ICELAND IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE, AS LARGE COLONIES OF SEABIRDS AND WATERFOWL ARE INDIGENOUS AND EASILY VISIBLE AROUND THE COASTS.
The birds most frequently spotted along the coasts of Iceland include the Arctic Tern, eiders, waders, and passerine birds, as well as seabirds such as the Guillemot, Razorbill, the Atlantic Puffin, Fulmar, gannets, and various gulls. Destinations for bird watching day trips from Reykjavík include the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westman Islands, where Iceland's largest puffin population lives.
Iceland's wetlands are a conducive habitat for many species of birds. Besides Svarfaðardalur Valley and the islets at the mouth of Eyjafjarðará River, Lake Mývatn in the North of Iceland is a popular bird watching destination. Mývatn and the nearby Laxá River are famous for their vast numbers of waterfowl, having one of the largest and most varied populations of breeding ducks in Europe, including the Harlequin duck and the Barrow's Goldeneye—which can be found nowhere else in Europe—as well as the Gyrfalcon.
WHEN VISITING BREEDING GROUNDS AROUND ICELAND, BE SURE NOT TO WANDER OFF THE MARKED TRAILS, AS NESTS CAN BE LOCATED ANYWHERE
In the Westfjords, Látrabjarg is a veritable hotbed of bird activity. The largest known birdcliff in the world, Látrabjarg is home to millions of birds, hosting nearly half of the world's population of some species, such as the Razorbill. Also, in the isolated Strandir district of the Westfjords, is the little island Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður, home to a large colony of puffins and other seabirds.
In the South of Iceland, not far from the village Vík, Dyrhólaey is a visually stunning rock peninsula where various species of seabirds can be viewed up close.
When visiting breeding grounds around Iceland, be sure not to wander off the marked trails, as nests can be located anywhere. The prime birdwatching season in Iceland is from the end of April to the beginning of June, although tours are offered year-round. Visit the 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.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Whale watching
Iceland is the perfect location for whale watching. The cold waters off the coast play host to a diverse marine life. During the summer months in particular, the shores become a veritable feeding ground for multiple species of large marine mammals, giving visitors a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.