Skip to main content

Iceland Islands

219 mapped7 regionsFerries & boat toursMost are boat-only
Grímsey
Hrauneyjar
Heimaey

Iceland is ringed by hundreds of islands and skerries, but a handful are worth a trip: Heimaey in the Westman Islands (the only inhabited one, reached by ferry or flight), Grímsey on the Arctic Circle, and Viðey and the harbour bird islands a short ferry from Reykjavík. Surtsey, born from an eruption in 1963, is a closed UNESCO site you can only see from the water. Most others are uninhabited seabird colonies reached by boat, weather permitting.

Conditions right now

Live from Vegagerðin & the Icelandic Met Office
Driving conditions
Checking live road status…
Weather now
Checking live weather stations…
Getting there
Mostly boat-only
Ferries and tours are weather-dependent — check before you go
Scheduled ferriesA handful of islands
Boat toursMostly summer
Seabird coloniesKeep your distance
WeatherCan strand visitors

Islands worth the trip

The islands you can actually reach — ferries, flights and summer boat tours, with real access notes.

#1Grímsey

5.3 km²North Iceland

Iceland's Arctic Circle island, 40km off the north coast. About 60 permanent residents and millions of arctic terns. The draw is crossing the Arctic Circle - certificates available. The community maintains a small-town Icelandic character in extreme isolation. Ferry from Dalvík (3 hours) or flight from Akureyri (20 min). Worth doing for the experience of reaching Iceland's northernmost settlement. Summer midnight sun is special here. The arctic terns will attack - they're protecting nests. Wear a hat.

#2Hrauneyjar

Islands in the Þjórsá river delta, more delta islands than sea islands. Part of the unique landscape where Iceland's longest river meets the coast. Important bird habitat. Not typically visited by tourists but visible from the south coast route.

#3Heimaey

The largest and only inhabited Westman Island. About 4,500 people living on the edge of volcanic activity. The 1973 eruption buried part of the town. You can climb the still-warm slopes of Eldfell volcano. The Eldheimar museum preserves a house excavated from the ash. Beyond the volcano: puffin colonies, dramatic cliffs, excellent restaurants, and a lifestyle shaped by fishing and isolation. The aquarium is charming. Accessible by ferry or flight. Essential day trip or overnight from south Iceland.

#4Æðey

1.3 km²Westfjords

Æðey is an island located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. A höfuðból was built in the 19th century with a farm, with descendants of the family going to the house in the summer to maintain the farm. Other structures include a lighthouse and a weather station owned by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Weather can strand visitors on small islands. Allow flexibility in your schedule.

#5Eldey

3.0 km²West Iceland

Eldey is a small, uninhabited island about 13 kilometres off the coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. Located west-southwest of Reykjavík, the island of Eldey covers an area of about 3 hectares, and rises to a height of 77 metres (253 ft). Its sheer cliffs are home to large numbers of birds, including one of the largest northern gannet colonies in the world, with around 16,000 pairs. This colony can now be watched live via two webcams that are located on top of the island. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Access depends on ferry schedules and weather. Check connections before planning visits.

#6Viðey

Island in Reykjavík harbor, a few minutes by ferry. Urban escape without leaving the capital area. Historic buildings from Iceland's early colonial period. Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower lights up autumn and winter nights. Hiking trails circle the island with views back to Reykjavík. A restaurant operates in the historic village. Ferry from Skarfabakki pier. Easy half-day trip when you want nature without a long drive.

#7Surtsey

1.4 km²South Coast

The world's newest island, born from an underwater volcanic eruption in 1963. UNESCO World Heritage Site and strictly protected for scientific study. Researchers are watching how life colonizes new land - what plants, birds, and organisms arrive naturally. One of Earth's most important natural laboratories. You cannot visit. No exceptions. But you can view from boat tours around the Westman Islands. The eruption lasted until 1967. The island is still slowly eroding. See it from a distance while it exists.

