Top 5 Islands in Iceland

When thinking about Iceland, one often imagines a single large island; however, the country is actually comprised of several smaller islands scattered along its coast. Below, discover our choices for the top five islands in Iceland.

As is well-known, Iceland is a substantial island situated in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, boasting an abundance of natural marvels and breathtaking landscapes, including magnificent glaciers, steaming hot springs, and active volcanoes.

Highlighted on the map are the five islands in green, along with the corresponding ports for accessing them depicted in yellow.

Explore Iceland’s Surrounding Islands

Iceland, a country known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is not just limited to its main island. Surrounding Iceland are several smaller islands that offer a unique experience for visitors. These islands are a treasure trove of wildlife, serene landscapes, and intriguing stories waiting to be discovered.

5. Videy Island

The island of Viðey is situated conveniently in the Capital Region of Iceland and can be easily accessed by ferry from Reykjavík Harbour. Covering an area of 1.6 km², it is small enough to explore on foot within a couple of hours. Despite its size, Viðey offers a wealth of attractions, including picturesque trails and bird sanctuaries.

Viðey’s beaches are tranquil and idyllic, providing an ideal spot to observe seals peeking about in the water. Apart from its rich wildlife, Viðey holds historical significance with many fascinating archaeological discoveries dating back to the 10th century.

Viðey Island: A Historical Gem

Viðey Island is home to one historical building, Viðeyjarstofa, a stone house with a rich past. Originally belonging to the historical sheriff Skúli Magnússon, it has now been transformed into a charming café. This unique venue is a popular choice for hosting weddings and parties, adding a touch of history to special occasions.

Imagine Peace Tower: A Symbol of Hope

Yoko Ono, the renowned artist, had the Imagine Peace Tower constructed on Viðey Island. This magnificent tower serves as a shining beacon of light, symbolizing world peace and honoring her late husband, John Lennon. It is illuminated annually, from October 9th to December 8th, marking significant dates in Lennon’s life and legacy.

Ferry Trips to Viðey: Convenient Access

Traveling to Viðey Island is made easy with ferry services available during specific times of the year. In the winter months, ferries operate on Saturdays and Sundays, while the summer schedule offers daily trips starting in mid-May. Visitors holding the Reykjavík City Card can enjoy unlimited ferry rides to the island, which sits just a little over 700 meters away from Reykjavík’s bustling harbor. This proximity allows for multiple excursions to Viðey, providing ample opportunities to explore this historical gem.

4. Flatey Island

Located between the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the West Fjords is Flatey, a small island situated in the fjord of Breiðafjörður. During the extended winter period, it remains fairly deserted, with only a handful of local farmers and their livestock.

However, once summer arrives, Flatey transforms into a lively tourist destination where residents occupy their summer homes and operate a selection of restaurants, shops, and lodging establishments within their centuries-old houses.

Exploring Flatey Island

You can reach Flatey Island using the Baldur Ferry from the charming town of Stykkishólmur or from Brjánslækur in the North. Cruising through the Breiðarfjörður archipelago is a delightful experience in itself.

Activities on Flatey Island

One of the best things to do on Flatey Island is bird watching at the Flatey Nature Reserve, where you can admire the vibrant puffins with their colorful beaks. For a more adventurous experience, you can also try sea swimming in Stykkishólmur while waiting for the ferry.

3. Drangey Island

Welcome To Iceland describes Drangey as a striking island-rock situated in Skagafjörður in North Iceland, renowned for its connection to the Saga of Grettir. The protagonist of this saga was famed for his strength and intelligence in overcoming adversaries, yet in medieval Iceland, he was labeled an outlaw for his rebellious and violent actions.

Legend has it that Grettir resided on Drangey with his brother, slave, and a few sheep. This strategic location allowed him to fend off attacks from his vengeful foes, as the island was only accessible via a steep and slippery slope. For those lacking sure-footedness or with a fear of heights, caution is advised before attempting the journey.

