Region
Westfjords
430 km from Reykjavik
Flateyri: the Old Bookstore and Önundarfjörður
A fishing village on Önundarfjörður with an old family bookstore, local-history exhibits and a beach across the fjord.
Population
~200
Westfjords • Önundarfjörður
Quick Answer
Flateyri on Önundarfjörður has a family bookstore dating to 1914, a local-history museum, a swimming pool and a sandy beach across the fjord.
Flateyri carries a heavy history: the 1995 avalanche that killed 20 residents marked a turning point for this small fishing village. The Old Bookstore and its merchant’s home tell another part of the village’s history, reaching back before the avalanche.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The avalanche barriers protect the village. Check road conditions in winter as mountain passes may close.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~200
Fishing village in Onundarfjordur
Known for
Old Bookstore
Family business since 1914
A bookshop visit with a local-history purpose
The Old Bookstore dates to 1914 and remains a fourth-generation family business. The regional tourism body describes a museum and old merchant’s home alongside the second-hand books. That gives you a specific place to seek out, rather than expecting a district of bookstores.
For a longer stop, the town’s swimming pool offers a 16-meter pool, hot tub and indoor sauna. The sandy beach is across Önundarfjörður, so treat it as a separate destination when choosing directions. These details were checked against Visit Westfjords on September 10, 2026.
Top Attractions in Flateyri
Old Bookstore
Family store with second-hand books and local-history exhibits
Avalanche Barriers
Massive earth structures protecting the village
Swimming Pool
16-meter pool, hot tub and indoor sauna
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): Longer daylight for exploring the village and beach; check the bookstore’s hours for your date.
Winter: Quiet, with Northern Lights, but the bookstore may have limited hours. Check before visiting.
Planning help
Flateyri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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 Old Bookstore in Flateyri?
The Old Bookstore is a fourth-generation family business dating to 1914. Visit Westfjords describes the bookshop and merchant’s home as a way to explore the village’s history while browsing second-hand books.
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.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.