Valley Length
33 km
Long deserted valley running north-to-south toward Skjálfandi Bay
Flateyjardalur: Deserted Wilderness Valley in Northeast Iceland
Flateyjardalur
Updated February 5, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
A 33 km long deserted valley on the Flateyjarskagi peninsula. Runs north-to-south toward Skjálfandi Bay. True wilderness — uninhabited and rarely visited. A hiker's paradise and excellent for berry picking in late summer.
Region
Northeast Iceland
Best time: July to August
Flateyjardalur is one of Iceland's most remote and untouched valleys — a 33 km corridor of true wilderness on the Flateyjarskagi peninsula. Once home to scattered farms, the valley has been completely deserted since the mid-20th century. Today it offers an unparalleled wilderness experience: no roads, no services, no phone signal, just raw Icelandic nature stretching toward the waters of Skjálfandi Bay. In late summer, the valley floor comes alive with wild berries.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-05
⚠️ Flateyjardalur has NO services, NO phone signal, and NO emergency facilities. Always inform someone of your plans. Carry all supplies including food, water, and first aid. This valley is for experienced, self-sufficient hikers only.
Sources to check
Status
Uninhabited
Completely deserted since the mid-20th century
Safety
Remote
No services, no phone signal — experienced hikers only
Best Season
Jul–Aug
Short summer window for hiking and berry picking
History
Deserted 1950s
The last permanent residents left in the 1950s due to harsh conditions and isolation
Birdlife
Seabird Cliffs
Coastal cliffs at the valley mouth host large seabird colonies in summer
Key Highlights
True Wilderness
Completely uninhabited valley offering raw, untouched Icelandic nature
Remote Hiking
33 km valley traverse for experienced, self-sufficient hikers
Berry Picking
Abundant wild blueberries and crowberries in late August and September
Skjálfandi Bay Views
Northern end of the valley opens toward the bay famous for whale watching
Abandoned Farmsteads
Ruins of former farms tell the story of Iceland's rural depopulation
Flateyjarskagi Peninsula
One of Iceland's least-visited peninsulas, between Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi
How to Get There
- Access via Route 85 in Northeast Iceland, turning south into the valley near Húsavík
- The valley road is a gravel track — high-clearance vehicle recommended in wet conditions
- About 30 km south of Húsavík, approximately 45 minutes on the gravel road
- No services in the uninhabited valley — bring all supplies including extra fuel
- The nearest services are in Húsavík or on Route 85 toward Þórshöfn
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Only practical visiting season — road conditions best, 24-hour daylight
- July: Peak summer for hiking the deserted 33 km valley
- September: Possible but days shorten quickly and road may deteriorate
- October-May: Valley road may be impassable due to snow and poor conditions
- Late June: Wildflowers and migratory birds in the valley's wetland areas
Planning help
Flateyjardalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.