
The Westman islands arcipelago
Island hopping in Iceland
The image of Iceland is predominantly of a fairly large island in the middle of the North-Atlantic ocean. But indeed, it includes thousands of smaller islands all around the coast. Most of them are uninhabited, but a few are settled year-round and life revolves around fishing, farming, and tourism. Each of these islands has its perks and charm, but what they have in common is a flourishing birdlife and a welcoming atmosphere, and all of them are an adventure to visit.
So why not go island hopping in Iceland?
1. Vestmannaeyjar archipelago - The Pompeii of the North

Half-buried houses from the Heimaey eruption in 1973 have been turned into a museum
Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands) is an archipelago of 18 volcanic islands and skerries outside the South Coast of Iceland. The island's history dates back to the time of settlement in Iceland in the 10th Century. The 4300 inhabitants live on the main island of Heimaey (home island), which is also the largest of Iceland's islands, covering 13.4 km2.
The Westman islands hit the world news when an eruption began on Heimaey in 1973 Eldheimar Surtsey UNESCO World Heritage site
You can get to the Westman Islands from Landeyjahöfn harbor with the electric ferry Herjólfur and the boat ride is just 40 minutes. The Westman Islands are packed with services, food and accommodation options, including a local brewery and several restaurants. Various activities are offered on Heimaey
Learn more about The Westman Islands.
2. Flatey island in Breiðafjörður - A step into the past

Flatey island is known for its well kept and colorful old houses and tranquil atmosphere
Flatey West Iceland
Flatey island is also known for its rich birdlife and a part of the island is a nature reserve. The island is one of the few spots in Iceland where the rare red phalarope can be spotted in its summer plumage and therefore a favored stop by birdwatchers. Puffins also nest in Flatey during the summer and line up for photographers on the Lundaklettur (Puffin-cliff) when they are in the mood. Other birds, like the red-necked phalarope and snow buntings, are abundant in Flatey during the breeding season.
You can get to Flatey from Stykkishólmur ferry Baldur The Westfjords Hotel Flatey
3. Hrísey island - The pearl of Eyjafjörður

Hrísey island on a beautiful winter day
Hrísey Arctic Coastway Hrísey ferry
The island is about 7 km long and 2,5 km wide and enveloped by the Eyjafjörður fjord and stunning mountains on each side. Several hiking paths lie around the island with informative signs about the history and nature of the island, so it's the perfect location for a good day hike. Hrísey island is a bird sanctuary with about 40 nesting species, including the island's signature bird, the rock ptarmigan. The flora is also making an interesting return after sheep grazing ceased in 1974.
Hrísey island has been inhabited since Iceland's settlement around 1100 years ago. As a result, many historical relics are found on the island, among them large walls that are a bit of a mystery but thought to date back to the settlement era. Today there are about 150 inhabitants on the island and they all live in the small fishing village of Hrísey.
Amazingly the tiny island hosts two museums, The House of Shark Jörundur Holt
4. Grímsey island - Across the arctic circle

The sculpture Orbis et Globus marks the spot where the Arctic Circle crosses Grímsey island
Grímsey
The island is about 5 km2 in size, with low cliffs and bays on the western sides but tall seacliffs rising on the eastern side. Millions of seabirds nest in those cliffs during the summer, among them the Atlantic puffin in abundance. Grímsey is a perfect spot for puffin lovers and birdwatchers, with many other interesting species among possible sightings. The best time to visit for birdwatching is May-July.
Grímsey island is home to about 100 people that live in a small village near the harbor. They mainly make livelihoods from the rich fishing grounds that surround the islands. The services on the island are a small grocery store, a restaurant, a café, a small souvenir and a handcraft shop. Two guesthouses are also on the island and a campground at the town swimming pool.
A ferry serves Grímsey 3-5 times a week from Dalvík (frequency depends on the season), and you can check out the ferry schedule here
The other option to get to Grímsey is with Norlandair