Flatey – Island Nature and Cultural Heritage

Flatey is the largest of the islands in Breiðafjörður and the only island there inhabited year-round. A stay combines a settled place with a clearly defined island landscape, diverse coastal birdlife, and historic buildings. If you are looking for hotels in Flatey, you can first consider whether nature, architectural history, or a combination of both suits your trip.

Island Landscape and Nature

Flatey is about 1,850 metres long and about 400 metres wide at its widest point. A ridge 10–12 metres high runs through its middle. The length, greatest width, and ridge describe different features of the island and give an idea of its extent. The island’s length is considerably greater than its greatest width.

Under Act No. 54/1995, Flatey is part of the Breiðafjörður protected area. Reykhólahreppur’s master plan for 2006–2018 also designated the village of Flatey and its surroundings as a local protected area. The coastal area north and east of the village is home to diverse birdlife. The protected landscape and the coast with its birdlife are therefore both natural features you can take into account when planning your trip.

Buildings and Cultural History

Flateyjarkirkja was built in 1926. Baltasar Samper painted the pictures in the church’s vaulted ceiling and its altarpiece. This places the building in a historical context and highlights specific details of its artistic design.

Bókhlaða, also known as Bókhús, was built in 1864 and is described as Iceland’s oldest book house. On 2 April 1975, the Minister of Education assigned it to protection class A under Articles 26 and 27 of Iceland’s Heritage Protection Act No. 52/1969. Its description as the oldest book house and its dated assignment to protection class A are distinct aspects: one characterizes the building, while the other records a formal heritage protection classification.

Trade and Shipping

The history of the village extends beyond individual buildings. In 1777, Flatey was approved as a legally recognized trading post. In 1833, Guðmundur Scheving built Silfurgarður to protect schooners and other ships in the bays from the sea during westerly winds. This made the bay a completely safe harbour. Trading status and harbour protection represent different aspects of Flatey’s history: legal recognition as a trading post on the one hand, and protection for shipping on the other.

Ferry Service for Trip Planning

The Baldur ferry operates between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur and stops at Flatey for passengers and freight. As schedules vary, check departures for your travel date and include the connection in your stay plans.

Discover more destinations: Geysir, Thorlakshöfn, Reykholt, Skaftafell.

Go to the main travel overview: Iceland.