland weather can be changeable, so be prepared for the tour to be rescheduled due to conditions.
Planning help
Papey FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.