Such an incredible location has inspired local folk tales of magic and mythical creatures. These amazing cliffs are 14 kilometers long and 400 meters high. You can hear their cries and the flapping of their wings from quite a distance! The cliffs are pulsating with the energy of millions of birds. It is also a wonderful place to see white-tailed eagles, auks, razorbills, guillemots, and northern gannets. Latrabjarg is one of the best places to see puffins in the whole of Iceland. It is also home to the longest cliffs in the European community, making it a spectacular location to get close and personal with Iceland’s puffins. The West of Iceland is famous for its black sand beaches and magnificent lava caves. Where to see Puffins in the West of Iceland This is also a great option for people hoping to bring cars or caravans.
It is possible to get to the Westman Islands via a 20-minute flight from Reykjavik airport.įor those who are hoping to reduce their carbon footprint, it is also possible to reach the islands via ferry from Vestmannaeyjar.
These Irish slaves were locally known as the ‘west men’, hence the islands’ name. Some of the first settlers of the islands were Irish slaves who killed and escaped their owner on the South Coast of Iceland. There are over 14 small islands in the Westmann archipelago, but only the biggest of these (Heimaey) is currently inhabited. There are so many puffins in fact, that local children can often be found helping the inexperienced fledglings find their way back to the coast during the summer months. Over 30 different species can be found here, including puffins of course! The Westman Islands are a total paradise for birds. The Westman islands or ‘Vestmannaeyjar’ are actually off the South Coast of Iceland. Once on the headland, the walk is much easier! The Westman Islandsĭon’t be fooled by the name. Insider tip: The beginning of the walk is quite steep, so it’s not suitable for people that aren’t reasonably fit and healthy. The meeting point is right between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, so there’s plenty to do after your tour!Īfter 6 km in the hay cart, there is a 1-2 hour walk to get to the puffins. This is a private nature reserve, so you need to go with the guided tour.Īfter arriving at the meeting point, you will jump into an old cart pulled by a tractor.
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How to get to Ingólfshöfði Cape and Nature Reserve. Back in 874 AD, Ingólfur Arnarson survived his first harsh winter on the same land that you will walk across! What’s more, Ingólfshöfði Cape was once home to the first-ever settler of Iceland. The grassy headland is home to thousands of seabirds, as well as saltwater ducks which feed on the rich plant life in the area. They are more suited to offroad vehicles and tractors.Īlthough it is more difficult to access, this has helped preserve the cape in all its natural beauty. This is because the tracks that lead up to the headline are not suitable for a 2 wheel drive. You can also see puffins at the nearby Ingólfshöfði Cape and Nature Reserve.įor this particular location, you should go on a guided tour. If you are thinking of visiting Skaftafell, it is a great place to stop off along the way. It takes around 3 hours to drive there from Reykjavik, near the small village of Vik. This puffin watching location is much closer to the capital than the Western locations that we mentioned. Insider Tip: Don’t forget your bathing suit along with you, as there are also plenty of hot springs in the area. You will find that there is less variety in birdlife at the rock arch, which is almost exclusively made up of puffins. These amazing hexagonal basalt columns were formed by rapidly cooling lava after an ancient volcanic eruption.Īs well as getting close to the puffin colony, you will enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers and volcanoes that formed this remarkable landscape. It is still possible to see the colorful birds, but you can’t walk all the way up to the edge.ĭyrholaey Rock Arch has some rare hexagonal rock formations that look they can’t possibly be natural. In the summer, access to the bridge is limited to protect the puffins. The rock bridge is 120 meters high and juts out over the ocean, a perfect door has been weathered into the cliff face by the action of the sea. Dyrholaey Rock Archĭyrholaey Rock Arch is a very unique destination. They are also located right by the Ring Road, which makes them easier to access in a rental a car. These locations are closer to Reykjavik than those in the West, North, and East. There are lots of different places to see Puffins in the South of Iceland. Where to see Puffins in the South of Iceland
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