Wildlife
From millions of puffins nesting on sea cliffs to whales breaching offshore, Iceland's wildlife is as dramatic as its landscapes—and far more accessible than you might expect.
This guide is for trip planning. Always observe wildlife from a respectful distance, stay on marked paths near nesting areas, and never feed or approach wild animals.
Iceland is home to roughly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population. These colorful seabirds nest in burrows on coastal cliffs from late April through August, with the Westman Islands hosting the largest colony.
The Arctic fox arrived in Iceland at the end of the last Ice Age and remains the country's only native land mammal. Found throughout Iceland, they are most easily spotted in the Westfjords, particularly at Hornstrandir nature reserve.
Brought by Norse settlers over 1,000 years ago, the Icelandic horse is a distinct breed known for its five gaits, including the smooth tölt. Icelandic law prohibits importing horses, and any horse that leaves Iceland may never return.
Iceland's nutrient-rich waters attract over 20 whale species. Húsavík in the north is considered Europe's whale watching capital, while Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes peninsula also offer excellent tours year-round.
Two seal species breed in Iceland: harbor seals and grey seals. They haul out on beaches and rocky shores year-round, with the Vatnsnes peninsula and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon among the most reliable viewing spots.
Reindeer were introduced from Norway in 1771–1787 for farming, but the herds went feral. Today around 3,000 reindeer roam the highlands and lowlands of East Iceland, often visible from the Ring Road in winter.
The Arctic tern completes an annual migration from Arctic to Antarctic and back—up to 70,000 km per year. They nest across Iceland from May to August and are fiercely protective of their nests, dive-bombing anyone who approaches too closely.
Over 300 bird species have been recorded in Iceland, with around 85 breeding regularly. Key hotspots include Lake Mývatn for waterfowl, the Westman Islands for seabirds, Látrabjarg cliffs for puffins, and Jökulsárlón for skuas and great skuas.
The Icelandic horse is one of the purest and most distinctive horse breeds in the world. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers between the 9th and 10th centuries, the breed has been isolated for over 1,000 years. Icelandic law has prohibited the import of horses since 930 AD, and any Icelandic horse that leaves the country is permanently barred from returning—a measure that has kept the breed free from outside genetic influence and disease.
What sets the Icelandic horse apart is its five gaits. In addition to the standard walk, trot, and canter, Icelandic horses perform the tölt—a smooth, four-beat lateral gait that allows riders to cover rough terrain comfortably—and some individuals also have the flying pace, a fast two-beat gait used for short sprints. These extra gaits are natural and not trained.
Today there are approximately 80,000 Icelandic horses in Iceland, found on farms and riding stables across the country. Horseback riding tours are available near Reykjavík and throughout the countryside, ranging from one-hour introductory rides to multi-day highland treks. The annual Landsmót horse festival showcases the best of the breed with competitions, exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.
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