A tiny island at the entrance to Skagafjörður in north Iceland, uninhabited Drangey is an ancient, flat-topped volcanic rock that rises sharply from the sea. Cliffs of up to 180 m (590 ft) soar out of the steely waters providing a nesting site for puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes. This half-day excursion takes you out to the island for a steep climb to its summit. Along the way, hear about Icelandic sagas and how the island became a hideout for bandits, get some incredible views of the fjord, and see some of the massive colonies of seabirds that make the rocky islet their home.
Your tour begins in Sauðárkrókur marina, where you’ll meet your skipper, guide and the small group you’ll be joining. Set off by boat and as you approach the island, its sheer cliffs and impressive height become even more apparent.
As you get close to the island, you’ll start to see a whirl of activity surrounding the rock as birds swoop and dive in the vicinity. At first glance, the island looks completely inaccessible, but as the boat rounds the corner, you’ll see a small, makeshift jetty and a steep path winding up the rock. Disembark here with your guide, while the captain remains with the boat.
Here, the air is full of the screeches and wails of the thousands of birds which sit in every pocket of the cliffs and rocks and swirl overhead. The path leads over the rocks and onto more sure footing, onto a narrow path which leads steeply upwards to a flat platform overlooking a different bay.
From here the path clings to the cliff edge then ascends a metal ladder, to gain access to the rolling meadow above. This feels like an entirely new island, vastly different from the sheer cliffs below. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for tea or coffee in a small hut built by your guide’s family, while he regales you with local tales from the Icelandic sagas before leading you on a walk to the island’s best viewpoints.
Grettir the Strong, an outlaw and hero of the sagas, lived on the island for three years with his brother Illugi until their enemies finally caught up with them. You’ll see several spots associated with the saga, hear about how the island has been used by farmers and egg collectors, and learn about the migratory patterns of the birds who nest here. The island provides nesting space for thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmar, shearwaters and gyrfalcons.
After time to fully explore the island, make the steep descent back down to the boat and return to the mainland.
The tour takes about four hours and with the steep ascents and descents is only suitable with those with a reasonable level of fitness. We don’t recommend it if you have a fear of heights as the cliffs plummet into the sea, and at times, there is only a rope or ladder to hold on to.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Iceland specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Family rafting
North Iceland’s West Glacial River runs through a steep, stony canyon in the heart of the wilderness and plays host to family-friendly rafting trips with slow-moving water for swimming, rapids for exhilaration and the chance to brew hot chocolate in a natural spring.
Geosea geothermal baths
Take part in an Icelandic tradition and relax in the Geosea Geothermal Baths just outside Húsavík and enjoy the sleek design, balmy waters and views as far as the Arctic Circle. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales.
Hauganes whale watching & sea angling
One of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, Hauganes is the jumping-off point for boat trips around Eyjafjörður, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot humpback whales and possibly minke whales, white-beaked and bottlenose dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
Small group tour to Dettifoss Waterfall
This half-day, small-group tour takes in three Icelandic waterfalls, including the thundering cascade of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and the more peaceful Selfoss waterfall. Along the way, you’ll learn about Iceland’s geology and the myths and traditions surrounding the falls.
Varmahlíð horse riding
Ride out into the Icelandic countryside on a one-hour ride that offers the chance to experience the country’s distinct breed of horses known for their gentle nature, sure-footedness and unusual additional gaits not seen in other breeds.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
