Hrísey: Birdlife, Coast and Island Trails

There are several ways to plan a day trip to Hrísey: birdwatching, distinctive coastal formations, walking trails and individual cultural sites. The Sævar ferry connects Hrísey with Árskógssandur; the crossing takes about 15 minutes. As schedules can change, check the current timetable before travelling.

Birdlife and coastal scenery

About 40 bird species breed in Hrísey; this is an approximate figure and may vary depending on the survey and the time of year. A birdwatching hut beside the pond Lambhagatjörn offers a place to observe ducks and wading birds. This gives you a broad view of the island’s breeding birds, with a particular focus on these two groups at the pond.

The east coast has a steep landscape shaped by high cliffs, striking cliff formations and skerries. From Borgarbrík, you can look across the fjord to Látraströnd on the opposite shore. The west and south coasts, by contrast, provide access to beaches and the shoreline; near the village, there are sandy beaches suitable for sea swimming. This gives you two different coastal highlights to choose from: cliff views in the east and beaches in the west and south. Beach conditions vary with the season and weather.

Walking trails and access

The Green Trail is a 4.1 km circular route, with a stated duration of at least one hour. The Red Route leads south to the Energy Source, passes through a protected woodland area and goes by the historic settlement farm Hvatastaðir. The routes offer different highlights: the Green Trail has a specified circular route, length and minimum duration, while the woodland and historic sites shape the described course of the Red Route. If you want to make your choice based on a stated duration and distance, the Green Trail offers a concrete guide; on the Red Route, the named places and landscape features are the key points of reference.

The northern part of Hrísey is also important to keep in mind when planning: it is privately owned and is a protected area for eider ducks. You can visit only as part of an organised tour or with the landowners’ permission. If you plan to visit the north, arrange a tour or permission before your visit.

Culture and activities

Hús Hákarla Jörundar is the oldest house in Hrísey. Yggdrasil is an outdoor artwork unveiled in 1998. The house and outdoor artwork offer different cultural highlights, complementing the themes of birdlife, coast and trails.

The swimming pool in Hrísey has a children’s pool, a hot tub, an infrared room and a steam bath. Facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit. The disc golf course has nine baskets and two tee pads on each hole. The course layout and available equipment may also change.

The annual family festival in Hrísey takes place in July. The programme includes family-friendly events such as music, a bonfire, art exhibitions and mystery tours. Dates and programme vary, so check the announced dates for the year of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Siglufjörður, Lundarbrekka, Húsavík, Mývatn, Ólafsfjörður, Dalvík, Háls, Grenivík

For the regional travel overview: Norðurland Eystra.