What is the population of Flateyri?

Flateyri has approximately 200 residents, down from over 500 before the 1995 avalanche.

What happened in the 1995 Flateyri avalanche?

In October 1995, an avalanche killed 20 people in Flateyri. A massive avalanche barrier was built afterward to protect the village.

How far is Flateyri from Reykjavik?

Flateyri is about 430 km from Reykjavik (5.5-6 hours driving) or accessible via flight to Isafjordur plus a 25-minute drive.

What is the Flateyri Booktown?

Flateyri has reinvented itself as a 'booktown' with several second-hand bookstores that draw book lovers from abroad.

What is the avalanche barrier?

The Flateyri avalanche barriers are massive earth structures built after 1995 to divert avalanches away from the village. They're among the largest in Iceland.

Where is Flateyri located?

Flateyri is in Onundarfjordur fjord, about 25 km from Isafjordur on the south side of the fjord.

Is there hiking near Flateyri?

Yes, trails lead into the surrounding mountains and along the fjord, and many of the walks are relatively easy.

What services does Flateyri have?

Flateyri has a small shop, restaurants, guesthouses, and its bookstores. Services are basic.

Flateyri: the Westfjords Booktown

Name: Flateyri, Iceland
Address: IS

A Westfjords village that rebuilt itself as a booktown after the 1995 avalanche, now known for its second-hand bookstores.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~200

Westfjords • Booktown

Flateyri carries a heavy history: the 1995 avalanche that killed 20 residents marked a turning point for this small fishing village. Today, protected by large earth barriers, the village has found new life as Iceland's only "booktown," and visitors come to browse its second-hand bookshops.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The avalanche barriers protect the village. Check road conditions in winter as mountain passes may close.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Westfjords

430 km from Reykjavik

Population

~200

Fishing village in Onundarfjordur

Known for

Booktown

Second-hand bookstores

Top Attractions in Flateyri

Second-hand Bookstores

The shops that gave the booktown its name

Avalanche Barriers

Massive earth structures protecting the village

Old Bookstore Cafe

Coffee among the bookshelves

Onundarfjordur Beach

Sandy beach, rare in the Westfjords

Hiking Trails

Mountain walks with fjord views

Memorial Garden

Memorial to the 1995 avalanche victims

How to Get to Flateyri

From Isafjordur: 25 minutes drive along Route 64 around Onundarfjordur fjord.

From Reykjavik: Fly to Isafjordur airport (40 minutes) then drive, or 5.5-6 hours by car.

Road conditions: The road is paved but check conditions in winter months.

Best Time to Visit Flateyri

Summer (June-August): Longest opening hours for the bookstores and the best weather for walking the village.

Winter: Quiet, with Northern Lights, but some bookstores may have limited hours. Check before visiting.

Planning help

Flateyri FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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