#8Hjörsey

5.5 km²West Iceland

Hjörsey is the largest island in western Iceland and the third largest in Iceland. It was part of the traditional county of Mýrasýsla; there used to be a church on Hjörsey, but it was taken apart in 1896. The island was also formerly home to a farm. While there is no human population on the island, a herd of wild horses is able to roam the island freely. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Bird colonies are sensitive. Respect nesting areas and keep distance from wildlife.

When & how to visit Iceland's islands

The reachable islands cluster in a few areas. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) off the South Coast centre on Heimaey, reached by the Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjahöfn or by short flight. In the north, Grímsey sits on the Arctic Circle (ferry from Dalvík or flight from Akureyri) and Hrísey lies in Eyjafjörður. Breiðafjörður in the west is dotted with hundreds of islands and skerries; Flatey is the one with a scheduled ferry stop. Near the capital, Viðey and the harbour bird islands are a few minutes by boat. Ferries and tours run their full schedules in summer and thin out or stop in winter — book ahead in peak season and always check the marine forecast, because crossings are cancelled in bad weather.

The islands of Iceland, compared

All 204 mapped islands, ranked — our best-documented picks first. Tap any name for the full guide. Area and region come from Wikidata and OpenStreetMap where they exist.

IslandRegionAreaKnown for
GróttaReykjavík Area1393 km²Grótta is a tied island at the extreme end of Seltjarnarnes in the Capital Region of Iceland. During high tide the tombolo is completely submerged, turning Grótta into an island. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Many islands have limited or no facilities. Come prepared with supplies.
HríseyNorth Iceland7.7 km²Island in Eyjafjörður, accessible from Dalvík. A peaceful alternative to busy mainland attractions. About 150 residents. No cars - you can walk the island in a couple hours or borrow a bike. Birdwatching is excellent. Quick ferry from Dalvík makes it an easy half-day trip from Akureyri. Good for those wanting island time without major travel. Galloway cattle roam free. The pace of life is deliberately slow.
HjörseyWest Iceland5.5 km²Hjörsey is the largest island in western Iceland and the third largest in Iceland. It was part of the traditional county of Mýrasýsla; there used to be a church on Hjörsey, but it was taken apart in 1896. The island was also formerly home to a farm. While there is no human population on the island, a herd of wild horses is able to roam the island freely. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Bird colonies are sensitive. Respect nesting areas and keep distance from wildlife.
GrímseyNorth Iceland5.3 km²Iceland's Arctic Circle island, 40km off the north coast. About 60 permanent residents and millions of arctic terns. The draw is crossing the Arctic Circle - certificates available. The community maintains a small-town Icelandic character in extreme isolation. Ferry from Dalvík (3 hours) or flight from Akureyri (20 min). Worth doing for the experience of reaching Iceland's northernmost settlement. Summer midnight sun is special here. The arctic terns will attack - they're protecting nests. Wear a hat.
EldeyWest Iceland3.0 km²Eldey is a small, uninhabited island about 13 kilometres off the coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. Located west-southwest of Reykjavík, the island of Eldey covers an area of about 3 hectares, and rises to a height of 77 metres (253 ft). Its sheer cliffs are home to large numbers of birds, including one of the largest northern gannet colonies in the world, with around 16,000 pairs. This colony can now be watched live via two webcams that are located on top of the island. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Access depends on ferry schedules and weather. Check connections before planning visits.
FlateyNorth Iceland2.8 km²Tiny island in Breiðafjörður bay, west Iceland. A few dozen summer residents keep the old fishing village alive. Historic wooden houses, one small hotel, abundant birdlife. No cars, no rush. The ferry stops for a few hours - enough to walk the island. Take the Baldur ferry between Stykkishólmur and the Westfjords. Stopping at Flatey breaks the journey perfectly. A glimpse of old Iceland. Simple and atmospheric.
MálmeyNorth Iceland2.4 km²Small island in Skagafjörður fjord, historically important and now uninhabited. Ruins of an early monastery and farming settlement. Seabirds have reclaimed the cliffs. Boat access from Siglufjörður or Hofsós area. Not a regular tourist route - for those seeking hidden corners.
PapeyEast Iceland2.0 km²Small island off the Eastfjords coast, named for Irish monks who may have lived here before Viking settlement. About 1 km long with an old settlement (now abandoned), lighthouse, and seabirds. Stories of early Christian monks give it historical weight. Boat tours from Djúpivogur. Not always running - check availability. Remote and atmospheric. A glimpse into Iceland's pre-Viking mysteries.
ViðeyReykjavík Area1.7 km²Island in Reykjavík harbor, a few minutes by ferry. Urban escape without leaving the capital area. Historic buildings from Iceland's early colonial period. Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower lights up autumn and winter nights. Hiking trails circle the island with views back to Reykjavík. A restaurant operates in the historic village. Ferry from Skarfabakki pier. Easy half-day trip when you want nature without a long drive.
SurtseySouth Coast1.4 km²The world's newest island, born from an underwater volcanic eruption in 1963. UNESCO World Heritage Site and strictly protected for scientific study. Researchers are watching how life colonizes new land - what plants, birds, and organisms arrive naturally. One of Earth's most important natural laboratories. You cannot visit. No exceptions. But you can view from boat tours around the Westman Islands. The eruption lasted until 1967. The island is still slowly eroding. See it from a distance while it exists.
ÆðeyWestfjords1.3 km²Æðey is an island located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. A höfuðból was built in the 19th century with a farm, with descendants of the family going to the house in the summer to maintain the farm. Other structures include a lighthouse and a weather station owned by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Weather can strand visitors on small islands. Allow flexibility in your schedule.
