Drangey Island
About Drangey Island
Drangey is a sheer-sided island of volcanic tuff in the middle of Skagafjörður, North Iceland, rising about 180 meters straight out of the sea. Its flat green top and vertical cliffs make it the landmark of the fjord, visible from Sauðárkrókur, Hofsós and the hot pool at Grettislaug.
The island is best known from Grettis saga. The outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson lived on Drangey with his brother Illugi for three years before his enemies finally killed him there. According to the saga, Grettir once swam about 7 kilometers from the island to the shore at Reykir to fetch fire, and warmed up afterward in the spring now called Grettislaug.
In summer the cliffs are packed with nesting seabirds, among them puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars. For centuries local people rowed out to collect eggs and catch birds here, and that harvest played a big part in the history of the region. There is only one landing place on the island, a small harbor below the cliffs.
The only way to visit Drangey is on a guided boat tour from Sauðárkrókur marina. Tours run daily from June 1 to August 20, leave at 9:30 and take about four hours, including the crossing and a guided climb up a steep man-made path along the cliffs. If you would rather not climb, you can stay down by the landing and watch the birds from there.
For the climb, wear sturdy boots and bring warm layers, since it is windy on top even in July. Sauðárkrókur is about 2 hours by car from Akureyri. If you cannot join a tour, the best views of Drangey from land are from Grettislaug and from the pool at Hofsós across the fjord.
Good to know
Where is Drangey Island?
Drangey stands out in Skagafjörður in North Iceland, north of Sauðárkrókur and west of Hofsós. It is clearly visible from the shore at Grettislaug on the Reykjaströnd coast.
How do you get to Drangey?
The only way to visit is on a guided boat tour from Sauðárkrókur marina. Tours run daily from June 1 to August 20 and depart at 9:30.
How long is the Drangey boat tour?
The tour takes about four hours, including the boat ride and a guided climb to the top of the island. You can stay at the landing if you prefer not to climb.
Can you see puffins on Drangey?
Yes, puffins nest on Drangey in summer along with guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars. June and July are the best months for seabirds on the cliffs.
How high is Drangey?
Drangey rises about 180 meters out of the sea. The cliffs are almost vertical on every side, and the top is a flat grassy plateau.
What is the story of Grettir and Drangey?
In Grettis saga, the outlaw Grettir the Strong lived on Drangey for three years with his brother Illugi before being killed there. He is said to have swum from the island to Reykir, where the Grettislaug hot pool is named after him.
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