Wildlife in Iceland: A Guide to Unique Encounters

The wildlife of Iceland isn’t always a reason for visiting the country, however, the range of creatures in this hostile landscape is really quite amazing. Even if you are only there for a short while there will always be something to see and more importantly, photograph even in the centre of Reykjavík.

This short guide will introduce some of the more commonly seen wildlife in Iceland with suggestions of the best places to visit to increase your chances of an encounter.

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Whales and Dolphins

Iceland is one of the best places to see whales and sustainable whale-watching tours are offered from towns around the country. The two main starting points for tours are Reykjavík and Húsavík in the north. Tours also depart from a number of other towns and villages in the north and west but are not as frequent. Explore whale-watching tours from Reykjavík HERE.
Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are the most commonly seen during whale-watching tours. Orca (Orcinus orca), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) can be seen at times, but are less common.

DISCOVER WHALE WATCHING TOURS IN ICELAND

In the Westman Islands, the two beluga whales  (Delphinapterus leucas) rescued from Shanghai now spend their days at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary which is a fantastic facility for them. Having seen Little Grey and Little White while they were in quarantine it is easy to imagine how they are settling into their new world.

Iceland does have a difficult history with whales but times are changing and as the popularity of whale-watching tours increases the need for whale hunting has all but vanished. In 2020 there was no whale-hunting season so hopefully, this is the first of many years with no hunts.

Plan your adventure with my Guide to Whale Watching in Iceland

• Top Whale-Watching Locations: Húsavík in North Iceland is considered the whale-watching capital, while Reykjavík and Akureyri also offer excellent tours.
• Best Time for Whale Watching: Summer (June to August) is ideal, as warmer waters attract a variety of species.
• Responsible Tours: Choose operators that prioritise sustainable practices and minimize disturbances to marine life.

Atlantic Puffins

Iceland is home to over 60% of the world’s nesting population of these small and comical birds. One of the best places to see puffins (Fratercula arctica) is at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, Westman Islands off the south coast and at Hafnarhólmi near  Borgarfjörður Eystri.

They can also be spotted near Vík. May through to early August is the only time that they will be on land and can be seen.

Learn more about the best locations and tips in my Where to See Puffins in Iceland post

If you are short on time then a boat trip out into the fjord combined with whale watching would be the perfect way to spend a summer’s day!

COMBINE WHALES AND PUFFINS IN THIS SUMMER ADVENTURE

• Where to See Puffins: The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, and Dyrhólaey in South Iceland are some of the best places to spot puffins.
• When to Visit: Puffins are most active during summer, especially in the early morning or late evening when they return from feeding.
• Photography Tips: Use a zoom lens to capture their vibrant beaks and avoid disturbing the birds by keeping a respectful distance.

Arctic Foxes

Wild arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) have been in Iceland since before the Vikings arrived. They are quiet and elusive and hard to find. Preferring the wilderness regions they make their home in the remote corners of Eastfjords and the Westfjords. One of their key domains is the mostly inaccessible Hornstrandir peninsula. They are usually white in the winter and brown or grey in the summer.

If you want to know more about these beautiful creatures then the small arctic fox centre at Súðavík is well worth a short visit.

Discover more about Arctic foxes and where to find them in my Arctic Fox guide

• Spotting Tips: Arctic foxes are shy but may be seen in the early morning or late evening near their dens.
• Seasonal Behavior: Their coats change with the seasons—white in winter for camouflage against snow and brownish-grey in summer to blend with the tundra.

Reindeer

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are not native to Iceland but live in wild herds in the southeast and eastern parts of the country. During the summer months, they are rarely seen as they are grazing in the more remote areas. However, during the winter months, they will move down to lower levels where they can often be seen from the road between Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the town at Höfn.

• Where to See Reindeer: The Eastfjords, especially around the Snæfell mountain and Fljótsdalshérað valley.
• Winter Wonders: Reindeer are easier to spot in winter when they descend to lower altitudes to graze.

Seals

The only seals which stay around the coast of Iceland and raise their young in the freezing waters are harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Harp seals, bearded seals and ring seals can also turn up along the coast throughout the year. In Hvammstangi you´ll find the seal museum which provides all the information you need about seals in Iceland.

‍The Vatnsnes Peninsula in northwest Iceland is the best-known place to go seal-watching. All around the peninsula, there are road signs with pictures of seals, indicating a good viewing spot. You will pass these signs as you follow the Arctic Coast Way that winds its way along the northern coast.

