Drangey Island - a group of trees next to a body of water
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Drangey Island

4.9
·14 reviews·, Iceland

A legendary, bird-filled rock island accessible by boat, offering a thrilling climb and breathtaking views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for puffins

CrowdMedium
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Drangey Island - a group of trees next to a body of water

Drangey Island

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for puffins

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary, bird-filled rock island accessible by boat, offering a thrilling climb and breathtaking views.

4.9
(14 reviews)

"Truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, worth the journey and the money."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

You'll be climbing ropes and ladders, so wear good hiking boots or shoes with excellent grip.

⬆️ Not for the Faint of Heart

The climb is steep and involves ropes/ladders. If you dislike heights, this might not be for you.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puffin Colony

Puffin Colony

Cliffsides

Witness thousands of adorable puffins nesting on the island's dramatic cliffs. A true wildlife spectacle!

The Outlaw's Refuge

The Outlaw's Refuge

Island interior

Explore the legendary former hideout of Iceland's most notorious outlaw, Grettir the Strong.

Spectacular Island Views

Spectacular Island Views

Summit

Ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Skagafjörður and the Icelandic coastline.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Boat Tour in Advance

Drangey Island is only accessible by boat, and tours are popular, especially during peak season. Booking ahead ensures your spot and avoids disappointment. Consider tours from Sauðárkrókur for a guided experience.

Prepare for an Adventure

Reaching the top involves climbing ropes and ladders, a thrilling but challenging ascent. It's not for those with severe fear of heights or mobility issues. Wear sturdy shoes and be ready for an active exploration.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for puffins
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Drangey island, 📍North Iceland 🇮🇸 Thank you @drangeytours ! • • • • #drangey #icelandreels #mytripmyadventure #islandlove #ísland #travelwithme #girlswhotravel #magicalisland #puffinisland #puffins #icelandicnature #whattodoiniceland #icelandtrip #icelandtips #gowithme #naturereel #naturereels #icelandsecret #hiddengems #girltravel #girltraveler #girltravellife #aestheticreels #comewithme #trave...
hrabba_star
84 likes • 4.3K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

You'll be climbing ropes and ladders, so wear good hiking boots or shoes with excellent grip. Reddit

⬆️ Not for the Faint of Heart

The climb is steep and involves ropes/ladders. If you dislike heights, this might not be for you. Reddit

Exploring the dramatic shoreline of Drangey Island from the sea! Drangey Island (aka Puffin Island) is one of our favorite day trips from Deplar Farm. Video: @rosea26
elevenexperience
143 likes • 4.1K views
Drangey island / Skagafjörður Iceland 2024 #kayak #drangey #iceland #paddling #seakayak #seakayaking #paddlingmixtape #kayaking #kajak #kajakk #kajakki #outdoors #nature #boating #qajaq #lífiðernúna
sveinnelmar
147 likes • 1.8K views

💰 Worth the Splurge

It's a bit pricey, but many visitors find the unique adventure and stunning scenery absolutely worth it. Reddit

🐧 Puffin Season is Prime Time

Visit during summer to see thousands of puffins nesting on the island's cliffs. TikTokInstagram

That time we got to hang with thousands of Puffins on the beautiful Drangey island in Iceland 🥲🐧💞😊 . . . . . . . . . . . #travel #iceland #puffin #puffins #puffinisland #drangey #beautifuldestinations #beauty #oceanviews #drangeyisland #drangeytours
piper101
41 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

You'll be climbing ropes and ladders, so wear good hiking boots or shoes with excellent grip. Reddit

⬆️ Not for the Faint of Heart

The climb is steep and involves ropes/ladders. If you dislike heights, this might not be for you. Reddit

💰 Worth the Splurge

It's a bit pricey, but many visitors find the unique adventure and stunning scenery absolutely worth it. Reddit

🐧 Puffin Season is Prime Time

Visit during summer to see thousands of puffins nesting on the island's cliffs. TikTokInstagram

🛥️ Book Boat Tours Ahead

Tours from Sauðárkrókur are essential for access. Book in advance, especially in peak season. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Drangey Island's unique adventure, stunning natural beauty, and incredible puffin sightings. The challenging climb is a highlight for many, offering a sense of accomplishment and spectacular views. Some find the cost high, and the climb is not for those with a fear of heights.

"We could only admire it from the road, first 75 and then 76, both during the white night and during the day, and each time there were beautiful images. A paradise for birds and the possibility of visiting it (boat tours from Sauðárkrókur)."

Lucca T.

"Drangey is a unique place to visit. An island rock with one way up to get to the top. A former home of Icelands most notorious outlaw. A natural wonder with spectacular view. What more can you ask for if you are looking for an adventure."

Einar Páll Svavarsson

"Best of the best! It's quite expensive but totally worth it."