VigurWestfjords< 1 km²Vigur is the second largest island of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in Westfjords, Iceland. Located just south of the Arctic Circle, the island is around 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) in length and 400 metres (1,300 ft) in width. The island is most noted for its thriving seabird colonies, traditional eiderdown production, and historical buildings. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Access depends on ferry schedules and weather. Check connections before planning visits.
ElliðaeySouth Coast< 1 km²Elliðaey is a small, uninhabited island south of Iceland. It is the most northeastern of the Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago consisting of 15 to 18 islands and assorted smaller rocks. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
EngeyReykjavík Area< 1 km²Engey is the second largest island of the Kollafjörður fjord in western Iceland. Located north of the capital Reykjavík, the uninhabited island is 1.7 kilometres (5,600 ft) in length and around 400 metres (1,300 ft) in width. To the northern end of the island, a lighthouse, first built in 1902, is located. The lighthouse was damaged and later restored in 1937. The name is composed of -ey, meaning small island, & -eng, meaning meadow or uncut grassland. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Access depends on ferry schedules and weather. Check connections before planning visits.
BorgareyWestfjords< 1 km²Borgarey is a small, uninhabited island in the Westfjords in the north-west of Iceland. It is the innermost and smallest island of Ísafjarðardjúp, smaller than both Æðey and Vigur. Human settlement is limited, inter alia, by the lack of fresh water. The island is the property of the church in Vatnsfjörður; thus since there is no separation of church and state, it is public property. Nobody lives on the island, but in summer the owners sail over to it and collect eiderdown. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
BjarnareySouth Coast< 1 km²Bjarnarey is a small, uninhabited island in the Vestmann Islands, south of Iceland. It is one of the 18 islands that make up the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Weather can strand visitors on small islands. Allow flexibility in your schedule.
JólnirSouth Coast< 1 km²Jólnir was formerly a volcanic island south of Iceland. It was a former vent of Surtsey, along with Syrtlingur and Surtla. It emerged from the ocean as a result of active plate tectonics between December 1965 and July 1966. Oceanic erosion cyclically wore down the new lava as it formed, and the island sank below the surface several times. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Many islands have limited or no facilities. Come prepared with supplies.
DrangeyNorth Iceland< 1 km²Dramatic sea stack island in Skagafjörður, north Iceland. The saga outlaw Grettir the Strong hid here. The cliffs are sheer and covered in seabirds. Boat tours from Sauðárkrókur include climbing onto the island with ropes and ladders. Not for those afraid of heights or exposure. The experience is memorable for the adventurous. Seabird harvesting continues here - a tradition dating back centuries. Eggs and birds by the thousands.
AkureyReykjavík Area< 1 km²Another puffin colony island near Reykjavík. Part of the Reykjavík harbor bird islands. Boat tours combine Akurey and Lundey for puffin viewing. Convenient for time-limited visitors. The birds nest in burrows on the grassy slopes. Late summer sees chicks fledging.
HelliseySouth Coast< 1 km²Hellisey is a small, uninhabited island in the Vestmann Islands, south of Iceland. It is 6 km southwest of Heimaey and 13 km northeast of Surtsey. Hellisey only has an area of 0.1 km ² and extends to about 100 m above sea level. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
LundeyNorth Iceland< 1 km²Puffin Island near Reykjavík - one of the closest places to see puffins from the capital. Boat tours don't land but circle close enough for puffin photography. Best May-August when birds are present. Several operators run tours from Reykjavík harbor. Easy option if you don't have time for the south coast or Westman Islands.
Lundey, SkjálfandiNorth Iceland< 1 km²Lundey is a small, uninhabited island in Skjálfandi bay located about 8.3 kilometres from Húsavík, in northern Iceland. It is the smaller of two islands in the bay, the other being Flatey. Lundey is about 300 metres (980 ft) long and 150 metres (490 ft) wide. Its highest point lies about 34 metres (112 ft) above sea level. Its name in Icelandic means "Puffin"; over 200,000 Atlantic Puffin breed on the island's cliffs in the summer hence its name. The island lies only 50 kilometres (31 mi) south of the Arctic Circle and therefore experiences 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
HvalbakurEast Iceland< 1 km²Hvalbakur is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Iceland and is the country's easternmost point. It is located in the Austurland region, 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the mainland. It is 200 metres (660 ft) long and up to 100 metres (330 ft) wide, with its highest point 5 metres (16 ft) above sea level. The island appears on maps from 1761 but may have been sighted much earlier. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Weather can strand visitors on small islands. Allow flexibility in your schedule.
GeirfuglaskerWest IcelandGeirfuglasker was a small islet near Reykjanes, Iceland. It was volcanic rock with steep sides except for two landing places. The rough surf around the island usually made it inaccessible to humans, and one of the last refuges for the flightless bird the great auk. In a volcanic eruption in 1830 this rock submerged. The surviving great auks moved to a nearby island called Eldey and were wiped out by humans in 1840. Later a new Geirfuglasker appeared on the site. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
HegranesNorth IcelandHegranes is the name of the peninsula between the branches of the Héraðsvötn river in Skagafjörður, Iceland. Although Hegranes is called a peninsula, it is actually an island about 15 kilometers long with a fairly tall, rocky headland covered in vegetation. Héraðsvötn's western estuary hews closely to the west side of the peninsula, but there is a large, sandy area before the peninsula reaches the eastern estuary. Off the southern end of the peninsula, there is a delta called Austara-Eylendið. It has diverse avian life and vegetation and is home to a natural heritage site. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
