You might think of Iceland as a singular island, but the country actually consists of many smaller islands that dot its shores. Read on for our selection of the top five islands in Iceland.
As you probably know, Iceland is a large island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, filled to the brim with natural wonders and sweeping sceneries, such as mighty glaciers, bubbling hot springs and active volcanoes.
This map has the five islands marked in green and the ports from which to reach them in yellow.
What you might not know, however, is that Iceland is surrounded by multiple smaller islands, all of which are well worth a visit for their amazing wildlife, beautifully tranquil sceneries and fascinating histories.
Here is our selection of the top five islands in Iceland.
5. Videy Island
Photo by Whale Watching & Videy Island
The island of Videy sits within the Capital Region and is easy to reach by ferry from Reykjavik. At around 1.7 km2, it’s perfect for a leisurely half-day walk on scenic trails among rich birdlife.
- See Also: Birds in Iceland and Puffins in Iceland
Videy’s beaches are calm and serene and you may spot curious seals offshore. History runs deep here: archaeological finds show settlement from the 10th century, and the elegant stone house Viðeyjarstofa dates to the mid-18th century; today it welcomes visitors for refreshments in a unique heritage setting.
Art lovers come for two renowned installations: Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower (a luminous beacon lit each year from October 9 to December 8) and Richard Serra’s Áfangar, eighteen paired basalt columns placed around the island’s western edge.
Ferries to Videy sail on Saturdays and Sundays in winter and run daily from mid-May, with additional summer departures from Reykjavik Old Harbour. Holders of the Reykjavík City Card have the ferry included in their card benefits, an easy excuse to hop across for a peaceful urban escape.
4. Flatey Island
Photo by Einar H. Reynis
Between the wondrous Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords is Flatey, a tiny gem resting in Breidafjordur. In winter it’s near deserted, with only a handful of residents and hardy sheep; in summer it blossoms into a charming village with restaurants, a small hotel, and cozy cafés set in colorful century-old houses.
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Getting here is part of the magic: the Baldur ferry links Stykkisholmur, Flatey, and Brjanslaekur, sailing through a spectacular archipelago. In the main summer season the ferry stops at Flatey; outside summer, sailings often route without a Flatey call, so plan around the timetable. Once ashore, wander to the nature reserve, keep an eye out for puffins and Arctic terns, and soak up the island’s rare stillness.
3. Drangey Island
Photo by 'JD554', from Wiki Creative Commons. No edits made.
Drangey rises sheer from Skagafjordur in North Iceland and is renowned from the Saga of Grettir. According to the tale, Grettir the Strong hid out here with his brother and a small flock, protected by the island’s formidable cliffs and single steep approach.
The ascent today follows a secured route of ropes, chains, steps and ladders. It’s a thrilling climb with dizzying views, best suited to sure-footed hikers. Come for seabirds in abundance, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and more, during the nesting season from late spring through August.
Photo from Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir
Boat tours run in summer with knowledgeable local guides. To reach the departure point, drive to Saudarkrokur; many trips now depart from the town marina, and a soak at nearby Grettislaug hot pools makes a fine end to the day. Check Drangeyjarferðir for schedules.
- See Also: Where to Find Puffins in Iceland
2. Grimsey Island
Photo by Jennifer Boyer
Iceland lies just below the Arctic Circle, except for Grimsey. Here, sheer bird cliffs ring the coast, alive with puffins, auks, razorbills and fulmars in summer. Look for the striking concrete sphere Orbis et Globus, the island’s Arctic Circle landmark that is moved as the Circle itself slowly drifts northward.
The island church dates to 1867, built with driftwood, and around a hundred residents keep Grimsey welcoming year-round with small guesthouses and cafés. To get here, take the Sæfari Ferry from Dalvik or fly via domestic connections through Akureyri; summer brings the most frequent services and the best birdwatching.
- See Also: Ultimate Guide to Flights in Iceland
1. Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands)
Photo from Westman Islands Boat Tour
Vestmannaeyjar is an Atlantic outpost of about fifteen islands and dozens of skerries; Heimaey is the only inhabited island, home to about 4,300 people. Locals have endured pirate raids and the dramatic 1973 Eldfell eruption that buried streets in lava; the excellent Eldheimar museum tells that story with sensitivity and detail.
- See Also: Where Did Icelanders Come From?
From the mainland, the islands appear as a green-topped fortress rising from the sea. Thanks to the harbor at Landeyjahofn, the trusty Herjólfur Ferry makes the crossing in about 35 minutes when sailing this route; in rough conditions sailings may switch to Thorlakshofn, which takes around 2 hours 45 minutes. Either way, the approach is unforgettable. Most visitors travel by ferry; limited seasonal flights operate from Reykjavik in some years, so always check availability.
In June 2019, two beluga whales, Little White and Little Grey, arrived from Asia to the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary on Heimaey. Today, visits are through the sanctuary’s visitor center by the harbor, and the whales alternate between the landside care facility and the sea sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay as part of an ongoing, carefully managed transition focused on their wellbeing.
Photo from Westman Islands Boat Tour
If you visit in late summer, look for the beloved puffling patrol: local families help rescue fledgling puffins that wander into town lights and release them safely to sea. August also brings Thjodhatid, the islands’ famous festival weekend of music, bonfires and fireworks, book accommodation in Heimaey well in advance.
If you prefer the serenity of the islands, plan your trip outside festival dates and enjoy world-class birdlife, sea caves and hiking at your own pace.
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We hope you enjoyed our guide to the five islands around Iceland most worth visiting! Here is a map that showcases the locations of each of the islands listed.
