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 boarded the Baldur, a sizeable ferry operated by Seatours, and found ourselves sharing the journey with only two other passengers. The ferry leaves Stykkishólmur around 9 a.m., gliding through Breiðafjörður Bay and weaving between its many scattered islands — a perfect opportunity to admire the countless birds that dart between these remote outcrops.
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The Baldur makes only a brief stop at Flatey, pausing for just a couple of minutes before continuing on toward Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. On its return journey to Stykkishólmur, it stops again just long enough to pick you up. The island itself is completely traffic‑free, with no cars allowed, adding to its peaceful, timeless atmosphere.

By the time we arrived on Flatey, the sun had finally broken through, offering the first real warmth after the long Icelandic winter. Flatey is a stunning little island, home to only two permanent families. Walking the short distance from the pier toward the village along the gravel road, we were greeted by sheep and chickens wandering freely — a charming welcome to island life.

The colourful houses on Flatey, many of them more than a century old, are beautifully preserved and lovingly maintained by their current owners. Most now serve as holiday homes for Icelandic families whose parents or grandparents once lived on the island. Because it was the Easter holidays, many of these homes were occupied, giving the village a lively, lived‑in feel.

​If you decide to stay on the island and have luggage to carry, one of the local farmers will happily transport it for you on his tractor for a small fee — a wonderfully simple and authentic touch that fits perfectly with Flatey’s slow, timeless pace.

The village has a small beach, and it’s here that you’ll also find Flatey Hotel, which only opens its doors during the summer months. When we visited over Easter, nothing was open, so bringing your own food and drinks is essential.

As you wander through the village, it’s hard to imagine what life must be like here during the long winter months. With no streetlights, the island must be enveloped in complete darkness on those snowy winter nights. Yet in summer, the contrast is extraordinary — sitting outside on your patio, watching the midnight sun paint the sky, must be nothing short of magical.

We love Iceland, but visiting Flatey was an experience all its own — quiet, timeless, and unforgettable. It’s a place we would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone exploring this part of the country.​