The land, once unknown to any terrestrial mammal except Arctic foxes, is now home to many. That's how welcoming Iceland's nature is. So, why not step into this inviting realm and experience the wildlife of Iceland? From puffins to blue whales, exotic species spread across different horizons will be a sight to behold.
If you've been planning a wild tour around Iceland to spot the native species in their natural habitat, then you've come to the right place. You can also discover extraordinary wildlife on one of the available Arctic cruises. Iceland is often on these itineraries, allowing you to book wildlife tours.
So, who am I, you ask? For the last 17 years, I (Niels Thomas) have worked as a marine mammal specialist and wildlife expert focusing on aquatic wildlife conservation.
Today, I have created this brief yet informative guide to introduce you to the wildlife of Iceland. But before that, pledge not to taint the grounds you'll be walking on and engage respectfully with the children of Mother Nature.
Table of Contents
Where To Watch Wildlife in Iceland
Get ready for the free animal safari. Here is a list of places where the wildlife of Iceland can be enjoyed by budget travelers.
1. Whale Watching from Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Whale watching in Iceland is a top priority for people seeking to capture the magnificent beauty of these majestic sea creatures. You can spot almost 23 types (eight commonly found) of cetaceans in Icelandic waters.
The sight of acrobatic humpbacks is beautiful, and if you're lucky enough, then the planet's largest mammal, the blue whale, might be around the corner.
Still, no matter how lucky you get during your tour, protecting the local whale population is a duty that even tourists mustn't wash their hands of. Hence, peaceful whale watching from the shores is a perfect choice.
How To Get There
It takes approximately three hours to reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik. You must initially take Route 1 (the Ring Road) and then continue westward via Road 54.
Best Time To Travel
The best time to travel and enjoy whale watching is from April to September. Although they can be spotted in winter as well, the weather is harsh and not ideal for first-timers.
Where To Stay
Campervans are ideal for traveling to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula due to the numerous stops people make during their drive.
Rest assured, if you're not one of them, as many hotels are available in Snæfellsnes. However, remember to book ahead of time, as demand is high during peak seasons, such as summer.
Related: Best Things To Do in Iceland
2. Látrabjarg Peninsula, Westfjords - Seabirds' Paradise
Your Icelandic itinerary is incomplete if you haven't spotted a clumsy little bird in the burrows spread across dramatic fjords in Látrabjarg.
The largest sea cliff and the westernmost point of Iceland, Látrabjarg, is located in the Westfjords. It's a paradise of bird species, including puffins, Arctic terns, razorbills, and many others, that call Iceland home.
People usually visit these mighty cliffs to spot puffins. These bright-beaked birds can be seen tending to chicks or bill-tapping their mates in love nests.
Even razorbills are a sight to sore eyes with black and white fur. And on a lucky day, you could even spot a mighty whale across the cliff.
How To Get There
The drive to Látrabjarg is around 6-7 hours long if you rent a car from Reykjavik and take the Ring Road, Roads 60, 62, and 612. The initial journey will start from Reykjavik to the Westfjords, after which you'll have to change to Road 60 and then drive to Látrabjarg by changing roads along the way.
Although the drive is entirely laid-back for most of the journey, the gravel road (612) leading to Látrabjarg might have some bumps. Also, when traveling to Látrabjarg cliffs, remember to fill up the tank and have something to eat, as there are no gas stations or restaurants in the area.
Best Time To Travel
The best time to travel to the Látrabjarg cliffs to spot puffins and other wildlife in Iceland is from mid-May to late August, which is the nesting season. Any other time, you won't be fully able to enjoy the beauty of this bird.
Moreover, to make the most of your journey to this remote location, plan to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
Where To Stay
Látrabjarg cliffs are relatively remote, so accommodation is quite scarce. The closest town is Patreksfjordur, which is around 8 miles (13 kilometers) away. This is where most travelers find cheap lodging after hiking across the Látrabjarg cliffs.
Getting a hotel in Orlygshofn is also the most convenient, affordable, and popular choice among travelers. Besides that, you could even camp in Breiðavík near Látrabjarg.
Related: Northern Lights in Iceland
3. Hornstrandir, Westfjords - Arctic Foxes
Meet the steely gaze of Arctic foxes, the first dwellers and the rightful landlords of Iceland, in the Westfjords. These creatures are a gift of nature and can be spotted easily in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords.
