Málmey
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Málmey

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TypeIsland
InhabitedNo

Málmey is an uninhabited island off the northern coast of Iceland, one of the three islands in the Skagafjörður bay, along with Drangey and Lundey. It is located on the east side of the bay. Málmey is a long and narrow island, about 4 km long and about 1 km wide, and it is narrower at both the northern and southern ends. It is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, and it reaches an elevation of 156 m above sea level in its northern part.

On the southeast of the island there is a lighthouse which was built in 1937. The island was inhabited until 1950, when a fire destroyed the farm which housed 14 people, and it has remained uninhabited since. Málmey is now property of the Lighthouse and Port authority of Iceland, and is only accessible by boat.

Málmey is mentioned in the Sturlunga saga as the place where, in 1221, the bishop Guðmundur Arason flees to escape Tumi Sighvatsson and his men, who threatened to kill him. Guðmundur left the island on Easter day, after his followers had killed Tumi Sighvatsson.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A1lmey

The place can form part of a wider journey through North Iceland, making it easy to combine the visit with other destinations in the region.

Accessible
Boat required
Bird nesting area
Sea cliffs

Geology

Málmey is a rocky island in Skagafjörður where marine erosion has shaped steep cliffs and coastline.

Nature

The island is characterised by grassy terrain, sea cliffs and birdlife.

Best season

Summer

Visit tips

Access to Málmey is by sea and landing conditions depend on the weather and sea state. Take particular care not to disturb nesting birds.

Last verified 16 September 2026

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Málmey

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