HeimaeySouth CoastThe largest and only inhabited Westman Island. About 4,500 people living on the edge of volcanic activity. The 1973 eruption buried part of the town. You can climb the still-warm slopes of Eldfell volcano. The Eldheimar museum preserves a house excavated from the ash. Beyond the volcano: puffin colonies, dramatic cliffs, excellent restaurants, and a lifestyle shaped by fishing and isolation. The aquarium is charming. Accessible by ferry or flight. Essential day trip or overnight from south Iceland.
HergilseyWest IcelandHergilsey is a small, uninhabited Icelandic island in Breiðafjörður. The island is most noted for having been home to Ingjald, his wife, Thorgerda and their disabled son Helgi Ingjaldsson. Ingjald sheltered Gisli while he was an outlaw. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Weather can strand visitors on small islands. Allow flexibility in your schedule.
HrauneyjarWest IcelandIslands in the Þjórsá river delta, more delta islands than sea islands. Part of the unique landscape where Iceland's longest river meets the coast. Important bird habitat. Not typically visited by tourists but visible from the south coast route.
KolbeinseyNorth IcelandKolbeinsey is a small Icelandic islet in the Greenland Sea located 105 kilometres off the northern coast of Iceland, 74 km (40 nmi) north-northwest of the island of Grímsey. It is the northernmost point of Iceland and lies north of the Arctic Circle. The islet is named after Kolbeinn Sigmundarson, from Kolbeinsdalur in Skagafjörður, who according to Svarfdæla saga is said to have broken his ship there and died with his men. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Access depends on ferry schedules and weather. Check connections before planning visits.
NýeyWest IcelandNýey, Nýeyjar, Nyø (Danish), was a small, uninhabited island that formed in 1783 due to an underwater eruption in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge southwest of Reykjanes, Iceland. It disappeared within a year. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Weather can strand visitors on small islands. Allow flexibility in your schedule.
EldeyjarboðiWest IcelandEldeyjarboði is a blind skerry located about 57 km southwest of Reykjanes, Iceland. It is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Bird colonies are sensitive. Respect nesting areas and keep distance from wildlife.
HrappseyWest IcelandHrappsey is an island in the Dalabyggð municipality in Iceland. A printing house operated on the island between 1773 and 1794. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Some islands require boat tours as there's no scheduled ferry. Book ahead.
MelrakkaeyWest IcelandMelrakkaey is a small, uninhabited island located in the Grundarfjörður municipality in Western Iceland. The island has been declared a protected area. Consequently, entering the island without permission or hunting within a 2 km radius of the island is prohibited. Icelandic island, part of the archipelago surrounding the main island. Access depends on ferry schedules and weather. Check connections before planning visits.
AndeyEast Iceland30 km²Island in East Iceland
ÞingeyNorth Iceland4.8 km²Island in North Iceland
BrokeyWest Iceland3.7 km²Island in West Iceland
ÁlseySouth Coast< 1 km²Island in South Coast
SkrúðurEast Iceland< 1 km²Island in East Iceland
SuðureySouth Coast< 1 km²Island in South Coast
BrandurSouth Coast< 1 km²Island in South Coast
SúlnaskerSouth Coast< 1 km²Island in South Coast
GeldungurSouth Coast< 1 km²Island in South Coast
ÁlaskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
ÁrnesSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
ÁrskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
BorgeyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FagureyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
FaxaskerSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
GeirshólmiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
GrandiReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
GrasleysaSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
HaniSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
HellirEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HraunamölNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
HrauneySouth CoastIsland in South Coast
HrólfsskerNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
HrúteyNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
HænaSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
KánaEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
LátrarEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
MalarrifWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
OddbjarnarskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SandeyReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
SandfellEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
SeleyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
SelskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SkeleyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SkinneyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
SkipseyNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
StagleyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
StykkiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
StöngWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SvaðaWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SvartnesEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
SyrtlingurSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
TungueySouth CoastIsland in South Coast
ÞerneyReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
ÖrfiriseyReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
ÖrnSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
AkureyjarWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
AkureyjarrifReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
AndarnefjuboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
ArfaskerNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
BogaskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
BreiðaskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
BrekkuboðiReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
BrimilsnesEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
BroddaneseyNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
BygggarðsboðiReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
DjúpboðiWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
DjúpiboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
DjúpskerNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
DrangaskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
EiriksgrunnWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
EngeyjarrifReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
EskilseyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
EyjarskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
Eystra HvanneyjarskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FaerabakurEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FeitseyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
FinnbogagrunnWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
FiskaflagaNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
FjarðarboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FjarðarskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FjórðungsboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
FlangeyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FlataskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
FlyðruskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
FossboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
Fremri LangeyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
FrúsælaWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
FyllugrunnNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
GaltarskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
GalþóllHighlandsIsland in Highlands
GamlaeyriWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
GeirfugladrangurWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
GránufellWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
GrímuskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
GrunnboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
GunnarsskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
GunnhildareyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
GunnlaugsboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
GvendarnesflesEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HafbyggiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
HaffjarðareyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
HafnareyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HagaeySouth CoastIsland in South Coast
HálsaskerSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
HeimastiboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HelgasteinnWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
HerbjarnareyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HjalleyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
HnúaskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
HofsgrunnNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
HornálsflagaNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
HornskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HrafnseyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
HvammseyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
HöskuldseyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
IllagrunnNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
IraboðiWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
JörundarboðiReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
KaplaskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
KerlingNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
KirkjuskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
KjalareyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
KnararsundsflesEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
KongseyNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
LageyNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
LandoddarEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
LangaskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
LágiboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
Litla SeleyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
LoptsboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
LundeyjarbrekiNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
LönguskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
MáfahnúksboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
MelhólmurWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
MidafellsboðiReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
MiðboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
MiðfjarðarboðiWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
MosskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
NausteyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
NýfundniboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
ReykeyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
ReykjaboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
RifshausNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
SelkollurWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SetuskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
SkarfeyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SkipaboðarWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SkrifluskerNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
SkutilseyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SprökunaggurEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
StakkhamarsnesWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
StapaboðiNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
StapaeyEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
StekkjarboðiNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
StóriboðiNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
StóristakkurSouth CoastIsland in South Coast
SuðurflösWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
SveinbjarnargrunnNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
SviðnurWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
TangaeyWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
TindrastarkletturEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
TindskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
TólfmannaboðiNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
TraðnaboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
TrasnaboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
VallabæjarboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
VatnsboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
VatnskleifagrunnWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
Vestur HvanneyjarskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
VesturboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
VesturflösWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
WandelsboðiWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
YstiboðiEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
YtrieyNorth IcelandIsland in North Iceland
ÞjótarskerReykjavík AreaIsland in Reykjavík Area
ÞrælaboðiWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
ÞufuskerWestfjordsIsland in Westfjords
ÆðaklettarWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland
ÆðarskerEast IcelandIsland in East Iceland
ÖlvesskerWest IcelandIsland in West Iceland