‍Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Southeast Iceland are other good places to see seals. They can often be seen floating on icebergs in the lagoon or popping up just off the beach.

TAKE A TRIP TO THE DIAMOND BEACH AND SEE SEALS AND ARCTIC TERNS

‍Melanes campsite on Rauðasandur in the Westfjords is close to a small seal colony. This is hard to reach although seals can be seen all the way along the beach beyond the campsite.

You should always keep an eye out for seals in Iceland, you never know quite where they will pop up!

• Best Seal-Watching Locations: Vatnsnes Peninsula in North Iceland, including Hvítserkur and the Seal Center at Hvammstangi, is a seal hotspot.
• Family-Friendly Activity: Many seal-watching spots are easily accessible, making this a great activity for visitors of all ages.

Icelandic Horses

These horses (Equus ferus caballus) were brought to Iceland over 1,000 years ago and are the product of selective breeding and natural selection. The horses that you see across Iceland today are extremely hardy, friendly, very curious, and great photo subjects.

Discover more about the Icelandic Horse in my complete guide.

They are easy to find across the country but do remember your safety and respect for the animals and their owners. If you want to ride the horses in Iceland or learn about the life of their owners then booking a tour like this one from Reykjavík would be an amazing experience.

BOOK A HORSE RIDING TRIP FROM REYKJAVÍK

Sheep

If you visit Iceland from late spring through to the autumn, you will see sheep everywhere, often running in unison away from your car even if you are hundreds of meters away. They are easy to spot for photos, but as with all species, you must remember your safety and that of other road users. They have some road sense but are easily spooked and will panic.

In the autumn, the sheep are brought down from the hills in a massive corral which involves all the farmers in the area. If you happen to be there at the right time it is a real spectacle to see. This Icelandic tradition is known as Réttir and is far more than just the corralling of the sheep. Farmers get together for food and drink around the important shepherding duties of the day.

Birds and Waterfowl

A huge number of birds and waterfowl call Iceland their home throughout the year. Iceland holds numerous opportunities for bird photography, especially in the spring and summer on the numerous lakes and bird sea cliffs.

Lake Mývatn, the Látrabjarg bird cliffs, the Arnarstapi to Hellnar trail, and Dyrhólaey are all excellent places to view bird life depending on the time of year and the species you are looking for.

Even at the busiest tourist spots, you will see birds hopping around and going about their days. It is not uncommon to have a redwing come and visit if you are camping. they are bold and persistent. Not afraid to hang around until they get what they came looking for!

• Notable Birdwatching Locations: Lake Mývatn, Látrabjarg cliffs, and the Eastfjords are prime spots.
• Migratory Birds: Many birds, such as Arctic terns and whooper swans, migrate to Iceland during the summer months, creating a vibrant birdwatching season.

Whooper Swans

Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) are the largest birds in Iceland and can be seen all year round. During the winter months, their numbers increase with the small lagoons and bays being completely full of them. They can be seen all over the country even within Reykjavík but they seem to prefer the wilderness of the southwestern regions.

Gannets

Gannets (Morus bassanus) make the high sea cliffs of Iceland their home. Eldey Island has the largest colony in Iceland with Stóri Karl in the east having an accessible viewing platform out over a slightly smaller colony.

Unlike other seabirds, the population of gannets in Iceland is increasing by around 2% each year and is currently estimated to be 37000 breeding pairs.

Ólafsvík Seagull Frenzy

Amidst the frenzy of tourists around Ólafsvík in the west of Iceland a wild frenzy can be found. Just before the town opposite the F570 mountain road, there is a day marker guiding ships into the nearby harbour. However, on these cliffs are thousands of gulls. Every single one riding the thermals and fighting against the wild winds.

Why this spot? There was nothing visible to the human eye, but the smell of fishy guano and buffeting wind to attract the mayhem was obvious. Beyond this, it is just another Icelandic cliff. Standing on the edge, eye to eye with a seagull as the wind attempts to take you off your feet really makes you realise their strength and grace.

Snow Buntings

Snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) are regular winter visitors to the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. However, their summer residence is in the south of Iceland.

Tucked into the reinforcements at the side of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon under the road bridge in the southeast of Iceland these small birds are hunkered down against the elements. Completely different in their summer plumage and topped with a shower of Arctic rain they appear bedraggled and weary.

The bustle of tourists above the rocks is ignored by these small birds as they nest in the rocks and feed on the small insects collecting in the crevices.

