Puffins in southern Iceland

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

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

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.