Port information & tips for Drangey Island
Drangey Island is a spectacular natural jewel in North Iceland's Skagafjörður and a true paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. The uninhabited rocky island impresses with its majestic, 180 meter high steep cliffs and a mystical atmosphere that is closely interwoven with the legendary Grettis Saga. Highlights include the huge colonies of Atlantic puffins as well as the challenging ascent to the summit plateau, which is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. Cruise ships usually lie at anchor at the Drangey Akkeri anchorage, from where guests transfer directly to the rustic Drangey Landing Place by tender boat. In addition, the nearby port of Sauðárkrókur offers excellent connections thanks to short transfer times and leads visitors directly into the heart of the Icelandic wilderness.
Drangey Island, a majestic rocky island in the middle of the Skagafjörður fjord, is accessible exclusively by boat from the coastal community of Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland. A classic cruise port with multiple terminals does not exist on Drangey itself; instead, the marina in Sauðárkrókur serves as the starting point for boat trips to the island.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically takes place via Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavík, Iceland's main airport. From there, a transfer to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) is required, which is located about 50 kilometers away and can be reached by bus or taxi in 60 to 90 minutes. Afterward, you will take a domestic flight, for example to Akureyri Airport (AEY) in North Iceland, which takes about 45 minutes. Akureyri is the nearest major airport to Sauðárkrókur.
Rental Car & Travel to Sauðárkrókur
From Akureyri, you can easily reach Sauðárkrókur by rental car in about 90 minutes. The route follows well-maintained roads through the picturesque landscape of North Iceland, with Sauðárkrókur located on Route 75 or 76, which branch off from the Ring Road (Route 1). Travelers wishing to drive directly from Reykjavík to Sauðárkrókur should plan for a driving time of about four to five hours. In Sauðárkrókur, free parking is usually available at the marina, the departure point for the Drangey tours.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Local Transfers
Due to the long journey, especially with international flights, an overnight stay in Sauðárkrókur the day before the boat tour is recommended. The town offers charming accommodations such as Hotel Tindastóll or Hótel Mikligarður. Most hotels in Sauðárkrókur are within walking distance of the marina, the starting point for the Drangey tours, allowing for a relaxed start to the day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Drangey Island, a majestic rocky island in the middle of the Skagafjörður fjord, is accessible exclusively by boat from the coastal community of Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland. A classic cruise port with multiple terminals does not exist on Drangey itself; instead, the marina in Sauðárkrókur serves as the starting point for boat trips to the island.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically takes place via Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavík, Iceland's main airport. From there, a transfer to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) is required, which is located about 50 kilometers away and can be reached by bus or taxi in 60 to 90 minutes. Afterward, you will take a domestic flight, for example to Akureyri Airport (AEY) in North Iceland, which takes about 45 minutes. Akureyri is the nearest major airport to Sauðárkrókur.
Rental Car & Travel to Sauðárkrókur
From Akureyri, you can easily reach Sauðárkrókur by rental car in about 90 minutes. The route follows well-maintained roads through the picturesque landscape of North Iceland, with Sauðárkrókur located on Route 75 or 76, which branch off from the Ring Road (Route 1). Travelers wishing to drive directly from Reykjavík to Sauðárkrókur should plan for a driving time of about four to five hours. In Sauðárkrókur, free parking is usually available at the marina, the departure point for the Drangey tours.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Local Transfers
Due to the long journey, especially with international flights, an overnight stay in Sauðárkrókur the day before the boat tour is recommended. The town offers charming accommodations such as Hotel Tindastóll or Hótel Mikligarður. Most hotels in Sauðárkrókur are within walking distance of the marina, the starting point for the Drangey tours, allowing for a relaxed start to the day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The arrival at the majestic rocky island of Drangey is usually straightforward via tender boat directly to the small landing stage at the foot of the cliffs. From here, an impressive natural experience opens up to travelers in one of the most pristine regions of Iceland.
On Foot
Exploring the island is only possible on foot and leads via a paved path and stairs up to the high plateau. The ascent takes about 15 to 20 minutes and rewards hikers with a spectacular view and direct encounters with the Arctic bird life.
Tender Boats and Zodiacs
Since cruise ships anchor in the bay off the island, agile tender boats or stable Zodiacs bring guests safely to the rock. These short trips also allow for initial views of the steep basalt walls and are a comfortable part of the excursion thanks to the experienced crew.
Local Boat Connections
Regular boat tours by local providers connect the island with the mainland, especially with the port of Sauðárkrókur or Reykir. These connections ensure reliable transport and also offer expert guidance by local guides who convey interesting facts about the history of the island.
To experience the fascinating wilderness of Drangey Island at its best, a focus on the impressive cliffs and the historical sites in the picturesque surroundings of Skagafjörður is recommended.
The Cliffs of Drangey
The majestic basalt rocks rise steeply from the North Atlantic and provide a protected home to thousands of puffins and guillemots; moreover, thanks to its connection to the Grettir Saga, the island is a mystical place for nature lovers.
Grettislaug & Reykir
Located directly on the coast opposite the island, the natural thermal baths of Grettislaug invite you to relax while offering a spectacular panoramic view of the fjord and the open sea.
Glaumbær Open-Air Museum
This cultural highlight is easily accessible thanks to its location in the hinterland and fascinates with perfectly preserved turf houses from the 18th century, which provide an authentic insight into historical Icelandic rural life and are ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Bird Paradise and Viking Legends on Drangey
The majestic rocky island of Drangey, in the heart of Skagafjörður, is easily accessible via guided boat tours from Sauðárkrókur or directly from the ship, offering cruise passengers an incomparable natural experience in one of Iceland's largest bird colonies. The secured ascent via the historic path to the summit also allows for fascinating encounters with puffins and opens up a wide panoramic view over the glittering fjord. Thanks to the close connection with the medieval Grettis Saga, a hint of Icelandic history blows here, while the raw beauty of the steep cliffs provides a perfect backdrop for impressive nature photography. Ideally, start your excursion in the early morning to experience the special activity of the bird life, and return to the port relaxed after the approximately three-hour tour to enjoy the rest of the day in peace on board.
The return journey to the port of Sauðárkrókur or the pier for Drangey Island is very stress-free thanks to the clear paths and reliable local providers.
Boats and Tour Ships
The return journey from the island of Drangey takes place with organized tour boats that dock at the pier in Reykir or directly in the port of Sauðárkrókur. Thanks to the captains' fixed scheduling and the short crossing, you will reach your ship safely and on time before departure.
Taxi
Should you be returning from excursion destinations such as the Grettislaug springs, taxis can easily be ordered through the local staff or at local guesthouses like Hotel Tindastóll. The vehicles take you directly to the port area and, thanks to the short distances, allow for a comfortable and timely return.
On Foot
From the city center in Sauðárkrókur, you can enjoy a comfortable ten to fifteen minute walk back to the pier. The path leads along the central Aðalgata and is easy to find at any time thanks to the high visibility of the port and the clear signage in the town.