Arctic Terns

Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) are known as Kría in Icelandic. Their name reflects the sharp noise they make. They can be seen all around the country but on the Diamond Beach and in the Westfjords you will find larger colonies. We even had an encounter with these birds in the centre of Reykjavík.

If you visit Grótta Lighthouse just outside Reykjavík in the summer months you will not be able to walk across the small causeway to the lighthouse and the island. The terns nest on the ground and the only way to protect them is to prevent anyone from walking around the island. The lighthouse is best viewed from the mainland shoreline anyway so it isn’t a huge problem.

These birds are incredibly protective of their nests and territories and will not hesitate to attack heads, cars and anything else that may come too close. If you are going along a beach with Arctic Terns, make sure you have a hat as they will divebomb and attack.

They are, however, beautiful birds and will soar and dive with aerial fights not uncommon. They are fast birds and will need a fast shutter speed for capturing photographs of them.

Eider Ducks

Eider ducks (Somateria mollissima) are beautiful ground nesting birds that can be seen around Iceland. They tend to be found in small groups and feed on mussels, crabs as well and some seaweeds. They are seen all around Iceland in shallow water with the distinctive white males with their green flash on the back of their heads and the simple brown females.

Whilst they are seen all over Iceland they tend to nest in a few protected areas including the grassy area around Hraunhafnartangi Lighthouse. It is located 10km northwest of Raufarhöfn and is the most northerly area of mainland Iceland. There are also protected nesting grounds in the sand dunes around Önundarfjordur in Westfjords. If you see signs about it being a protected area, find somewhere else to walk and avoid the area during the nesting season which is usually given on the signs.

They are ground-nesting birds and will often nest in the same areas as the Arctic terns.

The females are responsible for the hatching and raising of the young and will take them to the water soon after hatching to reduce the chance of predation. They often congregate in large groups during this time to increase the chance of survival of the young.

Eiderdown has a long history in Iceland since the birds were introduced in the 9th Century. There is a tradition of collecting the soft and luxurious down from the nests once the birds have reared their young. In return for the eiderdown, the farmers will protect the birds from predators as best they can as well as ensure the nesting areas are prepared for the bird’s arrival in spring.

Slavonian Grebes

The campsite at Reykjahlíð slopes gently down to the shoreline of Lake Mývatn. There are geese and ducks floating in the late afternoon sunlight in the sheltered inlets of the wind-exposed lake. However, tucked away in the reeds away from the main raft and general bustle of the lake are Slavonian grebes (Podiceps auritus) and their striped youngsters (are they chicks or ducklings?!).

The Slavonian Grebe is a small diving water bird which feeds on larvae, small fish and aquatic invertebrates.  In the breeding season, it has distinctive golden horns of feathers deep brown cheeks and a lighter reddish head and neck.  In the U.K. it is only found on a few lochs in Scotland and is on the red list of conservation concern, but here in Iceland, it is more common. 

Their shrill call echoes across the lake as they attempt to control their demanding offspring. The adults leave the young hidden in the reeds returning a short while later before diving for insect larvae and small fish. While it wasn’t the red-necked phalarope I had wanted they were still a superb treat!

Plants – Fungi, Moss and Flowers

Despite the harsh environment and the weather plants survive even in the most unexpected places. Driving across the lava desert to Askja looks barren at first sight, but there is life. Small birds are around, flowers line the river banks and small mosses and grasses grow between the rocks.

In a similar way, the black sand beaches aren’t as bare as they first appear. The sand dunes are composed of grasses and beyond these on the beach itself, there are small succulent plants creeping across the sands.

In the summer months, the roadsides and meadows across the country are a riot of colour. Everything from lupins to harebells and tiny forget-me-nots are seen all over the country. In the more boggy areas, cotton grasses cover the landscape in a haze of white.

While there are not many woodlands in Iceland there are a range of low shrubs which change with the seasons giving a feel of autumn to even the most exposed areas.

As well as mosses and plants, fungi are common across Iceland. This is especially the case in the damper areas with shaded cover. Tucked away in the woodlands and trees around the edge of less wild areas as well as cliff tops, fungi can be found across the country.

Lichen is also found everywhere and adds a range of colours and textures to even the most boring of rocks.

Learn about the seasonal blooms in my post Guide to Icelandic Wildflowers.

• Common Wildflowers: Purple lupines blanket the countryside, while Arctic thyme, moss campion, and Icelandic poppies add vibrant splashes of color.
• Best Time to See Wildflowers: June to August is the prime blooming season.
• Where to Spot Wildflowers: The highlands, including Landmannalaugar, and coastal meadows are ideal locations for wildflower photography.
• Cultural Significance: Some wildflowers, such as birch and crowberry, have traditional uses in Icelandic folklore and herbal medicine.

