Catching a puffin’s eye‑sparkle at arm’s‑length is one of Iceland’s great joys. Go at the right time, choose sites designed for safe viewing, and give these charismatic seabirds the space they need—you’ll come home with unforgettable memories and photos that make everyone smile.
May 25, 2022
Puffins are Iceland’s most beloved seabirds—colorful, curious, and surprisingly fast on the wing. This guide covers everything you need: the best season and times of day, the top places around Iceland to watch them (from safe boardwalks to epic sea cliffs), photography tips, ethical viewing guidelines, and fun facts to share with your guests.
The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) spends most of the year far out at sea and only returns to land to breed. In summer, their bills glow in bright orange and red; in winter, the outer bill plates shed and the face turns darker. Puffins nest in burrows on grassy clifftops, often returning to the same mate and burrow year after year. Chicks are nicknamed “pufflings.”
Iceland’s puffin capital, with the country’s largest colony. Base yourself on Heimaey: visit Stórhöfði headland for viewing shelters, and watch for evening “puffling rescue” season in late August when locals help fledglings reach the sea.
How to get there: Year‑round ferry Herjólfur from Landeyjahöfn (summer) or Þorlákshöfn (if seas/weather require). Day trips are possible; an overnight gives you sunset and sunrise light.
Europe’s largest bird cliffs and one of the best close‑up puffin experiences anywhere. Birds nest right at the cliff edge, allowing safe, near‑eye‑level viewing from grassy tops. Long summer days make this a dream for golden‑hour photography.
How to get there: Remote drive to the far west of the Westfjords near Breiđavík/Patreksfjörður. Roads are partly gravel—allow extra time and drive carefully.
Perhaps the easiest and safest puffin viewing in Iceland thanks to wooden boardwalks and shelters placed beside the colony. Fantastic for families and for getting clean portraits without disturbing burrows.
How to get there: Detour from the Ring Road to Bakkagerði village; the viewing area is at the small harbour Hafnarhólmi.
Dramatic sea‑arch headland and basalt cliffs near Vík. Puffins nest on the grassy tops and cliff ledges. Note that access on Dyrhólaey may be restricted in May–late June to protect nesting birds; daytime access usually remains via marked paths when open.
How to get there: Just off Route 1 near Vík; steep gravel road to the upper lighthouse lot—use lower lot if conditions are windy/wet.
The most accessible option if you’re based in the capital. Short boat trips from the Old Harbour reach small nesting islets packed with puffins and other seabirds. Great add‑on to a whale‑watching combo.
How to get there: Multiple tour operators run puffin boats April–August; trips take 1–2 hours.
Sturdy waterproof shoes • wind/rain shell • warm mid‑layer • beanie/gloves (even in July) • binoculars • telephoto lens • spare batteries/cards • snacks and hot drink • small trash bag (leave no trace)
Capital Convenience: Morning puffin boat from Reykjavík → lunch at the Old Harbour → optional whale watch.
South‑Coast Sampler: Sunrise at Dyrhólaey (check access) → Reynisfjara beach (observe safety) → sunset puffin portraits at cliffs above Vík.
East‑or‑West Detour: Borgarfjörður Eystri boardwalks or Látrabjarg’s vast cliffs for close‑up encounters and late‑light photography.
Westman Islands Overnight: Afternoon ferry to Heimaey → evening at Stórhöfði shelters → morning cliffs + puffling stories in town.
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