Flatey Á Skjálfanda

North, Iceland
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Flatey literally translates to flat island, which is what it is. The highest point of the island is 22 metres, where a picturesque lighthouse sits in a small area where the cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Nobody lives there all year round, but a few families have cottages and houses on the island. The island is a paradise; only 2.5 kilometres from Flatey Valley, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range and the ocean all around it. The island has a big puffin colony and is a perfect natural oasis full of peace and beauty. On and around the island, 35 species of birds can be seen, as well as wandering whales and dolphins if you are lucky. There are two small harbours, no cars, and everything needs to be brought onto the island. Gentlegiants.is in Húsavík can arrange trips and filming on the island.

Climate

The North Atlantic Ocean has a big impact on the weather in north Iceland, which is usually cold and uncertain. The winters are hard, with temperatures below zero and snow, and the summers are cool, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Rainstorms happen often in the area, and in some coastal places, there may be strong winds.
Data source
Temperature averages

Lighting

The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source

Accessibility

There are no roads to speak off on the island. There are a few wheelers and tractors but otherwise you need to walk various paths between places. Travelling to the island, you need a boat and gentlegiants.is can take you.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Boat required
Off-shore or inaccessible by other vehicles
Bad phone coverage
Poor phone coverage with frequent interruptions
Guide required
Not allowed to visit without a guide

Permits

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You need a permit from the Þingeyjarsveit municipality and from local owners, depending on where you film.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

Basecamp and facilities

As you would have to bring everything with you on a small boat, a small basecamp may be all that you get. There are many options for that as there are grassy fields, sheds and rather large houses on the island. Electricity is created with solar cells and generators. Phone coverage on the island is not very good but there are spots that are better than others.

Risk factors

Depending on where you film. If filming from a boat, you should always follow the safety instructions from the crew and their guidelines. The cliffs near the lighthouse are steep with a drop of 20 meters.The nature on the island is fragile and during hatching season filming is limited.

Visitors

Very few tourists visit the island. Numerous weddings take place there but otherwise there are only puffins and locals on the island.

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