Like most visitors to Iceland, I initially imagined only the stunning waterfalls, fairytale-like glaciers, and towering volcanoes that dominate the landscape. But beyond these iconic sights, there’s another, equally fascinating side of Iceland—the wildlife that calls this land home.
In this article, you’ll find stories of unexpected wildlife encounters in South Iceland, along with insights into the incredible creatures you might meet along the way. From adorable puffins to majestic herds of reindeer, the natural beauty of this country is made even richer by the animals that roam its breathtaking landscapes.
Birds of South Iceland: A Morning with Puffins at Dyrhólaey and Ingólfshöfði
One of the highlights of this journey was a visit to Dyrhólaey, which translates to “Door Hill Island”—a curious name, isn’t it? I set off early in the morning, accompanied by a sky that shifted between dramatic cloud formations and bursts of sunlight.
Then, I saw it—the breathtaking cliff arch near Vík. This spot isn’t just a fantastic viewpoint for photos; it’s also one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland.
Pro tip: Tie your hair back—the wind is incredibly strong here!
Walking through the designated open areas, I was careful to respect the wildlife, as some sections are closed at certain times of the year for conservation. And then, suddenly, there they were—tiny, black-and-white birds with bright orange beaks, diving gracefully into the North Atlantic. It looked like an Olympic high-diving competition!
I sat quietly, watching as the puffins soared out to sea, returning with food to feed their young in their peaceful nesting grounds.
The adventure continued to another hidden gem, Ingólfshöfði, a remote headland between the black sand beaches of South Iceland and the North Atlantic Ocean. Located between Skaftafell and Fjallsárlón, this secluded paradise is a haven for birdlife, including puffins, eiders, fulmars, long-tailed ducks, and skuas.
With its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline, Ingólfshöfði is a dream for birdwatchers. However, getting there is not easy—the journey across wet sand is dangerous, and access is on private land, so visiting with an experienced guide is essential.
Best tip: The best time to visit is during nesting season (May to August). For a magical experience, go early in the morning or late in the evening when the summer sun provides nearly 24 hours of daylight.
Seals Among the Icebergs at Glacier Lagoons
South Iceland is home to two spectacular glacier lagoons—Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón—both famous for their massive floating icebergs. But beyond the icy landscape, these lagoons also hide a playful surprise: seals!
At Fjallsárlón, you might spot one or two adventurous seals, and also if you decide to do a overnight stay at the lagoon you can be surprised by a seal laying on the small porch of the boathouse when you are waking up early in the morning. At Jökulsárlón, it’s common to see families of seals gliding effortlessly through the freezing waters. They move with incredible agility, playfully peeking out from behind the icebergs, often catching visitors off guard with their surprise appearances.
Best tip: Want a closer look? Take a Zodiac boat tour to glide past towering icebergs—and if you’re lucky, you might see the seals up close!
Reindeer in the Eastern Fjords
As I continued my journey to Seyðisfjörður, I enjoyed visiting the small towns in the fjords. Driving along the coast with open windows on a good weather day is relaxing—the crisp, salty breeze from the ocean fills your lungs with pure wellness.
This was my second time driving in the Eastfjords. This is the end of the southern part of Iceland, a remote area with few tourists traveling to this part of the country. If you’re lucky and there is no one on the road, you can take an epic photo on the road with a handmade backdrop of nature.
While admiring the landscape, I detected movement—and there they were: a herd of wild reindeer going down a hill. Unlike in other parts of the world, where reindeer are domesticated, Iceland’s reindeer are completely wild, roaming freely across the Eastfjords. They are so wild that you can spot some of them stading in a floating falt iceberg on the laggons mencioned above. Something worth mentioning is when you go for an ice cave hiking tour at Fjallsárlon you can spot small herds when drinving on the way to the starting point of the hiking.
Best tip: Reindeer are only found in East Iceland. Winter is the best time to spot them, as they migrate to lower altitudes.
Final thoughts: Next time you visit Iceland, I suggest to slow down and keep you eyes open and go the extra mile, not only admire the montains, waterfall or volcanoes; if you want more you will find more in this case amazing wildlife.
