Wildlife
Choose a season and a viewing place, then leave room for weather and the animals’ movements. These guides explain where to look and how to keep your distance.
Iceland's wildlife includes puffins, whales, Arctic foxes, seals, reindeer, and the Icelandic horse. Species guides with viewing locations and seasons.
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.
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Iceland’s puffin population is declining; historical colony estimates should not be read as current counts. 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 often called Europe's whale watching capital; Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes peninsula also have year-round tours.
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. 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 a domestic breed, so plan a riding visit through a farm or tour operator. Before packing, read MAST’s riding-equipment requirements, updated January 2026: used riding tack and used riding gloves are prohibited. Clothes, boots and helmets have separate cleaning requirements. A clean-looking saddle or pair of gloves is not an exception.
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 lets riders cover rough terrain comfortably. Some individuals also have the flying pace, a fast two-beat gait used for short sprints. Riding instruction and the individual horse’s training still matter; discuss your experience with the operator.
Icelandic horses are 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 Landsmót horse festival brings the breed together for competitions and exhibitions.
A population estimate is not the number of animals you can expect to see. Iceland’s latest cited harbour-seal estimate comes from the 2020 census; the grey-seal estimate comes from 2022. The seal guide gives those dates and uncertainty ranges. Likewise, the puffin guide distinguishes historical breeding-pair estimates from the species’ current Icelandic conservation assessment.
Choose a viewing distance before raising the camera. The Icelandic Seal Center’s code asks shore visitors to stay at least 50 metres from resting seals, increasing to 100 metres during sensitive breeding and moulting periods. Its fox guidance specifies 40 metres. See the wildlife-watching code, and move farther away if your presence changes an animal’s behaviour.
Planning help
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Puffins arrive at their nesting colonies in late April and depart by mid to late August. The best time for sightings is June and July when they are actively feeding chicks and flying back and forth from the sea. The Westman Islands, Látrabjarg cliffs, and Borgarfjörður Eystri are top viewing locations.
Check the departure port, target species and operator’s seasonal programme. A summer sailing from Húsavík and a winter trip from Snæfellsnes are different excursions. Ask about weather cancellations and the terms of any repeat-trip offer; sightings are not guaranteed.
The Westfjords offer the best chances, particularly the Hornstrandir nature reserve where foxes are protected and less wary of humans. The Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík provides information and sometimes has rescue foxes. In winter, foxes venture closer to towns in search of food.
Yes, horseback riding is one of Iceland's most popular activities. Numerous farms and tour operators offer rides ranging from one hour to multi-day treks. No prior experience is needed for beginner tours. The tölt, a smooth four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses, makes riding comfortable even for novices.
Arctic terns are very aggressive when defending nests from May through August. They will dive-bomb and strike people on the head near nesting areas. Hold a stick or hat above your head to deter them; they attack the highest point. Stay on marked paths and respect nesting area signs to minimize disturbance.
For more context on Iceland’s people and rural life, explore our Iceland statistics.
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