Engey Island
Small Reykjavík island known for seabird colonies
Engey sits in Faxaflói Bay north of Reykjavík and attracts birdwatchers and small‑boat visitors to grassy slopes, nesting seabirds and the remains of a lighthouse.
Engey at a Glance#
About Engey#
Engey is a small island in Faxaflói Bay off the coast of Reykjavík in Iceland’s Capital Region. It lies roughly 3 kilometers north of central Reykjavík and is part of the municipality’s coastal landscape.
Reached by private boat, the islet offers close coastal views of Reykjavík and surrounding bays; landing is limited and there are no scheduled ferry services. The shoreline is rocky and the island is largely without permanent habitation.
The island has been recorded on local charts and maps as part of Reykjavík’s maritime area; it does not have a permanent resident population today. Historical uses have been local and maritime rather than urban development.
Geographically it sits in the sheltered waters of Faxaflói, north of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and within the Capital Region administrative area. The nearest major settlement is Reykjavík, about 3 kilometers to the south.
- Access: Reachable from Reykjavík by private boat; there are no regular public ferry services.
- Nearest city: Sits within the coastal waters of the Capital Region and provides close views back toward central Reykjavík, which lies roughly 3 kilometers to the south.
How to Get to Engey#
Short boat transfers run from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour during summer months; several small boat tour operators include Engey in short natural-history trips. Check local operators for schedules and weather advisories.
Tips for Visiting Engey#
- In summer, small tour boats and kayaks launch from Reykjavik for short crossings to the island
- Bring binoculars - migrating seabirds nest on the island's cliffs
- There is a short path around the island; avoid disturbing nesting birds during breeding season
Best Time to Visit Engey#
Visiting windows are narrow - late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable access.
Weather & Climate near Engey#
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (899 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 3° | -6° | 86 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 3° | -6° | 91 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 87 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 55 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 2° | 58 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 49 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 56 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 79 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 4° | 73 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 90 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 4° | -4° | 84 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 3° | -6° | 91 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
