Flatey Ferry

Flatey Ferry Port

Just off the fractured southern coast of the large Westfjords peninsula of Iceland, in a wide ocean inlet known as Breiðafjörður, is the small island of Flatey. Meaning “flat island” in Icelandic due to its gentle, hill-less landscape, Flatey is the only inhabited landmass among the forty that speckle the surrounding sea. Only one village can be found on the isle, a tiny community of colourfully painted houses that sit upon the emerald-green meadows covering the width and breadth of the region.

Flatey has a unique seafaring history. Buildings in the village date back to the early 19th century and the preserved remains of old fishing huts and docks still exist along the coast. These architectural delights, protected by the Heritage Act of Iceland, offer an insight into the livelihoods of past inhabitants and form part of the island’s twee personality.

Flatey port is found on the southern-most tip of the island. It consists of little more than a small marina and a couple of concrete piers that protrude from a rocky sea-wall. The ferry terminal here, locally known as the Baldur terminal, is located at the entrance to the longest of the two piers. There are no facilities at the harbour save for a small short-stay car-park and a passenger waiting area.

Just one ferry operator currently offers routes from Flatey. A Seatours line sails a limited number of times throughout the week to the port of Brjanslaekur on the mainland of Iceland, a short journey that takes passengers out from the island bay before heading north across an inlet of the North Atlantic Ocean.