Neil Walden 
, Mar 29, 2005; 10:59 a.m.
Are there puffins in southern Iceland at Dyrholaey (near the town of
Vik)? If so, where are the bird cliffs and how do you get to them?
Also, a more general question: where can puffins be seen anywhere on
the entire southern coast of Iceland?
Katrin Svana Eythors , Mar 29, 2005; 01:25 p.m.
Reposted due to un-understandableicelandicletterscomputermixup
Hi
Actually you can see puffins close to Reykjavik on Puffin Island (Lundey in Icelandic). You can probably get there on one of the whaling trips organized from the old harbour in the summertime.
But there are puffins in Dyrholaey as well as in the Vestmannaeyjar islands (Vestmannaeyjar = 3 hour boat trip from Thorlakshofn ( Thorlakshofn = 1 hour buse ride from Reykjavik)). In Dyrholaey you walk to the top of the island from the parking so the cliffs are kinda below your feet - be careful :D
If you have any more questions . . .
kse
Jakob Sigurdsson , Mar 31, 2005; 09:33 a.m.
If you are in SE-Iceland ou might want to check out cape-Ingolfhofdi. A farmer (I believe) ferries people there in a horse wagon. It is known for its bird life and scenic view. I have never been there but have allways wanted to go, hopefully I have time this summer.
Jakob Sigur�sson
Bird Photos
Daniel Bergmann , Apr 02, 2005; 06:40 a.m.
There are Puffins in Dyrholaey. The cape has however been
closed during the Eider breeding season, and has opened up
sometime in late June. This might change this year as Dyrholaey
is now being managed by the Skaftafell National Park, and the
warden is not in favor of these restrictions. You might want to
check if restrictions still apply if you are planning a visit in June.
There are also Puffins in Reynisfjall by Vik. Even some in the
slopes leading up from houses in the western part of the town.
The Westmann Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) do have a number of
Puffin colonies. They are however unaccesible for tourists,
except the ones on Heimaey. A ferry goes to Heimaey daily from
Thorlakshofn.
Cape Ingolfshofdi (about 250 km east of Vik) also has Puffins.
There are two tracks that lead out there. One of those can only be
navigated by 4x4 vehicles with high clearance (preferably
modified to accept large tires). The other can be driven in a
smaller type of 4x4. It is however easy to get stuck there if you're
not familiar with the area. Another option to get to Ingolfshofdi is
with the tour operated from Hofsnes. This is limiting though, as
the stopover at the Cape is short if you are going to do some
serious photography. You could overnight out there. To do so you
would need a permit from the warden at Skaftafell National Park,
since Ingolfshofdi is a nature reserve undir his care.
If you are really serious about photographing Puffins in Iceland,
then the ultimate location is at Latrabjarg in the West Fjords
(Vestfirdir). Not the largest colony, but incredibly tame birds, and
just a great location. It's a bit out-of-way, but worth the trouble
IMO.