Exploring Drangey Island

Drangey Island has become a popular tourist spot, with improved accessibility thanks to ropes, chains, and ladders leading to its cliffs. The main attraction is the opportunity to see North Atlantic Puffins, which nest on the island during the summer. Visitors can also find a small hut where hunters occasionally camp.

Getting There

To reach Drangey Island, travelers can drive north from Sauðárkrókur to Grettislaug, where a campground and natural hot water pools are available. From there, a man named Siggi and his son operate a small fishing boat ferrying visitors to the island daily during the high season. More information can be found on the Drangeyjarferðir website.

2. Grimsey Island

Many individuals visiting Iceland mistakenly believe that the country is situated within the Arctic Circle when, in fact, it is positioned near its boundaries. Nonetheless, there is a distinct part of Iceland that genuinely lies within the northernmost circle of latitude on Earth, and that is the captivating island of Grímsey.

Bird Watching in Grímsey

The rugged cliffs along the coast of the island provide a nesting ground for various bird species, including puffins, auks, razorbills, and fulmars. Bird populations thrive in Grímsey due to the absence of predators and local efforts to discourage egg-hunting practices.

Local Church and Community

Grímsey is home to a quaint wooden church affiliated with the parish of Akureyri, built in 1867 using driftwood found on the island’s shores. With around a hundred residents, the island has embraced tourism by offering modern guesthouses and cafes, catering to birdwatchers and travelers alike.

Access to Grímsey

Travelers can reach Grímsey by taking the Sæfari Ferry from Dalvík, which connects to a bus route to Akureyri, or opt for a flight from Reykjavík or Akureyri through domestic airlines.

1. Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands)

These islands are considered the ancestral home of Viking Icelanders, renowned for their resilient fishermen and being the oldest inhabited region of Iceland.

The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago comprises over ten islands, with Heimaey being the sole currently inhabited one, with a population of 4000 residents. These islanders have a history of enduring 17th-century pirate attacks and enslavement in North Africa, as well as surviving a devastating volcanic eruption in 1973 that engulfed many homes in lava and expanded the island by several kilometers.

Discover the Westman Islands

When viewed from the mainland, the Westman Islands appear as a stunning collection of rocky outcrops emerging from the ocean. These towering formations are adorned with lush greenery and dotted with fluffy white sheep, creating a picturesque sight. The archipelago has become more accessible with the establishment of a new harbor in Landeyjahöfn. Travel to the islands has been significantly streamlined, with the reliable Herjólfur Ferry now making the crossing in just 35 minutes, a vast improvement from the previously lengthy and unpleasant 3-hour voyage.

For a more expedient journey, travelers also have the option of taking a direct flight from Reykjavík to the Westman Islands airport.

Beluga Whales Welcome To Iceland

In June 2019, two Beluga whales, known as Little White and Little Grey, completed a 9,000km journey from Singapore to Westman Isles. Weighing nearly 2 tonnes combined, these Russian beluga whales have a daily diet of around 20kg of herring and capelin, contradicting their ‘little’ namesake. These charming mammals are currently accessible for daily visits during their quarantine period at the beluga whale sanctuary and will soon be released into the sub-Arctic surroundings of Klettsvik Bay.

Experience Þjóðhátíð in August

If you plan to visit in August, do not miss out on the popular event of Þjóðhátíð, an annual camping festival that takes place over an Icelandic Bank Holiday weekend. During this time, Heimaey buzzes with local music, vibrant parties, bonfires, fireworks, and abundant drinks.

You have the option to camp alongside the locals at the festival or secure accommodation in Heimaey. Ensure you make reservations well in advance, as rooms tend to fill up quickly for this special weekend!

Visit During Other Times for Tranquility

If you prefer a more peaceful experience on the islands, it is advisable to plan your trip during any other period of the year!

We trust you found our list of the top five islands around Iceland to be insightful! Here is a map that pinpoints the locations of each island mentioned.