Isolated from the hustle and bustle of humans, this place calls for visitors with a determination to spot a fox in its natural habitat. If you're one of those who like such sites, you might even see one or two of them.
How To Get There
Trained hikers can plan a tour alone to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. As it's in an isolated area, you can't get there by road, so renting a car is not an option. Therefore, you have to take a boat to reach the area.
West Tours and Borea Adventures operate ferry services from Ísafjörður to six locations in this Nature Reserve.
Due to its remote location, zero network, and unpredictable weather, ferry services aren't available daily at all locations. Therefore, you must plan accordingly and book tickets for both ways in advance.
Best Time To Travel
The weather in Hornstrandir Nature Park is unpredictable, as temperatures can fluctuate rapidly, and a storm can appear just a mile away. In short, you can never predict when the weather will worsen, so it's essential to be prepared.
Ideally, traveling between mid-June and the end of July would be best. Besides, the area is uninhabitable in winter due to extreme temperatures. So, it would be best to be prepared and only do it at the right time.
Where To Stay
You won't find luxurious camping in the wilderness of Hornstrandir, and only a few campsites are available. Some of the campsites have dry toilets and even emergency shelters. However, you can't camp anywhere other than the designated camping areas.
Besides, you must be extremely careful not to disturb the natural environment while camping or hiking.
4. East Iceland - Reindeer Heaven
A trip exclusively reserved for Icelandic wildlife won't be complete without a trip to East Iceland to catch a glimpse of wild reindeer. Like most terrestrial mammals in Iceland, reindeer aren't native to the island and were imported from Norway in 1775.
Today, these cinematic species, with their magnificent antlers, can be spotted roaming in East Iceland, especially around Mount Snæfell, Vesturöræfi, and Brúaröræfi in summer, albeit rarely.
How To Get There
A road trip to the east of Iceland along the coastline will give you ample chances to spot a reindeer, especially in winter. The town of Seydisfjordur offers a beautiful sight of reindeer while driving across the road.
The town is at the end of Route 93, and to get there, you must take Route 92 from Ring Road. After that, continue along Route 93 to reach Seydisfjordur after turning left. It's a scenic drive with snowy plains, even in summer, and you will surely love it.
Best Time To Travel
Seydisfjordur has a tundra climate. You could end up stuck in freezing weather or rainstorms without proper research. So, the ideal time to visit the place to see reindeer is from June to August. Although the temperature is cold, the weather is clear without rainfall.
Where To Stay
If you're planning to stay in Seydisfjordur, there are many hotels available. From budget to luxury, you will have many options and can choose whatever suits your pocket.
If you ask us, we'd recommend Vid Lonid Guesthouse, which has wooden walls and a minimal design. Booking a room that overlooks the scenic beauty of the fjords will make your trip to Seydisfjordur a genuine delight.
5. The Ring Road - Icelandic Horse and Sheep
Icelandic horses, sheep, and sheepdogs aren't rare in Iceland, unlike reindeer. Like other mammals, they aren't the island's natives and were imported by early settlers for sustenance. So, if you want a free safari on the island, these grazers will gladly oblige.
Today, you could catch them fenced or grazing in vast expanses of land while driving through Ring Road, which encircles the whole island. So, catching sight of these can be pretty easy.
How To Get There
Starting from Reykjavik, you can rent a car for a self-driving tour across the Ring Road or Route 1 and watch a myriad of attractions along the way. Watching horses is more like a bonus while enjoying the scenic drive.
Best Time To Travel
Traveling between July and August gives you ample opportunities to spot these domesticated animals across the Ring Road. The temperatures are warm, and there's 24-hour sunlight in June, so that you can make the most of your journey.
Where To Stay
Outside of Reykjavik, the Ring Road has limited lodging options. However, there are Airbnb or guesthouse options in some major towns, like Akureyri, which are along the way. Besides that, if you're a budget traveler, you also have the option of camping, which is available throughout the Ring Road in the summer.
Iceland's wildlife is diverse and can be spotted without much investment in tours or safaris. However, first-time travelers are mostly unaware of this fact.
Hence, we compiled this brief article on five places where animals can be spotted for free in Iceland. We hope you liked this short compilation and will look forward to exploring the wild beauty.
