Puffins
Not penguins.. Puffins!
The Puffin is a memeber of the auk family and is the most numerous bird in Iceland, with a population estimated somewhere near the 10 million mark. The upright stance of the puffin accompanied with the white and black color has people often mistaking them for penguins. The scientific name for puffins in Fratercula artica which translates to "little brother" or "little priest".
When and where to see Puffins
Locals celebrate the arrival of the puffins on the first day of summer (mid april) each year. It is thought that Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður eystri is the prime spot for puffin and other bird watching in Iceland. A pathway has been built that guides guests through the nesting ground allowing you to get closer to the puffins than you would normally be able to - free of charge!
Livestream
Want to get up close and personal with the puffins but are miles away? No problem, we got you covered. Enjoy a livestream of Hafnarhólmi bay in Borgarfjörður eystri where it's estimated that 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer. While watching, why don't you start planning your next trip to Austurland?
Nýlundabúðin - A Puffin shop at the end of the world
In the summer of 2020 artists and activists Rán Flygenring and Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir opened an unconventional puffin shop situated in the middle of Iceland's most accessible puffin nesting ground. Check out their mini documentary on the project in the player below.