Welcome to Iceland, where dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife come together to create an extraordinary natural experience. This fascinating island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, each uniquely adapted to thrive in its environment. Let’s have a look at some of Iceland’s most intriguing creatures and plants, which you may stumble upon when exploring the area… especially on Icelandic Roamers’ tours! 🙂
What Animals Are Native to Iceland?
Iceland is home to a unique array of wildlife that has adapted to its harsh environment. The only native land mammal is the Arctic fox, which has been on the island since the end of the last ice age. However, there is also a wide variety of birds, marine mammals, and introduced species such as reindeer, to be found when exploring the land of fire and ice. Let’s not forget about Iceland’s rich marine life that includes numerous species of whales, dolphins, and seals, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts!
Puffins: Iceland’s Feathered Friends
Puffins are the rock stars of Iceland’s avian world, with their colorful beaks and charismatic personalities. These seabirds spend most of their lives at sea, returning to Icelandic shores during summer to breed.
Asking yourself already: Where can I see puffins in Iceland? You can spot these cuties at the Westman Islands, Dyrhólaey, and the Látrabjarg cliffs, where they nest in burrows along the cliffs. You can certainly see them with Icelandic Roamers! We recommend our South Coast tours that run from mid-June to September. Watching puffins dive and ‘fly’ underwater is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to Iceland!
Cool Fact: Puffins can carry several fish in their beaks at once, thanks to their unique hinged beaks that allow them to grip multiple fish… while they continue hunting for more!
The Arctic Fox: Iceland’s Native Survivor
The Arctic fox is Iceland’s only native land mammal, perfectly adapted to the island’s harsh conditions. The Arctic foxes’ ability to thrive in such a climate is a testament to their resilience. These impressive animals survived the ice age and have since made the island their home.
Did you know that their thick fur changes color with the seasons? Like a chameleon, arctic foxes become white during winter to blend in with the snow, while in summer they turn brown or grey, depending on their surroundings.
Where in Iceland can you spot Arctic foxes? For the best chance to see these charming creatures we recommend you to visit the Westfjords, especially the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Cool Fact: Arctic foxes have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to locate prey even under thick snow!
Reindeer in Iceland
These majestic creatures, introduced to Iceland in the 18th century, can now be seen roaming freely in East Iceland. Reindeers migrate there between the highlands and lowlands according to the season, adapting perfectly to the island’s environment. During the summer, they can be found grazing in the highlands, while in winter, they move to lower elevations to escape the harsh weather.
Reindeer are not just an exciting sight for tourists but also play a crucial role in Iceland’s ecosystem. They help maintain the balance by grazing on vegetation, which can prevent overgrowth and promote biodiversity.
Cool Fact: The reindeer population in Iceland is carefully managed through seasonal hunting to ensure it does not exceed the carrying capacity of the land. This management helps prevent overgrazing and ensures a healthy balance in the ecosystem.
Whale Watching Adventures
Iceland’s coastal waters are a haven for marine life, making it one of the best places in the world for… whale watching!
If you’re keen on these amazing creatures, plan your trip to increase the chances for meeting them. The best time to see whales in Iceland is from April to October – during that time you can see minke whales, humpback whales, and even the mighty blue whale. Popular whale watching tours depart from Reykjavik, Húsavík, and Akureyri.
Cool Fact: The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, can reach lengths of up to 100 feet and weigh as much as 200 tons. Hard to imagine… until you see it yourself!
Iceland’s Diverse Birdlife
Iceland is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to various species including the Arctic tern, golden plover, and gyrfalcon.
What kind of birds can you see in Iceland? In addition to puffins, you can spot Arctic terns, golden plovers, and the majestic gyrfalcon, which is Iceland’s national bird. The Westfjords and Lake Mývatn are excellent spots for bird enthusiasts.
Cool fact: The Arctic tern has the longest migration of any bird, traveling from the Arctic to Antarctica each year.
Seals and Other Marine Life
Can you see seals in Iceland? Absolutely! Seals are a common and delightful sight along Iceland’s coasts. They can often be seen at places like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Westfjords.
Ytri Tunga is another great spot to see seals lying on the shore, posing charmingly as if they were waiting to be photographed! Icelandic Roamers offer various Snaefellsnes trips that cover this area, providing ample opportunities to see these adorable creatures up close. Needless to say, we take amazing pictures, which you can take home… 🙂
Icelandic Horses: Majestic and Unique
Despite common misconceptions, Icelandic horses are not wild. These sturdy and fluffy horses are descendants of Norse horses brought to Iceland by settlers over a thousand years ago.
They are renowned for their unique gait called “tölt,” which is smooth and comfortable for long-distance travel. Don’t miss our South Coast tour with a horse-riding adventure in a picturesque Vik village and try this special gait yourself!
Cool Fact: Icelandic horses are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them perfect for horseback riding tours. Remember, though, they might look like ponies, but don’t call them that—they are proud horses!
Are there any dangerous animals in Iceland?
Iceland is relatively safe in terms of dangerous wildlife. The most notable wild animal is the Arctic fox, which is generally not dangerous to humans. Polar bears occasionally drift from Greenland on ice floes, but this is extremely rare. When traveling in Iceland, always respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Carrying a basic first aid kit and knowing emergency contact numbers can also enhance your safety while exploring the wild.
Common Plants in Iceland: Icelandic Flora
Iceland’s plant life is as unique as its wildlife. The island’s volcanic soil supports a variety of hardy plants, from mosses and lichens to wildflowers like the Arctic thyme and vibrant purple lupine.
Purple Lupine: Iceland’s Vibrant Flower
Although not native, Iceland’s purple lupine is a common sight during the summer, carpeting large areas in stunning purple. You can spot these beautiful flowers in many regions, particularly around Reykjavik and in national parks. Rest assured you won’t find a more charming background for your perfect Iceland summer photos! 😊
Cool Fact: Purple lupine was introduced to combat soil erosion, and it has thrived in Iceland’s volcanic soil.
Icelandic Moss: A Natural Wonder
Icelandic moss is a vital part of the island’s ecosystem and is protected due to its ecological importance and role in preventing soil erosion. This resilient plant grows slowly and is highly sensitive to foot traffic, so always tread carefully when exploring moss-covered areas.
Cool Fact: Icelandic moss has been used in traditional Icelandic medicine for centuries, believed to have healing properties for various ailments.
Conclusion
Iceland’s flora and fauna are a testament to nature’s incredible adaptability. From the endearing puffins and resilient Arctic foxes to the colorful wildflowers and ancient birch forests, there is so much to discover. Whether hiking through moss-covered lava fields or watching whales breach the surface, Iceland offers countless opportunities to connect with its unique wildlife.
Plan Your Visit
The best way to experience Iceland’s wildlife up close? Join one of Icelandic Roamer’s guided tours! 😊 Our expert guides-photographers will provide fascinating insights into the behaviors and habitats of Iceland’s flora and fauna, ensuring a memorable and educational adventure, with stunning photos to crown it all.
Our ultimate request to everyone visiting our beloved Iceland is: respect nature, follow guidelines, and leave no trace to help preserve these precious ecosystems for future generations. Let’s enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty as long as we can!