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6 places to find nature and wildlife in Reykjavík

While visiting Reykjavík is all about the city highlights, sometimes it is good to escape the urban sprawl and get back to nature. This short guide shares 6 places that are great to find wildlife in Reykjavík city centre where nature is hiding in plain sight.

seal with Reykjavik city behind

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Where to spot wildlife in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and a small city that is surrounded by the ocean. Close to the city, there are a number of green spaces, nature reserves and islands that allow you to find wildlife and return to nature. Even if you only have a short time in the city it is possible to see whales, puffins and seals without having to travel.

map showing wildlife locations in Reykjavik
Click to see the full map HERE

Do you want to plan the perfect nature escape in Reykjavík?

Nature lovers travel guide to REykjavík

This ebook includes information about landmarks, beaches, walks and museums in Reykjavík, all with a nature theme. With 30 pages of information, maps and beautiful photographs, it will help you plan your next wild adventure in Iceland.

learn more

Lake Tjörnin

This is probably one of the best places to birdwatch in Reykjavík and is accessible all year round. It is just north of Reykjavík airport and stretches to the shoreline of the Reykjavík City Hall. Adjacent to the lake is Vatnsmýrin wetland preserve where the Arctic terns nest in the summer months. In the winter a small area remains unfrozen close to the city hall where the birds congregate in the hope of being fed.

The most common species of bird are whooper swans, pink-footed geese and a range of gulls. In the summer months, it is a great place to see Arctic terns.

birds on lake in snow

Reykjavík Sculpture and Shore Walk

This has to be one of the easiest and best places to see wildlife in Iceland. The paved trail runs along the north coast of Reykjavík with stunning views of Kollafjörður fjord, the islands and the mountains behind. The trail starts at the Harpa Concert Hall and passes the Sun Voyager Sculpture, Höfði house and ends at the ferry to Viðey Island.

Along the way look out for sea birds including Arctic terns and a range of gulls. You may be lucky and see a whale passing through the fjord or a seal watching from a distance.

view across the fjord in Reykjavik in winter

Viðey Island

Viðey Island was a beautiful surprise when we took the short boat ride over to the island. The tiny ferry leaves from the harbour where the cruise ships dock, and takes 5 minutes to cross the small channel between the mainland and the island. The island is probably best known for the Imagine Peace Tower but once this has been seen (it’s pretty uninspiring in daylight) then a walk around the island is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.

Seals haul out along the shoreline and birds can be seen at every turn. In the summer months the island is awash with colourful wildflowers and moths and beetles can be seen in the long grass.

Birds in Videy near Reykjavik

Grótta Lighthouse

Grótta is a small tidal island to the west of the city. The island has an impressive lighthouse and is adjacent to a small sandy beach called Seltjörn. It is also a short walk to Bakkatjörn Pond with a birdwatching hide. Just to the east of the lighthouse causeway is the Kvika Footbath, a tiny hot tub that is sometimes filled with warm water. A path leads all the way along the coast from the city centre or you can hop on the number 11 bus. There is also plenty of parking if you decide to drive. Make sure you check the tide times so you don’t get stuck on the island, you have about 6 hours but time passes quickly when wildlife is involved.

This part of Reykjavík has a wide range of birdlife and over 100 species have been seen. In the breeding season, the island is closed to allow them space and safety to raise their young. Even with this closure, there is more than enough to see on the shoreline surrounding the causeway. The shoreline is also a good place to spot wildflowers and other plants and a walk towards the golf course and Bakkatjörn will allow you to see lots of wildlife.

Nature and wildlife on a beach close to Reykjavik

Öskjuhlíð

Öskjuhlíð is a nature reserve that is easy to overlook. There is no excuse not to visit as it can be accessed from the car park at Perlan Museum. A number of paths wander through a dense woodland of birch and pine. One route will take you down to the geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík or you can explore further east through the valleys and woodlands towards Fossvogsdalur and Elliðaárdalur before ending at the stunning Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, which is a day of exploring on its own.

This small nature reserve next to Perlan is the perfect way to see some of the habitats of Iceland that have been shared within the museum. The woodland has a range of trees and mushrooms and toadstools can be seen deep in the mossy shade of the canopy. Birdsong will surround you and you may even see a rabbit grazing on the herb-rich grass. Just keep your ears and eyes open as this is fast cyclist territory!

forest in Reykjavik

Elliðaárdalur

On the eastern outskirts of Reykjavík, close to Árbær Open Air Museum is a small but perfectly formed nature reserve. The reserve has a small pine woodland and the Elliðaá river runs through the valley. It is possible to drive to the nature reserve or walk from the Sculpture and Shore Walk which will take just under an hour.

In the early summer, the landscape is coated in purple from the lupine. This is probably the best place to see them in Reykjavík. Take time to follow the small paths and look out for the birds and rabbits that made the woodland their home.

Waterfall in Reykjavik

Wildlife tours from Reykjavík

If you want to see wildlife while you are in Iceland but need help with spotting wildlife then a tour may be better for you. There are lots of choices depending on what you want to see.

puffin in Reykjavik

Can I see puffins in Reykjavík?

If you want to see puffins while you are in Reykjavík then it is possible. You will need to take a boat trip out to the islands in the fjord where they nest between April and early August. You are not going to see them from within the city!

We have used Elding Adventures at Sea a number of times and have always been really impressed with their guides which always include a marine biologist. Have a look at the tour here

Want to know more about puffins in Iceland?

Mini-guide to Puffins in Iceland

This ebook includes information about the puffin colonies, where to find them and how to visit responsibly. With 20 pages of information, maps and beautiful photographs, it will help you see the puffins on your next summer adventure in Iceland.

learn more

How to see whales in Reykjavík

Whale watching is one of the bucket list trips in Iceland for many people. The north of the country is the best place to see whales but Reykjavík provides an amazing opportunity if you are limited on time or are not planning to head north.
The tours run year-round from the harbour in the centre of the city and head out into the fjord and the bay beyond. Even in the winter months, the trips run and whales and dolphins are seen on many of the trips. Elding who we always use will provide you with a 2-year return ticket if you do not see anything. For this reason alone we always book our whale watching early in the trip so we can re-book if needed. If they cancel due to bad weather you always have the option to rebook or get a full refund. Find out more here

Places to see nature and Wildlife in Reykjavík

  • Lake Tjörnin
  • Reykjavík Sculpture and Shore Walk
  • Viðey Island
  • Grótta Lighthouse
  • Öskjuhlíð
  • Elliðaárdalur

Planning a road trip to Iceland? Read all my Iceland Travel Guides

Meandering Wild

I'm Suzanne the traveller and photographer behind Meandering Wild. With over 30 years of experience travelling to different corners of the world in search of wildlife and remote locations nearly all of the advice on this website is from my own exploring.

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