Iceland is home to a large share of the world’s Atlantic puffin population, but they’re only ashore for part of the year — the rest of the time they’re out at sea.
When to go
Puffins arrive at their breeding colonies around late April and leave by mid-August, with peak numbers typically in June and July. Outside that window, you won’t find them on land.
Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara
On the south coast, the cliffs at Dyrhólaey host a sizeable colony during the season, with viewing areas close to the nesting cliffs.
Látrabjarg
In the Westfjords, Látrabjarg is Iceland’s largest bird cliff and one of the best places to see puffins up close — they’re famously unbothered by people here, though visitors should still keep a respectful distance and stay on stable ground near the cliff edge.
Puffin tours from Reykjavik
Boat tours to islands like Akurey and Lundey run from the old harbor in season, useful if you’re not traveling outside the capital during puffin season.
A note on respect
Puffins are ground-nesters and easily disturbed. Stay on marked paths, keep noise down, and never approach burrows — colonies can be sensitive to repeated human presence.
About Erika Sand
Erika has spent the last decade driving, hiking, and hot-spring-hopping across Iceland in every season. She writes NRF.is’s itineraries, guides, and trip reports to help travelers see the country safely, affordably, and without the tourist-trap detours.