Birdwatching & Hiking the Látrabjarg Cliffs

Látrabjarg is one of the largest bird cliffs in Iceland, located at the westernmost point of Europe in the Westfjords region of Iceland. The cliffs stretch up to nearly 1,500 feet (441 m) high and are almost 9 miles (14 km) long. These steep, vertical cliffs are home to millions of birds in the summer months, including Iceland's favorite, the puffin.

You can hike on top of the cliffs, relishing the incredible views of the rocky nesting grounds and the open sea. Your destination is the area's southern part, from which, on clear days, you can see the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano. Along the way, keep an eye out for puffins and other bird species, such as northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. In the case of the Razorbill, Látrabjarg hosts up to 40% of the bird's world population, making the area a vital habitat and ecosystem.
 
If you're planning a trip to Iceland specifically to see the puffins, this is the place for you! There is an abundance of puffins, as this is Iceland's largest seabird cliffs (and one of Europe's largest). Because this particular species sees humans regularly, they don't move as much as other birds when getting attention, so you have a greater chance of snapping the perfect photo here. However, please be aware that the cliff's edge is dangerous, not only because of the height and wind but also because birds dig their burrows there, which makes the soil unstable. Watch your step!
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Birdwatching & Hiking the Látrabjarg Cliffs
Puffin at Látrabjarg
Látrabjarg Cliff
Birdwatching & Hiking the Látrabjarg Cliffs
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Itineraries with Birdwatching & Hiking the Látrabjarg Cliffs

Iceland Escape
Map of Iceland Off The Beaten Path: West and North Escape - 10 Days
Iceland Off The Beaten Path: West and North Escape - 10 Days

This 10-day driving itinerary is great for the summer when the crowds of the south coast and golden circle area are at their peak and accommodation can be hard to find. Instead, escape to the more remote areas of the country to experience some of the best that Iceland has to offer, with few other people to share it with.

Dynjandi is the most famous waterfall of the Westfjords
Map of Best of Iceland's West Coast - 9 Days
Best of Iceland's West Coast - 9 Days

This self-driving trip takes you to the highlights of Iceland's west coast and the remote Westfjords area. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll drive to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. Here you'll hike along the jagged cliffs at Londrangar, visit black, gold, and red sand beaches, and see the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. End the trip in Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat and trail.

Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs
Map of Best of West Iceland & Scenic Westfjords - 10 Days
Best of West Iceland & Scenic Westfjords - 10 Days

Enjoy the best of Western Iceland and the Westfjords on this 10-day summer adventure. Escape the crowds of the South Coast and Golden Circle area at their peak, when accommodations can be hard to secure. Instead, discover more remote areas of the country, while still experiencing the magnificence of this stunning country. Visit black-sand beaches and fishing towns in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula,  incredible cliffs in Patreksfjörður, delicious, fresh seafood in Isafjordur, plenty of scenic hikes in the remote Westfjords, and more.

A view over the town of Isafjordur in the Westfjords
Map of Best of the West: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords - 7 Days
Best of the West: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords - 7 Days

This weeklong trip takes you to the highlights of the West and remote Westfjords. Travel to some of the lesser-visited areas, with only a fraction of the crowds—compared to the Golden Circle and South Coast. Spend a few days in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula before ferrying to the remote Westfjords, home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Iceland. Hike along the jagged cliffs at Látrabjarg, visit a red-sand beach, and picnic at the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. Spend time in Isafjordur and drive along the eight-fjord system to stop in small towns. In Holmavik, visit a sorcery museum prior to driving back to the capital for some city exploration.