Iceland hosts the world’s largest breeding population of Atlantic puffins, several million birds, although numbers have declined in recent decades. From about May to August, puffins return from the open ocean to nest in burrows on grassy cliff tops, and many colonies are easy to visit. See our Atlantic puffin profile.
At a glance
| Season | Roughly May to mid-August (peak June and July) |
| Getting there | Most colonies are reached by car or short boat trips |
| Big draws | Puffins at close range, other seabirds, dramatic cliffs |
| Good for | Families, photographers, road trips |
The best places to see puffins
Borgarfjörður Eystri (East Iceland)
At the small harbour of Hafnarhólmi, a viewing platform and paths lead right among thousands of nesting puffins. One of the best and most accessible sites for close views.
The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. Reach Heimaey by ferry from Landeyjahöfn. In late August and early September, local children help rescue young puffins (pufflings) disoriented by town lights and release them to sea.
Látrabjarg (Westfjords)
Europe’s largest bird cliff, 14 km long and up to 440 m high, holds puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Puffins often sit close to the cliff edge; keep back from the unstable edge.
Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara (South Coast)
Easy to visit on a South Coast road trip, with puffins on the cliffs.
Boat trips from Reykjavík
Short boat trips visit the islands of Akurey and Lundey near Reykjavík, where puffins nest, often combined with whale watching.
Grímsey and Hrísey (North)
Grímsey, on the Arctic Circle, has large puffin colonies and is reached by ferry or flight from Akureyri.
When to go
- Early May: puffins return.
- June to July: the peak; puffins carry fish to their chicks.
- Mid-August: most puffins leave for the sea.
Responsible viewing
- Stay on paths and away from burrows, which can collapse underfoot.
- Keep noise down and do not chase birds for photos.
- Keep well back from cliff edges.
- Do not eat puffin, which is still sometimes offered in restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see puffins in Iceland? June and July.
Where is the easiest place to see puffins? Borgarfjörður Eystri, where a platform brings you very close to the birds.
Are puffins declining? Yes. Iceland’s puffin population has fallen, linked to changes in their fish prey and ocean warming. The Atlantic puffin is listed as Vulnerable.
Can I combine puffins with whale watching? Yes, many boat trips from Reykjavík and Húsavík offer both.
Related guides
- Scotland wildlife guide
- Varanger: Arctic birding in Norway
- Falkland Islands wildlife guide
- Animal profiles: Atlantic puffin, Arctic tern, Northern gannet
Cover photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons