Our Hotels
Keahotels is one of the largest hotel chains in Iceland operating ten hotels. Together the hotels provide over 800 rooms and service travelers, local and foreign, all year round.
Reykjavík — Capital
Vík — South Iceland
Akureyri — North Iceland
Siglufjörður — North Iceland
Grímsnes — South Iceland
Discover Puffins: Your Guide to Puffin Watching in Iceland
Iceland is a great place for bird enthusiasts, especially those looking to see the charming Atlantic Puffin. This guide will help you find the best spots to watch puffins in Iceland and give you some helpful tips for your trip.
Why are Puffins special?
Puffins are small seabirds with colorful beaks and expressive faces. They're often called the "clowns of the sea" due to their unique appearance. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, primarily feeding on fish. During the breeding season, their beaks become even more vibrant, making them a popular sight for bird watchers.
Best Time to See Puffins in Iceland
The best time to see puffins in Iceland is from May to August. This is their breeding season when they come ashore to nest. By late August, most puffins have left for the open sea, so plan your trip within these months for the best chances of sightings.
Top Locations to See Puffins in Iceland
One of the prime locations for puffin watching is Látrabjarg Cliffs, situated in the Westfjords. Látrabjarg is one of the most accessible places to see puffins. The cliffs stretch over 14 kilometers and are home to millions of birds, including puffins. Visitors can enjoy close-up views and take fantastic photographs from the edge of the cliffs.
Another excellent spot is Dyrhólaey on the South Coast, near the town of Vík. This small promontory offers great views and plenty of puffins, along with the stunning rock formations and black sand beaches that characterize the area. The combination of dramatic scenery and abundant birdlife makes Dyrhólaey a favorite among tourists.
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), off the South Coast, is known for the largest puffin colony in Iceland. The main island, Heimaey, provides numerous spots for watching puffins up close. The Westman Islands are a must-visit for anyone keen on experiencing the sight of large puffin colonies in their natural habitat.
In the Eastfjords, Borgarfjörður Eystri offers a quieter and less crowded puffin watching experience. The puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi is easily accessible, with viewing platforms that bring you very close to the birds. This lesser-known gem provides a peaceful setting for birdwatching.
Lastly, Papey Island, off the East Coast, is a small island accessible by boat tours from Djúpivogur. Papey is home to thousands of puffins and provides a serene and picturesque setting for observing these delightful birds.
