South IcelandArchipelago
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Volcanic archipelago of 15 islands off the south coast. Known for puffins and its volcanic history. Reached by Herjólfur ferry; confirm the departure port and sailing.
Islands
Islands of Iceland: Westman Islands, Grímsey, Flatey & More
Volcanic archipelagos, Arctic Circle outposts, and puffin colonies: a guide to Iceland's offshore islands and how to reach them.
Wildlife
Puffin season: Apr–Aug
Heimaey hosts one of the world's largest Atlantic puffin colonies.
Quick Answer
Iceland's islands range from the volcanic Westman Islands to Grímsey on the Arctic Circle. Ferry routes, puffin seasons, and which islands work as day trips.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Ferry schedules can change due to weather and sea conditions, so always confirm departure times and have a backup plan.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
South IcelandInhabited island
Heimaey
Largest and only inhabited island of the Westman Islands (pop. ~4,500). Site of the 1973 Eldfell eruption that nearly buried the town. Large puffin colonies in summer.
South IcelandUNESCO site
Surtsey
UNESCO World Heritage volcanic island born from an eruption in 1963–67. Strictly off-limits to visitors; only researchers allowed. Studied for natural ecological colonization.
West IcelandHistoric island
Flatey
Tiny island in Breiðafjörður bay with colorful restored houses and a rich literary history. Baldur ferry stops require advance booking; check the timetable for your date.
Capital RegionCultural island
Viðey
Island in Reykjavík harbor home to Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower (lit Oct–Dec). Historic buildings, art installations, and walking paths. Short ferry ride from Reykjavík.
North IcelandArctic Circle island
Grímsey
Small island straddling the Arctic Circle, 40 km off the north coast. Famous for puffins and the midnight sun. Reached by ferry from Dalvík or domestic flight.
North IcelandBird cliff island
Drangey
Flat-topped island rising 180m from Skagafjörður. Important bird cliff and connected to Grettir's Saga. Operator departures and the steep landing route need checking before booking.
North IcelandInhabited island
Hrísey
Second-largest island off Iceland's coast, in Eyjafjörður near Akureyri. Known as the 'Pearl of Eyjafjörður.' Quiet village life, ptarmigan habitat, and short ferry ride from Árskógssandur.
East IcelandHistoric island
Papey
Small island off the east coast named after Irish monks (papar) who may have lived there before Norse settlement. Historic church and seabird habitat. Confirm a boat itinerary and whether it includes landing.
South IcelandPuffin island
Lundey
Small island near Reykjavík known as 'Puffin Island.' Summer puffin boats may select Lundey or another island according to conditions. One of the closest puffin viewing spots to the capital.
Check both sailings before choosing an island
Baldur’s September–December 2026 timetable includes Flatey on selected weekdays and requires advance booking for the stop. A ferry passing through Breiðafjörður does not necessarily call at the island. Confirm the outward and return stop before booking accommodation or planning a day trip.
Planning help
Iceland islands FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do I get to Iceland's islands?
Most inhabited islands are reached by scheduled ferries. Vestmannaeyjar has a ferry from Landeyjahöfn (30 min) with the actual departure port confirmed before travel. Grímsey has a ferry from Dalvík and flights. Flatey is on the Breiðafjörður ferry route. Viðey has a short ferry from Reykjavík harbor. Check schedules as they vary seasonally.
Where can I see puffins on Iceland's islands?
Heimaey in the Westman Islands has one of the world's largest puffin colonies (mid-April to mid-August). Grímsey and Lundey also host significant colonies. Puffins arrive in April and leave by mid-August. Keep a respectful distance and never disturb nesting birds.
Can I visit Surtsey?
No. Surtsey is strictly off-limits to all visitors except approved scientists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is preserved as a natural laboratory for studying how life colonizes new land. You can learn about it at the Eldheimar museum on Heimaey.
Can I stay overnight on Iceland's islands?
Heimaey has hotels, guesthouses, and a campsite. Flatey has limited accommodation; confirm opening dates and book ahead. Grímsey has a small guesthouse. Viðey and most other islands are day-trip destinations only. Hrísey has a few guesthouses in the village.
When is the best time to visit Iceland's islands?
Summer (June–August) is the best season for most islands: ferries run more frequently, puffins are present, and weather is mildest. The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey is lit from October 9 to December 8. Winter ferry schedules are reduced and weather can cancel crossings.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.