How many islands are in Breiðafjörður?

Breiðafjörður contains an estimated 2,000–3,000 islands, islets, and skerries, though the exact number varies depending on how small formations are counted. Only a handful are inhabited, with Flatey being the most visited.

Can I visit Flatey Island?

Yes, the Baldur ferry connects Stykkishólmur to Flatey Island (and continues to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords). In summer you can stop on Flatey for a few hours or overnight. The island has a small church, historic houses, and good birdwatching.

When can I see puffins in Breiðafjörður?

Atlantic puffins are present from mid-April through August, with peak numbers in June and July. Boat tours from Stykkishólmur visit puffin colonies on the outer islands. Bring binoculars for the best views.

What boat tours are available?

Several operators run tours from Stykkishólmur, including wildlife and birdwatching cruises, Viking sushi adventures (where you taste fresh seafood caught on board), and the Baldur ferry to Flatey and the Westfjords.

When is the best time to visit Breiðafjörður?

June to August is the best window for boat tours, birdwatching, and Flatey Island visits. Spring (May) is good for seal pupping season. In winter there are fewer tour options and no Flatey stopovers.

Breiðafjörður Nature Reserve: A Bay of Thousands of Islands

A wide bay between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords, with thousands of islands and large populations of seabirds and seals.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Region

West Iceland

Boat tours from Stykkishólmur. Best in summer.

Breiðafjörður is one of Iceland's largest and most ecologically important bays, stretching between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords. Its thousands of islands support colonies of seabirds, including puffins and white-tailed eagles, and seals haul out on the rocky shores. Flatey Island preserves a piece of old Icelandic island life, and boat tours run out among the islands.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Sea conditions in Breiðafjörður can change quickly; check weather and sea forecasts before boat tours.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Birdwatching + islands

Puffins, white-tailed eagles, and thousands of islands to explore.

Access

Boat from Stykkishólmur

Tours and the Baldur ferry depart from Stykkishólmur harbor.

Pro tip

Visit Flatey Island

Stop off the Baldur ferry for a few hours on the island.

What to Expect at Breiðafjörður

Thousands of islands with rich birdlife and marine mammals
Boat tours with opportunities to see puffins and eagles
Flatey Island with its historic buildings
Viking sushi boat tours where you taste fresh-caught seafood on board
White-tailed eagle sightings (Iceland's largest bird of prey)
Intertidal zones at low tide with starfish, sea urchins, and kelp among the islets

Nearby Attractions

Stykkishólmur town with colorful houses and harbor
Snæfellsjökull National Park on the peninsula tip
Westfjords via the Baldur ferry from Brjánslækur
Helgafell holy mountain with panoramic views near Stykkishólmur
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, which covers traditional fermented shark

How to Get to Breiðafjörður

Stykkishólmur is the main gateway, about 2 hours from Reykjavik
Baldur ferry connects Stykkishólmur to Flatey and Brjánslækur
Several boat tour operators depart from Stykkishólmur harbor
Coastal viewpoints accessible by car along the Snæfellsnes coast

Best Time to Visit Breiðafjörður

June–August: Best for puffins, boat tours, and Flatey Island visits
May: Seal pupping season along the shorelines
Summer midnight sun allows extended evening wildlife viewing
Winter: Fewer tours, but a chance of northern lights

Planning help

Breiðafjörður FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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