When can I see puffins in Iceland?

Puffins arrive at their nesting colonies in late April and depart by mid to late August. The best viewing window is June and July when they are actively feeding chicks and making frequent flights between the sea and their burrows. Outside this period, puffins live entirely at sea.

Where is the best place to see puffins in Iceland?

The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) host the largest colony with several million birds. Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords allow extremely close views. Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland has an accessible viewing platform right next to the nesting area. Dyrhólaey near Vík also has a small colony.

Can I hold or touch a puffin?

No, you should never attempt to touch or hold wild puffins. It is illegal to disturb nesting seabirds in Iceland. Keep a respectful distance and use binoculars or a telephoto lens. In the Westman Islands, locals handle young pufflings that become disoriented by town lights in August, guiding them safely to sea.

Are puffin populations declining in Iceland?

Yes, Atlantic puffin populations have declined significantly in recent decades, particularly in southern Iceland. Reduced sand eel availability due to warming ocean temperatures is a primary factor. The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are ongoing, and traditional puffin hunting has been reduced.

Atlantic Puffins in Iceland: Where & When to See Them

Iceland's most beloved seabird, nesting on coastal cliffs in colonies of millions from late April through August.

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

Location

Coastal cliffs

Westman Islands, Látrabjarg, Borgarfjörður Eystri

The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), known as "lundi" in Icelandic, is arguably Iceland's most iconic animal. With its colorful beak, distinctive waddling gait, and comical expression, the puffin has become a symbol of the country. Iceland hosts roughly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population, with an estimated 8–10 million individual birds arriving each spring to breed on coastal cliffs and offshore islands. Despite their abundance, puffin numbers have declined in recent decades due to changing ocean conditions affecting their food supply.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Always observe puffins from a safe distance. Stay on marked paths near cliff edges and never approach or disturb nesting burrows.

Sources to check

Population

8–10 million

Roughly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population

Nesting Season

Late Apr–Aug

Peak viewing in June and July during chick-rearing

Top Colony

Westman Islands

Largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world

What to Expect

Population: 8-10 million in Iceland

Iceland hosts roughly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population. However, numbers have declined significantly since 2000 due to sand eel shortages linked to ocean warming.

Best viewing: June-July

Peak season when puffins are most active, constantly flying between the sea and burrows to feed chicks. Early mornings and late evenings (8-10 PM) see the most flight activity at colonies.

Westman Islands (largest colony)

The world's largest Atlantic puffin colony. 35-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn (Route 254 off Route 1) or short flight from Reykjavík. Boat tours circle the cliffs for close views.

Látrabjarg cliffs (closest encounters)

Europe's largest bird cliff in the Westfjords allows remarkably close puffin encounters—birds nest within arm's reach on the cliff edge. Remote: 6+ hour drive from Reykjavík.

Borgarfjörður eystri (most accessible)

A purpose-built viewing platform at Hafnarhólmi harbor in East Iceland puts you within meters of nesting puffins. 70 km north of Egilsstaðir via Route 94.

Puffling rescue: August

In August, young pufflings leave burrows at night and become disoriented by town lights in the Westman Islands. Locals (and visitors) collect them and release them toward the sea at dawn.

Where to See Them

Westman Islands: 35-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn (Route 254 off Route 1 near Hella, 130 km from Reykjavík) or 20-minute flight from Reykjavík domestic airport. Book ferry in advance during summer. Boat tours from the harbor circle the cliffs. Látrabjarg: Route 1 west to Route 60 through the Westfjords, then Route 612 to the cliff edge—6+ hours from Reykjavík, no 4WD required but the drive is long. Borgarfjörður eystri: Route 94 north from Egilsstaðir (70 km), mostly paved. The Hafnarhólmi viewing platform is right at the village harbor—wheelchair accessible. Dyrhólaey near Vík: Route 218 off Route 1, 10 km west of Vík, a smaller colony viewable from the promontory viewpoints; road may close during nesting season (May-June). No 4WD required for any of these locations.

Best Time to Visit

Puffins are present at Icelandic breeding colonies from late April through mid-August. Late April-May: First arrivals returning from the open ocean; birds reoccupying burrows and courting; smaller numbers present. June: Peak activity—eggs laid and incubating; birds at their most colorful with bright breeding beaks; best photography conditions. July: Chick-rearing peak—adults constantly flying between sea and burrows with beakfuls of sand eels; the busiest and most spectacular month at colonies. Early August: Pufflings growing; activity beginning to slow. Mid-late August: Adults and fledglings departing for the open ocean; puffling rescue season in the Westman Islands. September-March: No puffins at breeding colonies—they spend winter far offshore in the North Atlantic.

Planning help

Atlantic Puffin FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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