Svend Nielsen

What People Like

Incredible puffin encounters
Adventurous climb
Spectacular island views

What People Dislike

Expensive tour price
Challenging climb for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Drangey Island is only accessible by boat. The most common way to visit is by taking a guided boat tour from Sauðárkrókur. These tours often include the challenging but rewarding climb up the island. Instagram+1

Yes, Sauðárkrókur is accessible by bus from other major towns in Iceland, though schedules can be infrequent. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching the departure point for Drangey tours. Reddit

While some experienced kayakers do paddle to Drangey, it's a challenging sea kayaking trip due to currents and weather. Guided kayak tours are also available for a safer experience. Instagram

The most popular and recommended way is via a boat tour that includes the climb. This allows you to explore the island's interior and see the puffin colonies up close. Instagram+1

Yes, Drangey Island is a striking sight from the coastal roads (like road 75 and 76) in the Skagafjörður region, offering beautiful views even if you don't visit by boat. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cost can vary depending on the tour operator, but it's generally considered an expensive excursion. However, many visitors find the unique experience and stunning natural beauty to be well worth the price. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your boat tour to Drangey Island in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to secure your spot. Instagram

Tours typically operate during daylight hours throughout the summer season (roughly May to August). It's best to check with specific tour operators for their exact schedules. Instagram

Discounts are not commonly advertised. The tours are often operated by local families, and the price reflects the unique nature of the experience and the support for local communities. Reddit

Tours usually include the boat trip to and from the island, and often guidance for the climb. Some may offer additional insights into the island's history and wildlife. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The ascent involves a steep path with ropes and ladders. It's an adventurous climb that requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights. Reddit

Due to the steep paths and climbing involved, Drangey Island may not be suitable for individuals with a significant fear of heights or mobility issues. Reddit

Drangey is a haven for seabirds, most famously thousands of puffins during the summer months. You might also spot other bird species and seals in the surrounding waters. TikTokInstagram

Wear sturdy, non-slip hiking shoes. Bring layers of clothing as the weather can change quickly, and a waterproof jacket. A camera is a must for the incredible views and wildlife. TikTok

The total excursion, including the boat trip and time spent on the island, usually takes several hours. Check with your tour operator for specific timings. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The puffin colonies on the cliffs, the dramatic sea stacks, the panoramic views from the summit, and the rugged coastline are all prime subjects for photography. TikTokInstagram

It can be challenging to take photos while actively climbing due to the need for secure handholds. It's best to pause at safe spots or wait until you reach the top or a stable plateau. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The midday sun can be harsh. Instagram

Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. It's advisable to check current regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near Drangey Island. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing puffins and other wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive landscapes. Protect your gear from sea spray. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Drangey Island offers an adventurous outing that can be exciting for older children and teenagers. The boat trip itself is an adventure, and the climb up the island, with its ropes and ladders, can be a thrilling challenge. However, it's crucial to assess your children's comfort with heights and their physical capabilities. This is not a destination for very young children or those with a fear of heights. Reddit

Recommendations: Ensure children are supervised closely during the climb. Pack plenty of snacks and water. The highlight for many kids will be spotting the puffins, so bring binoculars if you have them! Consider the tour operator's age recommendations before booking. TikTokInstagram

🧗 Adventure Seekers

For those who crave a bit of adrenaline, Drangey Island delivers. The ascent via ropes and ladders is a unique physical challenge that rewards you with incredible views and a sense of accomplishment. It's a far cry from a typical tourist attraction, offering a raw, natural adventure. Reddit

Tips: Wear your most grippy shoes. Be prepared for a strenuous climb. Embrace the ruggedness of the island – it’s part of the thrill! Consider a sea kayaking tour for an even more adventurous approach to reaching the island. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Drangey Island is a photographer's dream, offering dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The puffin colonies provide incredible close-up opportunities, while the rugged cliffs and expansive ocean vistas offer stunning wide-angle shots. The interplay of light on the sea stacks and the island's unique rock formations is captivating. TikTokInstagram

Gear Advice: A telephoto lens is essential for wildlife. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the sweeping panoramas. Protect your equipment from sea spray and wind. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Grettir the Strong

Drangey Island is steeped in Icelandic saga lore, most famously as the final refuge of Grettir the Strong, one of Iceland's most legendary outlaws. Exiled for his crimes, Grettir spent his last years living on this isolated rock, surviving by his wits and strength. The island's challenging terrain and natural defenses made it an ideal, albeit harsh, hideout. Exploring Drangey offers a tangible connection to these ancient tales, allowing visitors to imagine the life of a saga hero in this dramatic landscape. The local guides often share these stories, bringing the history to life. Reddit

The island's unique ecosystem and historical significance have led to its protection, ensuring that the stories and the natural beauty remain for future generations. The climb itself, with its ropes and ladders, can feel like a journey back in time, mirroring the arduous existence of those who sought refuge here centuries ago. It's a place where history and nature intertwine dramatically. Instagram

A Birder's Paradise: Puffins and More

Drangey Island is a vital breeding ground for a vast array of seabirds, making it an absolute must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts. During the summer months, the cliffs teem with life, most notably the charismatic Atlantic Puffin. Visitors can observe thousands of these charming birds nesting, feeding, and going about their daily lives. The sheer density of the puffin colony is astonishing and provides unparalleled photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Beyond puffins, Drangey is home to other species such as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars. The island's dramatic cliffs offer ideal nesting sites, and the surrounding waters are rich in food. The experience of being surrounded by so much avian activity is truly immersive. Local guides are often knowledgeable about the different species and their behaviors, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit. Instagram

Tips for birdwatching: Bring binoculars for a closer look and a telephoto lens if you're serious about photography. Be mindful of nesting areas and avoid disturbing the birds. The best viewing times are often in the early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active. TikTok

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