What Animals Live in Iceland?

Iceland is home to a fascinating range of wildlife, thriving in its diverse and often harsh landscapes. From the mountains and coasts to the open skies and icy waters, these animals contribute to the unique character of this northern island. Here’s a list of animals you might encounter in Iceland:

• Arctic fox
• Reindeer
• Whales
• Orca
• Seal
• Dolphin
• Porpoise
• Puffin
• Oystercatcher
• Golden plover
• Arctic tern
• Gyrfalcon
• Icelandic horse
• Icelandic sheep
• Icelandic sheepdog

In addition to these, there are smaller mammals like mink, rabbits, and mice, along with a wide variety of insects and fish species inhabiting Iceland’s ecosystems.

Are there polar bears in Iceland?

While Iceland’s Arctic location might lead you to believe polar bears roam here, that isn’t the case. Iceland does not naturally support polar bear populations. However, on very rare occasions, polar bears may drift on sea ice from Greenland in search of food. Unfortunately, this often highlights the ongoing challenges of climate change and melting Arctic ice, as these magnificent creatures are pushed far beyond their natural habitats.

What Dangerous Animals Live in Iceland?

One of Iceland’s unique features is the lack of dangerous animals. There are no predatory mammals or venomous creatures to fear, and not even mosquitoes exist to disrupt your adventures (although the midgesin the north are annoying during the summer!). However, as with any wildlife, it’s important to respect animals and observe them from a distance.

What Animals Are Native to Iceland?

Iceland’s native wildlife is shaped by its remote location and harsh environment. These animals have adapted to survive and thrive in this rugged landscape, either as year-round residents or seasonal visitors. The list includes:

• Arctic fox
• Whales
• Orca
• Seal
• Dolphin
• Porpoise
• Puffin
• Oystercatcher
• Golden plover
• Arctic tern
• Gyrfalcon

Alongside these, Iceland is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species such as gannets, guillemots, ravens, razorbills, cormorants, gulls, and kittiwakes gracing the skies and cliffs at various times of the year. The surrounding waters are a crucial part of the North Atlantic ecosystem.

What Is Iceland’s National Animal?

Iceland’s national animal is the majestic gyrfalcon. This powerful bird of prey is renowned for its speed and grace, often symbolizing freedom and strength. Found in the wild and rugged highlands, the gyrfalcon embodies the spirit of Iceland’s untamed landscapes.

Best Places for Wildlife Encounters

Coastal Cliffs and Islands

The cliffs of Látrabjarg and Dyrhólaey are perfect for seabird watching, while the Westman Islands offer accessible puffin colonies.

Fjords and Glacial Lagoons

Seals and seabirds are commonly seen in Jökulsárlón and along the Eastfjords.

Marine Tours

Whale watching tours depart from multiple locations, with Húsavík being the most renowned.

Explore our guide to the Best Wildlife Spots in Iceland for detailed locations and tips.

Seasonal Wildlife Highlights

Summer Wildlife

• Puffins nesting on cliffs.
• Whales visible on coastal tours.
• Arctic terns and other migratory birds in abundance.

Winter Wildlife

• Seals lounging on icebergs.
• Arctic foxes in their white winter coats.
• Whales occasionally seen in Reykjavík’s coastal waters.

For more on seasonal timing, visit my Best Time to Visit Iceland guide.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing in Iceland

Guidelines for Respectful Observations

• Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing animals.
• Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for closer views.
• Never feed wildlife or interact directly.

Supporting Conservation

Many tour operators in Iceland follow strict guidelines to ensure sustainable practices. Choose companies with eco-certifications.

Learn more about Responsible Tourism in Iceland for tips on ethical travel.

Photography Tips for Wildlife in Iceland

Wildlife photography in Iceland can be challenging but rewarding.

• Use a telephoto lens to capture close-ups without approaching animals.
• Early mornings and late evenings provide the best light and less disturbance.
• Be patient and let the wildlife come to you.

For additional tips, check out our Photography in Iceland guide.

More Wildlife in Iceland

Iceland’s wildlife is one of its most magical features, and with proper planning, you can experience unforgettable encounters. Dive deeper into these supporting guides to plan your wildlife adventures:

• Best Wildlife Spots in Iceland
• Responsible Tourism in Iceland
• Photography in Iceland