Flatey Island , Iceland

It is like time stood still on the remote island of Flatey , the largest island among a cluster of about forty other small islands located in Breidafjordur bay on the northwestern part of Iceland.
On a sunny day in late April, we had embarked on an adventure to this remote island which is only accessible by boat from either Stykkishólmur or Brjánslækur during the summer. But during the Easter holidays, the odd ferry stops at the island to allow people access to their remote holiday homes during the school holidays.

We had embarked Baldur, a large enough ferry which is operated by Seatours. We found ourselves and another 2 people on this ferry which leaves Stykkisholmur around 9am. The ferry navigates the bay passing the many islands, a perfect opportunity to admire the many birds flying between these remote islands.
The ferry only stops for a couple of minutes at Flatey to carry on it's travels towards Brjánslækur. On it's way back to Stykkisholmur, the ferry stops again for a couple of minutes to pick you up again.  The island is entirely traffic free, so no cars allowed.

By the time we arrived at Flatey, the sun had made a welcome appearance and provided the first heat after the long Icelandic winter. Flatey is a beautiful Island where only 2 families are permanent residents on the Island.
Walking the short distance from the pier towards the village along the gravel road, you are welcomed by sheep and chickens. The colourful houses on Flatey were built more than hundred years ago, all of them are well preserved and well kept by it's current owners.
Most of the houses are currently holiday homes owned by Icelandic families who's parents or grandparents used to live on the island. And as it was the Easter holidays, many of the houses were occupied. If you decide to stay on the Island and you have luggage to carry, one of the local farmers will transport your luggage with his tractor for a small fee.

The village itself has a small beach, and it is here where you also find Flatey hotel which only opens it's doors during the summer. During Easter when we visited the Island, there is nothing open, so it is advisable to bring your own food and drink with you.
Walking through the village , it is hard to imagine what life on this island would be during the long winter months. With no street lights, we can only imagine how dark it would be during those long winter nights when the island is covered with snow.
But during the summer months, sitting outside on your patio, it must be amazing to see those midnight sunsets. 

We love Iceland, but visiting Flatey was an experience in itself, one we would highly recommend.