Iceland is a primary habitat for puffins, hosting the largest breeding population of the species on the planet. These iconic seabirds migrate to the country’s shores every year, transforming cliffs and grassy slopes into bustling breeding grounds. The nation’s extensive coastline provides the secure, predator-free environment and abundant marine resources necessary for their survival. This annual migration establishes Iceland as a globally significant location for the species, which spends the rest of the year dispersed across the open ocean.
Iceland: Home to the Atlantic Puffin
The puffins that visit Icelandic shores are exclusively the Atlantic Puffin, recognized by its distinctive, brightly colored beak and dark-and-white plumage. Iceland is estimated to host approximately 60% of the world’s breeding Atlantic Puffin population. This translates to an estimated eight to ten million individual birds returning to the region each summer.
The massive concentration is due to the availability of ideal breeding conditions and a rich food supply in the surrounding North Atlantic waters. Puffins are burrow-nesting birds, requiring soft, deep soil on steep, grassy slopes or cliff tops to excavate their breeding tunnels. These burrows can extend up to three feet deep, providing a secure space for their single egg.
The surrounding cold ocean currents ensure a plentiful supply of small pelagic fish, which is the primary diet for both the adults and their young. Sand eels, capelin, and herring fry form the bulk of this diet, allowing the parents to provision their chicks. Adults can dive up to 200 feet deep and carry multiple fish crosswise in their specialized beaks, making them highly effective hunters. The combination of secure nesting terrain and a reliable food source defines Iceland as a sanctuary for the species.
The Seasonal Cycle of Residency
The puffins’ residency in Iceland is strictly seasonal, tied to their need for land-based breeding and nesting. These migratory birds spend the vast majority of their lives far out at sea, only returning to land for the summer months. The first adults typically begin to arrive in late April or early May, seeking out the same cliffs and often the same burrows they used in previous years.
The peak breeding season spans from June through August, which is the best time to observe the birds actively flying, feeding, and socializing near their colonies. After the single egg is laid and incubated for around 40 days, the chick, known as a puffling, remains in the burrow for another 40 to 45 days. Both parents share feeding duties, constantly bringing small fish back to the nest.
By late August and early September, the young pufflings are ready to fledge and leave their burrows under the cover of darkness to head straight out to sea. The adult birds follow shortly after, migrating away from the coastline once their parental duties are complete. During the winter, the Atlantic Puffins disperse across the open waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, living a pelagic existence until the next breeding season calls them back to their colonies in the spring.
Major Puffin Colonies and Viewing Locations
The immense population of puffins means there are several accessible locations around Iceland where visitors can observe the birds. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), off the south coast, host the largest single colony in the world, with millions of birds nesting there annually. The main island, Heimaey, offers easily accessible viewing platforms on the Stórhöfði peninsula for close-up observation.
Another premier location is the Látrabjarg cliffs in the remote Westfjords, which mark the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe. This dramatic stretch is Europe’s largest sea-bird cliff, and the puffins here are famously unafraid of human presence, often nesting right up to the edge of the walking paths. Látrabjarg offers eye-level viewing opportunities, provided visitors approach the cliff edge cautiously.
Along the South Coast, the Dyrhólaey peninsula is a popular spot, recognized by its massive rock arch formation. Puffins nest on the grassy slopes and nearby cliffs, though access is often restricted during early summer to protect nesting sites. A dedicated bird-watching platform at Borgarfjörður Eystri in the East Fjords provides easy, safe access to a large colony, making it an excellent option for those traveling the eastern part of the country.
Responsible Observation and Population Status
Observing puffins requires a commitment to ethical behavior to avoid disturbing the sensitive colonies. Visitors should always adhere to marked trails and viewing areas, as walking off-path can inadvertently collapse a hidden burrow, destroying a nest or trapping a puffling inside. Binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens should be used to maintain a respectful distance, ensuring the birds remain undisturbed.
The conservation status of the Atlantic Puffin population in Iceland is a growing concern, despite the large numbers. While globally listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the species is classified as Critically Endangered on the Icelandic Red List of Birds. This elevated status reflects a significant decline, estimated at up to 70% in some areas over the last three decades. The main driver of this decline is the scarcity of their primary food sources, particularly sand eels, which is linked to rising sea temperatures caused by climate change.