Rank
2nd Largest
Hrísey is Iceland's second-largest offshore island, approximately 7.5 km long and 2.5 km wide.
Hrísey: Island Village in Eyjafjörður
Iceland's second-largest island, known as the "Pearl of Eyjafjörður": green meadows, ptarmigan habitat, and quiet village life in north Iceland's longest fjord.
Location
Eyjafjörður, North Iceland
A 15-minute ferry ride from Árskógssandur near Akureyri.
Quick Answer
Hrísey is Iceland's second-largest island, set in Eyjafjörður with a small village and protected ptarmigan habitat. The ferry from Árskógssandur takes about 15 minutes.
Hrísey sits in the middle of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, about 35 km north of Akureyri. At roughly 7.5 km long and 2.5 km wide, it is Iceland's second-largest offshore island (after Heimaey). The small village of about 150 people is centred on a pretty harbour, and the rest of the island is open grassland and low hills. Without foxes or mink, Hrísey has become one of Iceland's most important ptarmigan habitats, and birdwatchers visit year-round.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
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Official sources to check
Nearby
Akureyri
The Capital of the North is just 35 km south, so Hrísey works as an easy day trip.
Wildlife
Ptarmigan
One of Iceland's best habitats for the rock ptarmigan, the country's only native game bird.
What to Expect
Village Walk
Stroll through the compact village with its painted houses, small harbour, and the Hrísey Church. A tractor-pulled hay wagon tour circles the island in summer.
Ptarmigan Spotting
Without natural predators, ptarmigan thrive here. They are visible year-round but present in winter, when their plumage is white.
Birdwatching
Besides ptarmigan, the island hosts Arctic terns, eider ducks, oystercatchers, and other species, all helped by the lack of predators.
Hiking Trails
Walking paths lead across the island's grassy hills with panoramic views of Eyjafjörður, the mountains on both shores, and the open ocean to the north.
Swimming Pool
The island's outdoor geothermal swimming pool looks out over the fjord, a good place to soak after walking the trails.
Quarantine History
Hrísey once served as a quarantine station for sick livestock, and later a herring processing centre. The old quarantine house has been restored.
Getting There
Sævar departs from Árskógssandur, approximately 35 km from Akureyri via Routes 1, 82 and 808. Plan a passenger crossing and explore on foot; do not assume the booking includes transport for a car. Select a return sailing before setting out on the island’s paths.
Best Time to Visit
Summer offers long days for walking; check the ferry timetable for your dates. The tractor tour and most visitor services operate in summer. Spring and autumn are quieter but good for birdwatching. Winter suits ptarmigan spotting and northern lights, though daylight is limited and some services may be closed.
Plan a walk that fits the return ferry
Sævar’s official booking page requires arrival at least 15 minutes before departure. The municipal transport guide says the first and last weekend departures need advance booking. Build that check-in time into the return from your walk.
The municipal island guide lists four marked trails, ranging from 2.3 to 5 km, with approximate walking times of 1–2.5 hours. The northern nature reserve is privately owned: permission is required to pass through it. Choose a marked route that fits your time rather than assuming the whole island is open to unrestricted wandering.
Arriving by bus adds another step. The transport guide says the Akureyri bus stops outside Árskógssandur, leaving about a 2 km walk to the ferry harbor. Check the bus and ferry times together, allowing for that walk and Sævar’s check-in deadline.
Planning help
Hrísey FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do I get to Hrísey?
Sævar carries passengers between Árskógssandur and Hrísey year-round. Allow about 15 minutes for the crossing and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Check the dated sailing schedule and reserve the first or last weekend sailing in advance.
Why is Hrísey called the Pearl of Eyjafjörður?
The nickname 'Pearl of Eyjafjörður' comes from the island's green meadows, peaceful village, mountain backdrop, and rich birdlife. It is a popular retreat from nearby Akureyri and has a long history as a fishing and quarantine station.
What is special about ptarmigan on Hrísey?
Hrísey is one of Iceland's most important habitats for the rock ptarmigan (rjúpa), a resident bird associated with the island. The island has no foxes or mink, so it is a safe breeding ground. Ptarmigan are visible year-round and are present in winter as well as summer.
How long should I spend on Hrísey?
A half-day visit is enough to walk the village, see the church, and enjoy the birdlife. For a more relaxed visit, spend a full day or stay overnight in one of the guesthouses to enjoy the evening tranquillity and morning light on the fjord.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.