About the Port
Rising abruptly from the waters of Skagafjörður in northern Iceland, Drangey Island is a striking volcanic remnant known for its sheer basalt cliffs and dense colonies of seabirds, including puffins and gannets that nest along its ledges through the warmer months. The uninhabited island has long captured the Icelandic imagination, most notably as a refuge in the medieval Grettis saga, and its dramatic silhouette remains a familiar landmark across the fjord.
Access to Drangey is by small boat, with visitors typically climbing fixed ropes and steel steps along the cliffside to reach the grassy plateau above, where sweeping views open across the fjord and surrounding coastline. There is no pier or town here, so exploration is limited to the island itself and its natural features. Sturdy footwear and a readiness for a modest scramble are worthwhile, as the reward is an unfiltered look at one of Iceland's more untouched coastal landscapes.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Drangey Island.
Climb the Cliffside Route
Ascend the fixed ropes and steel steps carved into the basalt face, a roughly 30-45 minute scramble that gains the island's grassy summit. Sturdy, grippy footwear is essential, as sections can be steep and slick.
Watch the Seabird Colonies
Scan the ledges for puffins, gannets, and guillemots nesting in one of Iceland's densest seabird gatherings, best seen from the plateau's edge in summer months. Bring binoculars for a closer look at the cliffside nests.
Trace the Grettis Saga Ground
Walk the plateau where the outlaw Grettir the Strong is said to have taken refuge, linking the landscape to one of Iceland's most enduring medieval tales. Pause here for panoramic views across Skagafjörður before the return descent.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Drangey Island
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 11, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 14 | $13,860 | |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Voyager | 11 | $11,055 | |
| Jun 30, 2027 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Navigator | 10 | $10,027 | |
| Jul 10, 2027 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Navigator | 10 | $10,764 | |
| Jun 17, 2028 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Navigator | 10 | $10,749 | |
| Jun 22, 2028 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Voyager | 11 | $11,800 | |
| Jun 27, 2028 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Navigator | 11 | $11,800 |