Where is the best place to see Arctic foxes in Iceland?

The Hornstrandir nature reserve in the Westfjords is the premier location. Foxes there are protected and have become less wary of humans. The Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík on the Westfjords also provides information and sometimes has rescue foxes. In winter, foxes may be spotted in lowland areas across the country as they search for food.

What do Arctic foxes eat in Iceland?

Icelandic Arctic foxes are opportunistic omnivores. Their diet includes seabirds and their eggs, rodents (field mice), berries, insects, and marine invertebrates washed up on beaches. Coastal foxes rely heavily on seabird colonies during summer, while inland foxes depend more on ptarmigan and rodents.

Do Arctic foxes change color in Iceland?

Yes. Arctic foxes have two color morphs: white and blue. White morph foxes turn pure white in winter and brown-grey in summer. Blue morph foxes are dark brown-grey year-round, becoming slightly lighter in winter. In Iceland, the blue morph is more common than in most Arctic regions, comprising roughly two-thirds of the population.

Are Arctic foxes dangerous to humans?

Arctic foxes are not dangerous to humans. They are small (3–5 kg) and naturally shy. However, foxes habituated to humans in tourist areas may approach closely. Never feed wild foxes as it alters their natural behavior and can make them dependent on humans. Keep food stored securely when camping.

Arctic Fox in Iceland: Where to See Iceland's Only Native Mammal

Iceland's only native land mammal, the Arctic fox has called the island home since the end of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

Nationwide

Best viewing in Westfjords (Hornstrandir)

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), known as "refur" or "tófa" in Icelandic, is the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. It arrived during the last Ice Age, walking across frozen sea ice from Scandinavia. With no natural predators on the island, the Arctic fox adapted to Iceland's harsh environment over thousands of years, developing a diet centered on seabirds, eggs, and marine resources. Today, an estimated 8,000–10,000 Arctic foxes inhabit Iceland, found everywhere from coastal cliffs to the highland interior, though the Westfjords remain the stronghold for wildlife viewing.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

Population

8,000–10,000

Iceland's only native land mammal species

Best Viewing

Hornstrandir

Protected reserve in the Westfjords where foxes are least wary

Color Morphs

White & Blue

Two-thirds of Icelandic foxes are the blue (dark) morph

What to Expect

Population and conservation

Estimated 8,000-10,000 Arctic foxes in Iceland. The population is managed through a controversial hunting program outside protected areas. Hornstrandir has been protected since 1975.

Best viewing: June-August at Hornstrandir

Summer in the Hornstrandir nature reserve (Westfjords) offers the highest chance of close encounters. Foxes around Hornvík bay approach within 3-5 meters of quiet observers.

Specific viewing locations

Hornstrandir (Westfjords) is the premier site. The Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík has exhibits and rescue foxes. Winter sightings occur along the Snæfellsnes coast and in the Eastfjords.

Pup season: May-July

Cubs are born in May (litters of 5-10) and emerge from dens in June. Early summer at Hornstrandir offers the best chance of seeing families with playful, curious pups.

Two color morphs

Two-thirds of Icelandic foxes are the blue (dark) morph—unusually high compared to other Arctic regions. White morph foxes transform from brown-grey in summer to pure white in winter.

Year-round presence

Foxes are present across Iceland year-round but most visible in summer when concentrated near seabird colonies. Winter sightings require more effort but reward with dramatic white-on-snow scenes.

Where to See Them

The Hornstrandir nature reserve in the Westfjords is the best place to see Arctic foxes in their natural habitat. Reach Ísafjörður by domestic flight from Reykjavík (45 minutes) or by driving Route 1 to Route 61 (5-6 hours). From Ísafjörður harbor, boats operated by Borea Adventures and West Tours depart to Hornstrandir landing points (mid-June to mid-August). Book well in advance. The Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík is a 20-minute drive from Ísafjörður on Route 61 and offers year-round exhibits and sometimes rescue foxes. For winter sightings without the Westfjords journey, foxes are occasionally spotted along the Snæfellsnes peninsula coast, near Dynjandi waterfall, and in the Eastfjords around Borgarfjörður eystri.

Best Time to Visit

Arctic foxes are present year-round. June: Cubs emerging from dens at Hornstrandir; boat services beginning; foxes at their most approachable near nesting seabird colonies. July: Peak viewing month—fox families active, wildflowers in bloom, longest daylight hours at Hornstrandir's northern latitude. August: Cubs growing and exploring wider territories; boat services continue. September-November: Foxes dispersing; white morph coat change beginning; harder to find but dramatic autumn scenery. December-March: White-coated foxes against snow landscapes; most visible near coastal areas and farmland where they forage; the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík remains open year-round. April-May: Mating complete; pregnant vixens denning; foxes less visible.

Planning help

Arctic Fox FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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