Population
~2 million pairs
Historical estimate citing 2014; not a 2026 count
Atlantic Puffins in Iceland: Where & When to See Them
Iceland's best-known seabird, nesting on coastal cliffs in colonies of millions from late April through August.
Location
Coastal cliffs
Westman Islands, Látrabjarg, Borgarfjörður Eystri
Quick Answer
Plan a summer puffin visit in Iceland, with colony choices, nesting etiquette and the distinction between historical counts and current conservation status.
The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), known as "lundi" in Icelandic, is probably Iceland's best-known animal. With its colorful beak and waddling gait, the puffin has become a symbol of the country. The Natural Science Institute cites a historical estimate of about two million breeding pairs, based on a 2014 reference; that is not a count of individual birds arriving this year. Despite their abundance, puffin numbers have declined in recent decades due to changing ocean conditions affecting their food supply.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Always observe puffins from a safe distance. Stay on marked paths near cliff edges and never approach or disturb nesting burrows.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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 figures need a year
The often-cited two-million-pair estimate is historical. The current Icelandic assessment classifies the puffin as Critically Endangered; the global category is Vulnerable.
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 close puffin views; 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 and is 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, with eggs laid and incubating; birds at their most colorful with bright breeding beaks; best photography conditions. July: Chick-rearing peak, with adults constantly flying between sea and burrows carrying beakfuls of sand eels; the busiest 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.
Population and conservation reference: Natural Science Institute’s Atlantic puffin assessment, checked 10 September 2026. Breeding pairs, individual birds and visitors present at a colony are different measures.
Planning help
Atlantic Puffin FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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?
Vestmannaeyjar has Iceland’s largest breeding colony. The Natural Science Institute’s table records 840,375 pairs there in 2015, a historical count rather than current attendance. Compare available viewing routes at Látrabjarg, Borgarfjörður Eystri and Dyrhólaey, and respect local nesting restrictions.
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. The Natural Science Institute classifies the puffin as Critically Endangered in Iceland, while its global category is Vulnerable. Its assessment cites a population model indicating a decline exceeding 50% since 1998. Those categories describe different geographic populations.
For more context on Iceland’s people and rural life, explore our Iceland statistics.