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Iceland is a land of stark beauty, where volcanic landscapes meet icy fjords and wildlife thrives in some of the most intense environments on Earth.

Despite its harsh climate and rugged terrain, Iceland is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. From the Arctic fox roaming the highlands to the puffins nesting along the cliffs, Iceland’s wildlife is as unique and captivating as the island itself.

Facts about Nature and Wildlife

Arctic
Iceland

What Land Mammals Live in Iceland?

Iceland isn’t known for a high number of land mammals, but the ones that do live here are well-adapted to its conditions. The Arctic fox is Iceland’s only native land mammal. These creatures have been here since the Ice Age and have adapted for the cold, with their thick coats that change colour with the seasons — white in winter and brown in summer. You’ll find them across Iceland, particularly in the Westfjords, scavenging for food along the shores or hunting small birds and rodents.

Other mammals in Iceland, such as reindeer, were introduced by humans in the 18th century. You can spot reindeer in the eastern highlands, grazing on moss and grass during the short summer months. Icelandic horses and sheep are also common sights, but they were brought over by early settlers. These animals have become iconic symbols of Iceland, with the horses known for their strength and unique gait.

Are There Polar Bears in Iceland?

While polar bears are not native to Iceland, they do occasionally make an appearance when they drift over on icebergs from Greenland. However, these visits are rare and usually make headlines when they happen. The bears don’t typically survive for long in Iceland, as the island lacks the sea ice they need to hunt seals, which are their primary food source.

Whales in Iceland

Iceland’s surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching. The cold waters of the North Atlantic attract several species of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and the occasional orca. Humpbacks are among the most seen whales, known for their spectacular breaching and tail-slapping displays, especially in areas like Húsavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Orcas can often be seen off the coast of the Westfjords, particularly around Grundarfjörður, where they come to feed on herring.

Aside from whales, seals are also a common sight along Iceland’s coasts. Harbor seals and grey seals can often be seen lounging on rocks or playing in the shallow waters, especially around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Vatnsnes Peninsula.

Other Wildlife in Iceland

Iceland is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the summer months when millions of migratory birds arrive to breed. One of the most iconic birds here is the Atlantic puffin, with its colourful beak and clown-like appearance. Puffins nest in massive colonies along Iceland’s coastal cliffs, particularly in places like the Westman Islands and the Látrabjarg cliffs. Seeing these birds take off in groups or return to their burrows with fish is a sight not to be missed.

In addition to puffins, Iceland is home to several species of seabirds like the Arctic tern and guillemot, as well as the white-tailed eagle, Iceland’s largest bird of prey. Arctic terns are famous for their long migration, traveling between the Arctic and Antarctic each year, while guillemots nest in crowded colonies along the cliffs, often diving into the ocean to catch fish.

Becoming Polar Latitudes Expeditions

Nature and Wildlife

Iceland is a land of stark beauty, where volcanic landscapes meet icy fjords and wildlife thrives in some of the most intense environments on Earth.

Facts about Nature and Wildlife

What Land Mammals Live in Iceland?

Are There Polar Bears in Iceland?

Whales in Iceland

Other Wildlife in Iceland

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Becoming Polar Latitudes Expeditions

Nature and Wildlife

Iceland is a land of stark beauty, where volcanic landscapes meet icy fjords and wildlife thrives in some of the most intense environments on Earth.

Facts about Nature and Wildlife

What Land Mammals Live in Iceland?

Are There Polar Bears in Iceland?

Whales in Iceland

Other Wildlife in Iceland

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