east iceland
Papey Island
About Papey Island
Papey lies about 10 kilometres off the southeast coast of Iceland, accessible by summer boat tours from Djúpivogur. The island measures approximately 2 km across and rises to about 58 metres at its highest point. Boat tours typically last around three hours and include a landing on the island, allowing visitors to walk among the puffin colonies and visit the historic Papey lighthouse, built in 1922. Eider ducks, Arctic terns, and various seabirds also nest on the island. Papey was one of Iceland's last permanently inhabited islands, with the final year-round residents leaving in 1966 after centuries of habitation. The ruins of old farmsteads and a small church from 1807 — Iceland's oldest wooden church — remain on the island as reminders of its long human history.
📖 Story
The name Papey — 'Monk's Island' — suggests that Irish or Scottish monks may have settled here before the Norse arrived in Iceland in the 9th century. Historical records mention finding Christian crosses and other monk's artefacts on the island. Today Papey is uninhabited but for a lighthouse keeper's assistant in summer, and the island hosts one of Iceland's largest puffin colonies — tens of thousands of birds nesting in the grassy clifftops during summer months.
✈️ Why Visit
Visit one of Iceland's most historically significant and remote islands, home to tens of thousands of puffins.
💡 Did You Know?
The old Papey church from 1807 is Iceland's oldest surviving wooden church, still standing on the island.
Key Facts
Accessible by summer boat from Djúpivogur
'Papar' — possibly settled by Irish monks before 874
One of Iceland's largest puffin colonies
Oldest wooden church in Iceland (1807)
Last permanent residents left 1966
📍 GPS Location
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