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Where to see puffins in Iceland | Best locations
The puffins known in English as puffins They are the most famous and photogenic birds in Iceland, a true icon of the countryIn this article about where to see puffins in Iceland we tell you where they are the largest colonies and what months they inhabit them so that you can see them very closely during your trip around the country.
They are also really fascinating birds, if you want to know why I recommend reading here 15 curiosities about puffins. You're going to be amazed!
When There are puffins in Iceland
Puffins visit Iceland every year between the months of May and the end of August. Although the best months to see them are June, July and early August, during the nesting season.
Throughout these months the population of the colonies of these small birds number in the hundreds of thousands. More than 50% of the world's puffins come to nest in Iceland every summer!
In June you can see lots of puffins around the nests, in July the eggs hatch and it is very common to see puffins carry fish in their beaks to the nest, one of the most iconic images of Iceland and in August it is possible to see the chicks taking their first flights.
▶ The ultimate route through Iceland «Ring Road in 10 days»
Where see puffins in Iceland
Borgarfjörur Eystri – The best point to see puffins in Iceland
In the east of Iceland lies the remote village of Borgarfjörđur Eystri, one of the Best little-known places in Iceland. Here is a rock full of puffin nests and wooden walkways have been built to minimize disturbance and avoid damaging the nests. there is an observation booth to take shelter if the weather is bad. Thanks to the walkways, you can see the puffins up close. Remember, you're in their home. be quiet and don't bother them.
To get to this point you have to drive to Egilsstadir and there take the detour to la carHighway 94 towards Borgarfjörđur Eystri, located about 70 km away. Once there, you have to continue driving towards the port until you reach the parking lot.
In the town you can also visit the curious Lindarbakki sod house, an example of the old Icelandic building style. And Álfaborg, which translates as city of the elvesThere is a legend that tells how the Elf Queen lived there., POr if you didn't know, in Iceland there are many legends related to these mythological beings. Don't forget to go up and see the views.
▶ Read our Guide to Eastern Iceland. You won't find any more complete!
Westman Islands
The Vestman Islands are a group of 15 islands located south of Iceland and Home to the largest colony of puffins in the world.
These islands can be reached by plane from the domestic airport of Reykjavík or by 35 minute ferry from the port of Landeyjahöfn. The ferry price is 2000 ISK and can be booked online here.
Both the ferry and the plane arrive at the island of Heimaey, the only inhabited. To the south of this island is the Stórhöfði peninsula, inhabited by millions of puffins during the summer. Before reaching the lighthouse, there is a path to the right with a wooden door that leads to a hut on the edge of the cliffs from where you can observe them sheltered from the wind.
Látrabjarg Cliffs
It is a series of cliffs 14 kilometers long located in the westfjords. Is place westernmost of Iceland and a favourite nesting spot for many types of birds. Puffins are clumsy out of water so they prefer the grass on the tops of the cliffs rather than the rocks.
The westfjords It is not usually on the plans of most tourists, so when you get here you can enjoy Icelandic nature without too many tourists around you.
This remote spot can be reached by the carTake route 62 from Flókalundur and turn onto route 612 when you reach Patreksfjörður. From here it becomes an unpaved road until you reach the Bjargtangar lighthouse. This point is a great place to see puffins in Iceland.
Lundey, place to see puffins in Iceland near Reykjavík
The comfort zone of puffins seems to be hard-to-reach places such ascarThey are surrounded by cliffs or small islands, which makes them relatively difficult birds to see. But not all of these places are remote and difficult to access, There is one next to Reykjavík!
Excursions depart from the port of Reykjavík to Lundey Island just 15 minutes from the city. Lundey is an uninhabited island that serves as a refuge for puffins and many other seabirds.
This short excursion lasts only one hour and it is a perfect option if you don't have much time or you haven't been able to visit other puffin watching spots and you don't want to leave Iceland without seeing them.
See puffins from a boat
One of the most famous activities in Iceland is whale watching y During these excursions, many seabirds are also seen and the star, of course, are the puffins. It's not uncommon to find them swimming among the waves or diving to fish.car.
It's a perfect opportunity to see puffins in Iceland in their favorite environment, the sea, where they spend most of the year. Watching them take off from the water is really fun, they are very ducklings starting their flight.
Map: Sightings of puffins in Iceland
The four places above are our selection of the best places to see puffins in Iceland, in addition to seeing them in the sea, but not the only ones. Around the island there are other nesting points so we have created this map so you can tubercareasily find puffins in Iceland during your trip.
We hope that our guide on where to see puffins in Iceland has been useful to you in organizing your trip. If you have any questions, write to us and we will be happy to solve them for you. If you would like to know more about our experience living in Iceland You can read other articles or see our featured stories in Instagram.
