Hrísey: Birdlife, Coastlines and Trails

Hrísey is an island destination for holiday days spent birdwatching, enjoying coastal scenery and taking part in activities together. The Sævar ferry connects Hrísey with Árskógssandur; the crossing takes about 15 minutes. On the island, steep cliffs and skerries meet beaches along other stretches of coast. The range of experiences also extends from quiet nature observation to swimming and disc golf.

Coastlines with contrasting character

Hrísey’s east coast is steep. High cliffs, striking cliff formations and skerries define this stretch. Borgarbrík is also on the east coast: from its impressive cliffs, you can look across the fjord to Látraströnd on the opposite shore. If you enjoy getting to know coastal scenery from different sides, the west and south coasts have a different character. There is access to beaches and the shoreline; near the village are sandy beaches suitable for swimming in the sea.

Birdwatching and respecting protected areas

About 40 bird species breed on Hrísey. Beside the pond Lambhagatjörn is a birdwatching shelter where you can observe ducks and wading birds. The north of the island is privately owned and is also a protected area for eider ducks. Visits to this area are possible only as part of organised tours or with the landowners’ permission. If birdwatching is one of your holiday interests, this restriction is an important part of finding your way around the island.

Trails for an active day on the island

The Green Trail is a 4.1 km circular route and takes at least one hour. The Red Route passes the historic settlement farm Hvatastaðir. In the south of Hrísey, it leads to the Energy Source and through a protected woodland. The trails offer different ways to plan a day on foot: on the Green Trail, you know the distance and minimum duration, while the Red Route passes a historic site and runs through a protected woodland.

Activities for shared holiday days

Hrísey’s disc golf course has nine baskets and two tee pads on each hole. The swimming pool has a children’s pool, a hot tub, an infrared room and a steam bath. So, alongside walks and nature observation, games and swimming are also options to consider when planning your holiday.

The annual family festival takes place every July. The programme includes family-friendly events such as music, a bonfire, art exhibitions and mystery tours. When planning your trip, you can consider this July event as a seasonal occasion; the listed events are part of the festival programme.

Culture and choosing a holiday apartment

Hús Hákarla Jörundar is the oldest house on Hrísey. Another notable cultural attraction is Yggdrasil, an outdoor artwork unveiled in 1998. Together with the Red Route’s passage by Hvatastaðir, these give you reason to include history and art in your island plans, as well as the coast and nature.

Tailor your holiday apartment search to what matters to you during your stay on Hrísey.

Discover more destinations

More destinations: Miðgarðar, Dalvík, Hjalteyri, Háls, Grenivík, Hauganes, Siglufjörður, Grenjaðarstaður.

For the broader travel overview: Northeast Iceland.