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Want to visit the stunning islands in Iceland? While Iceland is known for its volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, its most enchanting secrets lie just offshore. The scattering of small islands in Iceland will offer you a unique perspective on this land of fire and ice. If you want to know more about the country’s natural wonders, explore its remote cultures, or simply find a serene escape, these islands are truly worth seeking out.
10 Stunning Islands in Iceland You Should Visit
From the Arctic Circle to legendary cliffs, make unforgettable memories on your trip to the islands in Iceland.
1. Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Photo: Andreas Tille / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago is a place of intense drama and natural resilience. This collection of islands is one of the most famous in Iceland, due to the devastating 1973 Eldfell volcanic eruption. Out of all the islands, Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited one. You must visit it to see the raw volcanic landscape, the ongoing recovery from the eruption, and the largest puffin colony in the world.
Airport Name: Vestmannaeyjar Airport (VEY)
2. Grímsey Island
Photo: MosheA / Wikimedia Commons
Grímsey is a tiny, remote island far in the north that holds the unique distinction of being the only part of Iceland to straddle the Arctic Circle. You can stand at the Arctic Circle monument and literally step into the Arctic for an unforgettable memory. It is where you can experience the midnight sun in summer, where daylight stretches around the clock. Grímsey is a haven for birdwatchers who want to witness birdlife in a peaceful setting, especially for puffins, Arctic terns, and various guillemots.
Airport Name: Akureyri Airport
3. Flatey Island
Photo: Ólafur Ágúst / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in the expansive Breiðafjörður bay, between the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, lies Flatey Island. Accessible by a charming ferry, the Baldur, visiting this quaint and car-free haven feels like stepping back in time. The well-preserved village of Flatey consists of traditional wooden houses, vibrant birdlife, and an atmosphere of profound tranquillity. You should wander the single main street lined with beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, including Iceland’s oldest library and a charming church.
Airport Name: Reykjavik Airport (RKV) (domestic), Keflavik International Airport (KEF) (international)
4. Viðey Island
Photo: Akigka / Wikimedia Commons
Just a short and easy ferry ride from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Viðey Island blends art, history, and natural serenity. The island holds significant cultural importance, housing iconic art installations and historical ruins within a beautiful, peaceful landscape. You must visit Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower. This powerful light installation, dedicated to John Lennon, beams into the sky from October 9th (Lennon’s birthday) to December 8th (the anniversary of his death), and for limited periods around the New Year and spring equinox.
Airport Name: Reykjavik Airport (RKV) (domestic), Keflavik International Airport (KEF) (international)
5. Drangey Island
Photo: JD554 / Wikimedia Commons
Rising dramatically from the waters of Skagafjörður in North Iceland, Drangey Island is a sheer-sided basalt fortress steeped in folklore. Its striking appearance and legendary tales make it one of the more visually impressive and famous Islands in Iceland. It is an awe-inspiring natural wonder and forever linked to the outlaw Grettir the Strong from the Icelandic Sagas, who is said to have lived on the island as an outlaw, performing incredible feats of strength.
Airport Name: Akureyri Airport (AEY)
6. Hrísey Island
Photo: Dreizung / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland, Hrísey Island is a peaceful, car-free oasis also known as “The Pearl of Eyjafjörður.” A short ferry ride from Árskógssandur, it gives you a charming glimpse into the traditional Icelandic island life. You can enjoy scenic walks to the island’s lighthouse, from where you will have an incredible view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.
Airport Name: Hrísey Airport (BIHY)
7. Papey Island
Photo: Shadowgate / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Off the coast of Djúpivogur in East Iceland, Papey is an uninhabited island with a unique history. Legend has it that Irish monks, called Papar, lived here before the Norse settlement of Iceland, giving the island its name. Today, it’s mostly a haven for vast bird colonies, especially puffins, guillemots, and gannets. It is the perfect place to visit if you are interested in birdwatching.
Airport Name: Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS)
8. Borgarfjörður Eystri Island
Photo: Eysteinn Guðni Guðnason / Wikimedia Commons
While not a separate island to visit in the same way as the others, because it’s connected by a pier to the mainland’s puffin-viewing area, the small cluster of rocks and islets at Borgarfjörður Eystri is so famous for its puffin colony that it functions as a dedicated island experience for bird lovers. While you are there, you can visit the picturesque village of Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri with its quaint turf-roofed houses. Due to its local folklore, it is also known as the home of the “elf queen”.
Airport Name: Borgarfjörður Eystri Airport (BGJ / BIBF)
9. Vestdalseyri Island
Photo: Orgelhase / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The uninhabited island of Vestdalseyri in the Westfjords, near Ísafjörður, is one of the lesser-known, small islands in Iceland, ideal for dedicated nature enthusiasts. It is isolated and not easily accessible to the general public. You can arrange a private boat trip to observe the colonies of Arctic terns, common eiders, and other seabirds nesting and feeding in their undisturbed habitat.
Airport Name: Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ)
Modes of transport: Flight, car, bus, private boat
10. Surtsey Island
Photo: CanonS2 / Wikimedia Commons
Surtsey, located off the south coast, near the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is completely off-limits to the public. It emerged from the sea in a dramatic volcanic eruption that began in 1963 and lasted until 1967, making it one of the youngest islands on Earth. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a strictly protected natural laboratory for scientists, where they can study how life colonises a new, sterile landmass from scratch. You can visit the Eldheimar Museum on Heimaey in the Westman Islands, which has exhibits and information about Surtsey and its formation.
Airport Name: Vestmannaeyjar Airport (VEY)
The islands in Iceland have an extraordinary landscape. From the dramatic volcanic history of Vestmannaeyjar to the serene tranquillity of Flatey, from the Arctic proximity of Grímsey to the legendary tales of Drangey, each island has a unique story. The best way to experience the island’s natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant wildlife is by adding them as extensions to your mainland travels.
Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
