Papey Island

Papey

East Iceland

Papey sits roughly 6 kilometers off the East Iceland coast and draws visitors for two reasons: one of the region's largest Atlantic puffin colonies, and the oldest wooden church in Iceland, built in 1807. The island covers about 2 square kilometers and rises to 59 meters at its highest point. Its name is Celtic — "friar's island" — reflecting accounts of Irish monks who may have preceded Norse settlers, though archaeological evidence is still uncertain. The last permanent residents left in 1966. Boat tours depart from Djúpivogur on the mainland. The crossing takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and guided walks on the island last about two hours. Seals haul out on skerries nearby and are often visible from the boat. The tour season runs June through August; departures are weather-dependent, so confirm conditions before heading to the dock. Djúpivogur lies on Route 1 in the East Fjords, about 70 kilometers south of Egilsstaðir. For Ring Road travelers passing through East Iceland in summer, the Papey trip is a practical half-day detour with close, unhurried puffin access.

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