Flatey – Island Nature and Local History

Flatey combines a distinctive island character with nature and a rich local history. It is the largest of the islands in Breiðafjörður and the only island in this fjord inhabited year-round. Those considering a trip to Flatey can expect a destination whose landscape offers clear points of reference, alongside its historic buildings and ferry connection.

Island Landscape and Nature in Breiðafjörður

Flatey is about 1,850 metres long and about 400 metres wide at its broadest point. A ridge 10–12 metres high runs through the middle of the island. This elevated ridge gives the elongated island a distinctive centre. Flatey is part of the Breiðafjörður protected area under Act No. 54/1995. Two other forms of protection should be distinguished from this: in 1975, the Bókhlaða was classified as an individual building in protection class A; the village of Flatey and its surroundings, by contrast, were designated a local protected area in Reykhólahreppur’s master plan for 2006–2018. These designations therefore apply at different spatial levels.

The birdlife also offers a distinctive connection with nature: the coastal area north and east of Flatey village is home to a diverse range of birds. If you would like to include nature and local history in your travel interests, you can consider this coastal area a special feature of Flatey.

Church, Book House and Protection Status

Flateyjarkirkja was built in 1926. Baltasar Samper painted the images in the church vault and its altarpiece. For those interested in cultural history, this brings together a specific period of construction and works attributed to a named artist. The church is therefore a tangible point of reference if you would like to explore the history and art of Flatey.

Another historic building is the Bókhlaða, also known as Bókhús. It was built in 1864 and is described as Iceland’s oldest book house. On 2 April 1975, the Minister of Education classified it in protection class A under Articles 26 and 27 of Iceland’s Heritage Protection Act No. 52/1969.

The village of Flatey and its surroundings also have a time-specific protected-area designation: they were designated a local protected area in Reykhólahreppur’s master plan for 2006–2018.

Trade History and Shipping

Flatey was granted legal trading-post status in 1777. Another part of the island’s history is Silfurgarður: Guðmundur Scheving built it in 1833 to protect schooners and other ships in the bays from the sea during westerly winds. This made the bay a completely safe harbour. Trade and the protection of ships give Flatey’s history a maritime dimension, distinct from the architectural and artistic histories of Flateyjarkirkja and the Bókhlaða.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Destination

The Baldur ferry operates between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur and calls at Flatey for passengers and freight. This ferry connection is useful to know about when planning a stay on the island. When looking for a holiday apartment or house, you can consider whether Flatey as an island destination suits your travel interests.

More destinations: Geysir, Skaftafell, Thorlakshöfn, Reykholt.

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