Looking for the best spot for puffins in Iceland? Let me take you to Hafnarhólmi—an adorable little island near Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland—where I had the cutest puffin encounter of my entire trip! This hidden gem is an absolute puffin paradise, with thousands of these charming seabirds waddling, flying, and nesting just steps away. The best part? Visiting Hafnarhólmi is completely free! If spotting puffins in the wild is on your Iceland bucket list, this is the place to go.
Guide to Seeing Puffins in Iceland:
When Is the Best Time to See Puffins in Iceland?
If you’re dreaming of seeing puffins in Iceland, timing is everything! These charming little seabirds only visit land during their breeding season, which runs from April to mid-August. For the absolute best puffin-watching experience, aim for late May to early July—that’s when the cliffs are buzzing with activity, and the puffins are out in full force at Hafnarhólmi.
During this sweet spot of the season, thousands of puffins return to this scenic corner of East Iceland to nest, mate, and raise their fluffy chicks. It’s truly the ultimate time to witness their adorable antics up close!
Why is Hafnarhólmi the Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland?
There are plenty of puffin-viewing spots in Iceland, but Hafnarhólmi? This place is next-level. Tucked away near the quiet village of Borgarfjörður Eystri, this tiny island is an underrated gem—and my personal favorite spot to see puffins in Iceland. Here’s why Hafnarhólmi stole my heart:
1. Up-Close and Personal: No binoculars needed here! Hafnarhólmi boasts a thriving puffin population that nests right on the island. Boardwalks and viewing platforms keep you a safe distance while offering incredible close-up encounters with these charismatic birds. I couldn’t believe how close I was—some even crash-landed right in front of me!
2. A Safe Haven for Puffins: Unlike some puffin colonies on cliffs, Hafnarhólmi provides a predator-free environment. This translates to relaxed puffins going about their daily routines – fishing, feeding chicks, and adorably crash-landing on the grassy slopes.
3. A Photographer’s Dream: The clear views and close proximity at Hafnarhólmi make it ideal for capturing stunning puffin photos. Witness the vibrant colors of their beaks, the comical expressions on their faces, and the heartwarming moments of parents feeding their young.
4. A Family-Friendly Adventure: Hafnarhólmi’s accessibility makes it a fantastic choice for families. The well-maintained walkways ensure safe exploration, while the sheer number of puffins guarantees an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
5. More Than Just Puffins: While the puffins are the main attraction, Hafnarhólmi offers a chance to spot other interesting seabirds like fulmars, kittiwakes, and common eiders. The surrounding harbor adds to the charm, creating a picture-perfect setting for your Icelandic adventure.
6. You Don’t Need a Tour to Visit
How can I see puffins in Iceland without a tour? Easy—just drive to Hafnarhólmi! It’s free to visit, requires no booking or guide, and is incredibly straightforward to explore on your own. I visited during my road trip and loved how peaceful and personal the experience was. No crowds, no schedule—just me, my camera, and hundreds of puffins doing their thing. If you’re exploring Iceland independently, this is one of the best puffin spots you can visit without a tour.
My June visit confirmed Hafnarhólmi’s magic. Witnessing puffins everywhere – fishing, feeding their young, and waddling around the island – was an experience I’ll never forget. It truly is a puffin paradise waiting to be explored!
Other Puffin Iceland Highlights
There are a few other excellent places in Iceland to see puffins:
- Látrabjarg in the remote Westfjords is the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world!
- Dyrhólaey near Vík on the south coast has puffin viewing from high cliffs. Go in evening when they return from the sea.
- Heimaey island off the south coast also has puffin colonies and great boat tours.
Getting to Hafnarhólmi and Borgarfjörður Eystri
Getting to Hafnarhólmi requires driving down a gravel road just outside Borgarfjörður Eystri. I parked where other cars where at the end of the road (before the harbor or by the nearby cafe). Then it’s a short 1 km hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the cliffs. The puffins nest high up on the cliffs but also wander around closer to the viewpoint. Bring binoculars for good views!
As for Borgarfjörður Eystri, it makes for a nice stop on an Icelandic road trip around the ring road or a detour into the Eastfjords region. To get there, it’s about a 6 hour drive from Reykjavik or a 4 hour drive from Egilsstaðir in the east. The most direct route is to take the 96 then 92 past lake Lagarfljót.
Adding Hafnarhólmi to Your Iceland Road Trip
Borgarfjörður Eystri is pure magic! You have to spend a night or two here to soak up the stunning scenery. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Explore the nearby hikes like Stórurð or the colorful rhyolite mountains for an adventure. And don’t miss the adorable village of Seyðisfjörður just up the road. It’s like something out of a fairytale, with waterfalls everywhere and that famous rainbow road leading to a dreamy church. 🌈
Where to Stay In Iceland
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Okay, so I had to stay at Blabjorg Guesthouse. It was like a dream come true! This cozy spot has the best views of the fjord and mountains. Plus, it’s right by the harbor for puffin tours – how convenient is that?! I mean, imagine waking up to that view, then hopping on a boat to see adorable puffins. It’s pure magic!
Blabjorg is also close to the Stórurð hike and a quick drive to Hafnarhólmi. The rooms are comfy, the food is delicious, and you can even treat yourself to a spa day or soak in the outdoor jacuzzi.
Trust me, staying at Blabjorg is the ultimate way to experience the magic of Borgarfjörður Eystri. You’ll be counting down the days to go back!
Another great place to stay is Álfheimar Hotel right down the street!
Puffin Paradise: A Must-See Icelandic Adventure
Iceland is full of incredible sights, but seeing adorable puffins on Hafnarhólmi is a total game-changer! These little cuties stealing the show as they nest on the cliffs is an experience you won’t forget. Forget the Golden Circle – this hidden gem is where it’s at! Trust me, adding Hafnarhólmi to your Iceland bucket list is a no-brainer. You’ll be so glad you did!
