Bird watching in Iceland

Birds most commonly found off Iceland include Arctic terns, eiders, waders and passerines, as well as seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, puffins, fulmars, gannets and various gulls. Bird watching day trip destinations from Reykjavik include the Reykjanes Peninsula, Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westman Islands, home to the largest population of puffins in Iceland.

Iceland's wetlands provide favorable habitat for many bird species. In addition to the Svarfadardalur valley and the islets at the mouth of the Eyjafjardara River, Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland is a popular birdwatching destination. Mývatn and the nearby Laksa River are home to a huge variety of waterfowl, as well as one of the largest and most diverse populations of breeding ducks in Europe, including the Harlequin Duck and the Barrow's Goldeneye, which is found nowhere else in Europe, as is the Gyrfalcon.

Latrabjarg in the Westfjords is a real breeding ground for birds. The largest known bird rock in the world, Látrabjarg is home to millions of birds, supporting almost half the world's population of some species such as the razorbill. Also in the isolated Strandir region of the Westfjords is the small island of Grimsøy in Steingrimsfjörður, which is home to a large colony of puffins and other seabirds.

In the south of Iceland, near the village of Vik, Dyrhólaey is a stunning rocky peninsula , where you can see different species of seabirds up close. Offshore, on the hills and cliffs of Heimaey and the surrounding islets of the Westman Islands, you will find famous bird watching spots and exciting boat tours that include bird watching.

If you're staying in Reykjavik, you can birdwatch at the city's Tjernin Pond, where you can see Arctic terns and other species. Enjoying a walk along the pond is a great way to spend the day, and the birds are fun to watch or show off to children.

When visiting nesting sites in Iceland, be sure to stay on the marked trails as nests can be located anywhere. The best birding season in Iceland is late April to early June, although tours operate year-round. Visit local information offices in the area of ​​Iceland you are visiting for more detailed information including maps, tips, rules and regulations regarding bird watching in Iceland.