Island
questions

Which Icelandic islands can I actually visit?
The reliably visitable ones are Heimaey (ferry + flights, the only inhabited Westman Island), Grímsey on the Arctic Circle (ferry from Dalvík or flight from Akureyri), Viðey and the Reykjavík harbour bird islands (short ferry), Hrísey in Eyjafjörður (ferry from Árskógssandur), Flatey in Breiðafjörður (ferry on the Stykkishólmur–Brjánslækur route) and Vigur in the Westfjords (summer boat tours). Most other islands are uninhabited and reached only by private or chartered boat.
Can I go to Surtsey?
No. Surtsey, the island that emerged from an underwater eruption in 1963, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site closed to the public. Landing is restricted to scientists so the natural colonisation of new land can be studied undisturbed. You can see it from the sea on some Westman Islands boat tours.
How do I get to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)?
Take the Herjólfur car ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the South Coast to Heimaey — roughly 35 minutes in good conditions. When Landeyjahöfn is closed by weather or sand, the ferry runs the longer route from Þorlákshöfn (about 2.5 hours). There are also short scheduled flights from Reykjavík.
When is the best time to visit Iceland’s islands?
Summer (June to August) is when ferries and boat tours run their full schedules, seas are calmer and the seabird colonies — puffins, gannets, arctic terns — are active. Many boat operators do not run in winter. Book ferry crossings ahead in peak season, especially for the Westman Islands.
Why are so many Icelandic islands off-limits or restricted?
A large share are protected seabird nesting grounds. Puffins, gannets and arctic terns are sensitive to disturbance, so landing on many islands is prohibited or discouraged during the breeding season. Where visits are allowed, keep your distance from nesting birds and follow the operator’s guidance.
Is it safe to visit small uninhabited islands on my own?
Only with proper preparation. Most have no facilities, no shelter and no scheduled ferry, and weather can strand you for hours or days. Go with a licensed boat operator who knows local conditions, tell someone your plan, check the marine forecast, and never rely on being able to leave on schedule.