Flatey
Flatey or the Flat Island is one of many islands located in Breiðafjörður Bay on the northwestern part of Iceland. Flatey is the only inhabited island. Only few people live there all year round but in the summertime population increases and the island is also popular among tourists in the summer. Flatey is about two kilometers long and one kilometer wide and most of the island is flat as the name suggests. To visit Flatey there is a ferry that goes from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and at Brjánslækur in the Westfjords.
Flatey is a small low island in Breidafjordur, best known for its old village, summer atmosphere, seabirds and ferry connection between Snaefellsnes and the Westfjords.
It works best for travellers who want a slow island stop rather than a packed sightseeing day. Cars are not the point here: the appeal is walking, harbour views, old houses, birdlife and the feeling of stepping out of the normal Ring Road rhythm.
Quick guide to Flatey
| Coordinates | 65.3749,-22.9169 |
| Location | Breidafjordur bay, between Stykkishólmur on Snaefellsnes and Brjánslækur in the Westfjords |
| Best for | Slow island walks, birdlife, old houses, ferry routes and Snaefellsnes to Westfjords planning |
| Nearby places | Stykkishólmur, Arnarstapi, Kirkjufell and Reykhólar |
| Typical visit time | A few hours as a ferry stop; overnight if you want the quiet evening atmosphere |
| Best season | Summer is the main season for services, ferry stops and birdlife |
| Good to know | Plan ferry times carefully and respect nesting birds. Flatey is for walking slowly, not rushing. |
What is Flatey?
Flatey is the only inhabited island in Breidafjordur and one of the most atmospheric small-island stops in Iceland. The island is flat, green, quiet and compact, with an old village, summer houses, birdlife and a ferry harbour that links two major travel regions.
Historically, Flatey was an important trading and cultural place in Breidafjordur. Today it is mainly a seasonal visitor stop, but it still gives travellers a rare chance to experience the slower island side of West Iceland.
Flatey works best when it is planned as part of a practical island route, not as an isolated map pin.
Why visit Flatey?
Visit Flatey if you want a softer day between bigger landscapes. It is a good contrast to glacier, mountain and waterfall routes because the experience is human-scale: old houses, sea views, birds, flowers and a village that rewards unhurried wandering.
How to visit Flatey
Most visitors reach Flatey by ferry from Stykkishólmur or as part of a crossing toward the Westfjords. If your route continues north or west, compare the direct Flatey ferry options below before fixing your driving plan.
Tours near Flatey
Flatey pairs best with tours that match the real access pattern: ferry routes, local island activities, nearby sea-life tours or wider regional day tours.
A direct ferry option for travellers who want Flatey as a day stop from Snaefellsnes.
Best when Flatey is part of a Breidafjordur crossing toward the Westfjords.
A practical island-and-ferry route linking Snaefellsnes, Flatey and the southern Westfjords.
A strong Reykjavik-based Snaefellsnes day for travellers also planning Flatey around Stykkisholmur.
Places near Flatey
Use these nearby ideas to build Flatey into a stronger route instead of treating it as a disconnected stop.
Towns and villages near Flatey
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning Flatey.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Short Flatey stop
Take the Stykkishólmur to Flatey ferry, walk the old village and harbour area, then return to Snaefellsnes the same day.
Snaefellsnes plus Flatey
Use Arnarstapi, Kirkjufell and Stykkishólmur as the mainland route, then add Flatey if ferry timing fits.
Westfjords crossing
Choose the Stykkishólmur, Flatey and Brjánslækur ferry route when Flatey is part of a wider Westfjords plan.
FAQ about Flatey
Is Flatey worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy quiet island scenery, old houses, birdlife and slower travel. It is best as a summer ferry stop or overnight stay.
How do you get to Flatey?
Use the ferry from Stykkishólmur or Brjánslækur. The most useful bookable options are:
- Stykkishólmur to Flatey for a Snaefellsnes-based visit.
- Flatey to Brjánslækur for a Westfjords connection.
- Stykkishólmur, Flatey and Brjánslækur for the full crossing.
Can you take a car to Flatey?
Flatey itself is best explored on foot. Treat it as a walking island and check ferry rules if your route involves a vehicle crossing.
What is Flatey known for?
Flatey is known for its old village, summer atmosphere, seabirds, flowers, Breidafjordur setting and ferry connection between Snaefellsnes and the Westfjords.
What tours work well with Flatey?
Ferry routes are the key bookable product. For a broader day before or after, a Snaefellsnes tour works well from Reykjavik.
Where should you stay for Flatey?
Stay on Flatey if you want the island evening. Otherwise use Stykkishólmur on Snaefellsnes or a southern Westfjords base such as Patreksfjörður.
Is Flatey good for birdwatching?
Yes, especially in summer, but keep distance from nesting birds and follow local access guidance.
Can Flatey fit into a Westfjords itinerary?
Yes. The ferry connection makes Flatey useful between Snaefellsnes and the southern Westfjords, especially if your route later includes Reykhólar.
Plan Flatey with verified coordinates, nearby places, tour links and realistic timing.
Wreck of fishing boat in Flatey island
Old house in Flatey island in Iceland
There are not many houses in Flatey island
Redshank bird in Flatey island
Flatey is a beautiful island with few people living there