Drangey

Island Steep sea stack island and historical bird sanctuary.

A basalt sea stack rising from Skagafjörður, Drangey attracts boaters and birdwatchers to study nesting seabirds and sheer cliffs; local boat trips combine photography and recounting of Icelandic sagas linked to the islet.

Main image

Drangey is a steep, uninhabited basalt sea stack rising from Skagafjörður in northwest Iceland, known for its sheer cliffs and volcanic origins. It is a distinctive landmark in the fjord and figures in Icelandic saga tradition.

The island is notable for seabird colonies and sheer rock faces that attract boat trips and coastal wildlife watching; visitors view it from the water rather than landing in most seasons. It is also associated with local folklore and saga-era stories, which add to its cultural interest.

Drangey sits in Skagafjörður, off the north coast of Iceland in the Northwestern Region, visible from coastal settlements along the fjord and accessible only by private or organised boat.

  • Access by boat: Seasonal boat trips operate from nearby coastal villages in summer for close views and wildlife watching.
  • Wildlife: Important seabird nesting site in summer, often visited by birdwatchers and photographers.
Drangey
Drangey, Skagafjörður, Northwestern Iceland
65.9441, -19.6945
Access seasonal (primarily summer months)
Free to view from shore; boat trips to the island charge per person (seasonal)

How to Get to Drangey #

Boat tours to Drangey operate from towns on Skagafjörður and the surrounding northern-coast harbours, typically from June through August. Road access to departure points requires a car from Hvammstangi or nearby coastal villages.

Tips for Visiting Drangey #

  • Book a licensed boat tour from the Skagafjörður or Hvammstangi area in advance - trips are seasonal (mainly June-August) and weather-dependent.
  • Bring a windproof jacket and binoculars for birdlife (gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes).
  • There is no landing without permission - respect wildlife and local regulations; many tours circle the stack rather than attempt a landing.

Best Time to Visit Drangey #

Summer for boat access and seabird colonies; trips depend on sea conditions.

Summer (bird-nesting season)
June-August · 5°C to 12°C
Best time for boat trips and seabird watching; long daylight hours.
Late spring / early autumn
May, September · 2°C to 10°C
Fewer tourists but more variable weather; some tours still run.

Weather & Climate near Drangey #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
4.4h daylight

February

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

March

Weather

0.2
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

Weather

0.6
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

May

Weather

0.9
UV Index
Moderate
18.6h daylight

June

Weather

1.1
UV Index
High
21.3h daylight

July

Weather

0.9
UV Index
Moderate
19.8h daylight

August

Weather

0.6
UV Index
Moderate
16.3h daylight

September

Weather

0.3
UV Index
Low
12.8h daylight

October

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

November

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
5.7h daylight

December

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
2.8h daylight

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