The Best Birdwatching Spots

A puffin in Vestmannaeyjar, home to one of the world’s largest colonies. Photo by Þráinn Kolbeinsson.

For those who love nature, South Iceland offers some of the best birdwatching experiences in the country. Whether you’re hoping to hear the mysterious drumming of the common snipe, witness the dramatic courtship dances of Arctic terns, or admire puffins nesting on rugged cliffs, there is no shortage of spectacular encounters with Iceland’s diverse birdlife.

Here are a few must-visit places for bird lovers:

The Best Birdwatching Locations in South Iceland

Friðlandið í Flóa and Ölfusforir

These vast wetlands in the Ölfusá estuary are home to a stunning variety of birds, from red-throated divers gliding across still waters to flocks of whimbrels and black-tailed godwits wading through the marshes. In winter, mallards, Eurasian teal, and Iceland’s largest grey heron population gather in these rich feeding grounds.

The Shore at Eyrar

This ancient lava shoreline, shaped by a volcanic eruption 8,000 years ago, is a paradise for shorebirds. Red knots, dunlins, and ruddy turnstones scurry along the water’s edge, feeding on small crustaceans hidden in the sand. Large flocks of Arctic terns fill the sky, and hundreds of whooper swans gather in late summer to molt, their white feathers standing out against the black volcanic rock.

Þingvallavatn and Sogið

Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, has a bird population quite different from other lakes in the country. Fish-eating birds such as great northern divers and tufted ducks are common here. Along Sogið, the river flowing from the lake, ducks find shelter during the winter months, with Iceland’s largest groups of common goldeneyes and velvet scoters gathering in the icy waters. White-tailed eagles are also frequently spotted in the area.

Apavatn and Laugarvatn

Nestled in the Laugardalur Valley, these lakes are among the best places in South Iceland to see ducks. Laugarvatn, with its geothermal wetlands, attracts wintering goldeneyes, wigeons, and tufted ducks. During migration, flocks of diving ducks create an impressive spectacle.

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Just off the south coast, the Westman Islands are home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the world. Thousands of puffins burrow into the cliffs each summer, while razorbills and common murres nest in the sheer rock faces. The islands are also home to Leach’s storm petrels and Manx shearwaters, making them a must-visit destination for seabird enthusiasts.

Mýrdalur

Towering sea cliffs, dark volcanic sand, and the roar of the Atlantic Ocean create the perfect backdrop for birdwatching in Mýrdalur. Puffins nest in burrows on the cliffs, while Arctic terns defend their nesting grounds with fierce determination. Common murres and razorbills gather in dense colonies, their sharp calls echoing along the coastline.

Þjórsárver

This green oasis on the edge of the highlands is a key breeding ground for pink-footed geese. The wetlands, surrounded by black desert sands and distant glaciers, are also home to red-necked phalaropes, long-tailed ducks, and the occasional great northern diver.

Veiðivötn

Sitting at an elevation of 600 meters, the lakes of Veiðivötn provide a rare and beautiful bird habitat. Great northern divers thrive here, along with whooper swans, harlequin ducks, and Arctic terns. The area is also one of the few places in Iceland where Barrow’s goldeneyes can be seen overwintering.

Jökulsárlón

Iceland’s famous glacier lagoon isn’t just a wonder for its floating icebergs—it’s also a fantastic birdwatching location. Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes, and eider ducks gather around the icebergs, while whooper swans and geese forage in the nearby wetlands. Occasionally, flocks of brent geese and grey phalaropes stop by, adding to the diversity of the area.

Hornafjörður and Skarðsfjörður

These shallow coastal lagoons near Höfn attract large numbers of waterfowl and migratory birds. The ever-changing tides and sheltered waters provide a rich feeding ground for geese, ducks, and waders, making it one of the best places to observe rare vagrant birds in Iceland.

A Final Thought

South Iceland’s birdlife is as diverse as its landscapes. From the thunderous cliffs of Vestmannaeyjar to the silent, ice-filled waters of Jökulsárlón, every location offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Iceland’s birds. Whether you’re watching puffins flapping clumsily through the air, listening to the eerie drumming of the common snipe, or witnessing the synchronized flight of Arctic terns over black sand beaches, birdwatching here is an experience like no other.

So grab your binoculars, step into the wild beauty of Iceland, and let the birds lead you on an unforgettable journey.