Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/valleys/flateyjardalur Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Flateyjardalur: Deserted Wilderness Valley in Northeast Iceland Flateyjardalur Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() A remote valley on the Flateyjarskagi peninsula. Runs north toward Skjálfandi Bay. Uninhabited and rarely visited. Suited to long self-sufficient hikes, with good berry picking in late summer. Region Northeast Iceland Best time: July to August ## Quick Answer Flateyjardalur runs north from Fnjóskadalur toward Skjálfandi Bay. Understand its seasonal houses, limited communications and the planning needed for remote access. Flateyjardalur is one of Iceland's most remote valleys: a remote valley on the Flateyjarskagi peninsula. Once home to scattered farms, permanent habitation ended in 1953, while some houses remain in seasonal use. Visit Mývatn describes short seasonal 4WD access and unreliable phone reception. In late summer, wild berries cover the valley floor. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 ⚠️ Flateyjardalur has NO services, NO phone signal, and NO emergency facilities. Always inform someone of your plans. Carry all supplies including food, water, and first aid. This valley is for experienced, self-sufficient hikers only. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Road conditions]() - [Weather (IMO)]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Valley Length Remote valley Long deserted valley running north-to-south toward Skjálfandi Bay Status Uninhabited No permanent residents since 1953; some seasonal houses Safety Remote No services and limited and unreliable phone reception; experienced hikers only Best Season Jul–Aug Short summer window for hiking and berry picking History Deserted 1950s The last permanent residents left in the 1950s due to harsh conditions and isolation Birdlife Seabird Cliffs Coastal cliffs at the valley mouth host large seabird colonies in summer ## Key Highlights ### True Wilderness Remote valley with seasonal houses and limited communications ### Remote Hiking Plan a named walking route with a confirmed return arrangement ### Berry Picking Wild blueberries and crowberries in late August and September ### Skjálfandi Bay Views Northern end of the valley opens toward the bay known for whale watching ### Abandoned Farmsteads Ruins of farms left behind during Iceland's rural depopulation ### Flateyjarskagi Peninsula One of Iceland's least-visited peninsulas, between Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi ## How to Get There - The valley extends north from Fnjóskadalur toward Skjálfandi Bay - Ask locally for the exact approach and the current track conditions - Visit Mývatn describes short summer access requiring 4WD - Carry supplies and arrange a return plan before leaving reliable communications - Seasonal houses are not public shelters ## Best Time to Visit - Summer access is brief and depends on current conditions - A valley traverse needs a measured route and an independent return plan - September: Possible but days shorten quickly and road may deteriorate - October-May: Valley road may be impassable due to snow and poor conditions - Late June: Wildflowers and migratory birds in the valley's wetland areas ## Deserted does not mean without a history [Visit Mývatn]() records permanent habitation until 1953 and three surviving concrete houses built in the late 1920s, now used in summer. The valley takes its name from Flatey offshore. Respect the houses and any access notices; these are traces of a settled landscape rather than visitor shelters. The same source describes short seasonal access requiring 4WD and weak, unstable phone reception. Confirm the approach, conditions and return plan locally before leaving Fnjóskadalur. A broad description of a valley is not enough to establish a safe one-day traverse. Planning help ## Flateyjardalur FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **Is Flateyjardalur really uninhabited?** Permanent habitation ended in 1953, according to Visit Mývatn. It records three concrete houses from the late1920s that are used seasonally. The absence of permanent residents does not make houses or surrounding land open to visitors. **What hiking is available in Flateyjardalur?** The valley offers remote walking, but a measured route with a verified start, finish and return arrangement has not been established here. Obtain a current local route description instead of treating a valley length as the distance of a marked trail. **When is the best time for berry picking?** Late August and early September are prime berry-picking season in Flateyjardalur. The valley floor supports blueberries (bilberries) and crowberries. The lack of human activity means the berry patches are abundant and undisturbed. **What safety precautions should I take?** Flateyjardalur is extremely remote with no services, limited and unreliable phone reception, and no emergency facilities. Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Carry all food, water, first aid, and navigation equipment. Be prepared for sudden weather changes. This is not a valley for inexperienced hikers. **How do I reach Flateyjardalur?** Visit Mývatn places the valley north of Fnjóskadalur and describes a short summer access season requiring 4WD. Confirm the exact approach and current track conditions locally; no car-to-coast itinerary is verified here. [Back to Valleys]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().