Flatey, BreiðafjörðurAbout Flatey, Breiðafjörður
Flatey in Breiðafjörður is a small, low-lying island in the Breiðafjörður bay of Westfjords, Iceland, known for its traditional settlement and historical associations. The island is sparsely populated and primarily active in the summer season.
Flatey has long-standing cultural ties to Icelandic manuscript history and rural island life; it was the namesake for the medieval Flateyjarbók, a manuscript important to Icelandic literary history. The island’s population and built environment have changed little in modern times, remaining focused on seasonal habitation and fishing-related activities.
Situated in Breiðafjörður bay in the Westfjords region, Flatey lies off Iceland’s northwest coast and is reached by scheduled regional ferries during the summer season.
- Cultural significance: Associated with the medieval manuscript tradition through the Flateyjarbók, a major Icelandic saga manuscript named after the island.
- Visiting notes: Accessible by regional ferry services in summer months and visited for birdwatching, heritage buildings and the island’s small seasonal community.
What to See#
- Village cluster: Small cluster of houses, a church and a traditional turf-roofed architecture characteristic of Icelandic island settlements; buildings serve seasonal residents and visitors.
- Coastal and birdlife areas: Coastal shorelines and surrounding sea areas that are important for birdlife and marine navigation in Breiðafjörður bay.
Best Time to Visit Flatey, Breiðafjörður
Summer months are the most practical for visiting due to ferry schedules and wildlife activity.
Weather & Climate near Flatey, Breiðafjörður
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -2°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (769 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 82 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 3° | -5° | 78 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 76 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 4° | -3° | 43 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 42 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 18.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 9° | 4° | 39 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 11° | 7° | 42 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 12° | 10° | 59 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 63 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 89 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 77 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 4° | -3° | 79 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Flatey, Breiðafjörður
Boat services to Flatey run from towns around Breiðafjörður such as Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur; schedules are seasonal and weather-dependent. Flights to nearby Ísafjörður followed by local boat connections are alternative approaches for travelers coming from Reykjavík.
Tips for Visiting Flatey, Breiðafjörður
- Bring sturdy footwear and a thermos - the island is small but the weather can be sharp and wind-driven
- Visit the tiny wooden church and the old fishermen's cottages before crowds gather (flights are seasonal and limited)
- Check boat schedules from Ísafjörður or Þingeyri; services are infrequent and weather-dependent