Puffins, sometimes called the ‘clowns of the sea’, are a familiar sight around Iceland’s coasts in the nesting season. Their colourful beaks and upright posture make them one of the country’s most recognisable birds. Iceland hosts some of the world’s largest puffin colonies, drawing many birdwatchers each year hoping to observe these seabirds up close.
Lundey: Puffin Island near Reykjavík
Lundey, which means ‘Puffin Island’ in Icelandic, lies just off the coast of Reykjavík. This small island supports a dense population of puffins during the summer months, making it a convenient site for sightings without traveling far from the capital. Boat excursions from Reykjavík often include a visit to Lundey, allowing visitors to view the birds in their natural habitat.
Papey: Puffins and history in the East
Located off Iceland’s east coast, Papey Island is notable for both its historical connections and its thriving puffin population. The island’s name references early monks who once lived there, but today its cliffs and grassy slopes are filled with nesting puffins throughout the breeding season. Papey has become a popular destination for those interested in both birdlife and Icelandic history.
Vigur: A Westfjords colony
Vigur Island, situated in the Westfjords, is home to tens of thousands of puffins. Long daylight hours in this remote region allow visitors to observe puffin behaviour, including males and females sharing the responsibilities of egg incubation and raising chicks. The nesting colonies on Vigur create a busy and vibrant atmosphere for those interested in seabirds.
Látrabjarg: Dramatic cliffs and many birds
Látrabjarg, in Iceland’s remote northwest, is one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe. Its steep sides draw crowds of birds, especially puffins, and the site is often recommended for birdwatching and landscape photography. The cliffs are high and exposed, so visitors are advised to be cautious near the edges while enjoying the activity of the colonies below.
Vestmannaeyjar: A sanctuary for puffins
The Vestmannaeyjar, or Westman Islands, are a group of 15 islands off Iceland’s south coast. This archipelago hosts the world’s largest puffin colony, where well over a million birds gather each year to breed. Puffin chicks can occasionally be seen as well, and boat tours are available in the area for those hoping to observe the colonies by sea.