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Iceland’s isolated environment supports a small but diverse wildlife population. Some animals remain year-round, while many birds and marine species migrate seasonally. A couple of land animals, including reindeer and sheep, were introduced by humans hundreds of years ago.
Iceland’s animal kingdom is strongly influenced by its dramatic landscapes and the location between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The Arctic fox is the only native Icelandic animal species, whereas reindeer, sheep, and more were introduced by human settlers.
This is balanced out by abundant marine life, including whales and dolphins, as well as a rich diversity of bird species—such as puffins—that arrive seasonally. This guide introduces the wildlife in Iceland, explains which creatures are native and introduced, and provides tips for responsible, respectful viewing during your visits.
Icelandic wildlife spans the air, land, and sea. Massive whales navigate the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, puffins nest along rocky cliffs, and Arctic foxes roam the island’s remote areas. Some of the most notable species include:
An Arctic fox in its striking dark coat, spotted in Iceland's Westfjords. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur.
The Arctic fox is Iceland’s only native land mammal and a common resident of the Arctic region. Two color morphs exist: white and blue. White foxes have brown or gray coats that turn fully white in winter, while blue morphs remain darker year-round, with grayish tones in colder months.
Location: The Westfjords, especially the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, is home to the largest population.
How to see: Wildlife and heritage tours in Hesteyri Village or other Westfjords adventures. Sightings depend on season and conditions.
Tip: Arctic foxes are generally more active and easier to spot between June and July, when the breeding season is underway, and young pups begin to appear.
A humpback whale mid-breach, bursting free from the ocean. Source: Adobe Stock.
Whale watching is a popular activity year-round. Icelandic waters host sperm, fin, blue, and humpback whales. These animals migrate seasonally, following feeding grounds across the North Atlantic and Arctic. Sightings are never guaranteed, but tours provide a close-up view of some of the largest creatures on Earth.
Location: Coastal waters around Iceland, including Reykjavík harbor. Húsavík town, on the North Coast, is often called Iceland’s whale-watching capital.
How to see: Tours from Reykjavík and the northern fishing village of Dalvík run year-round, depending on weather and sea conditions. Seasonal tours also depart from Ólafsvík village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula between February and September, and from Akureyri city between May and September.
Tip: Plan your whale-watching trip during summer, when more species are present in Icelandic waters and conditions are generally calmer.
An orca emerges briefly from the depths for a look around. Source: Adobe Stock.
Orcas, or “killer whales,” are social marine mammals that pose no known threat to humans. They travel in pods and are identifiable by black bodies with white markings near the eyes and belly. Adult males can reach 7 m (23 ft). Orcas are fast swimmers, making sightings brief but memorable.
Location: West Iceland, especially Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Eastfjords, and the Westman Islands, where herring populations are bigger.
How to see: Mainly on winter and early spring whale-watching tours. Sightings of marine animals in Iceland cannot be guaranteed.
Tip: February and March offer the best chance, when herring populations peak in West Iceland.
Seals lounge on the rocky Icelandic coast of the Westfjords. Image provided by Gunnar Gaukur.
Iceland hosts two main seal species: gray seals and smaller harbor seals. Occasionally, harp, bearded, hooded, and ringed seals are spotted. Seals in Iceland often gather in colonies and return to the same resting sites annually, typically on rocky shores or black-sand beaches.
Location: Ytri Tunga Beach (Snæfellsnes Peninsula) and coastal areas near Reykjavík are reliable viewing spots. Other sightings occur along South Iceland’s coast.
How to see: A 2-day tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Borgarfjörður fjord often includes seal sightings.
Tip: Use binoculars and keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals.
A dolphin bursts through the surface in a spectacular jump. Source: Stock.
Dolphins are frequently seen in the coastal waters surrounding Iceland, both inshore and offshore. The white-beaked dolphin is the most common species and is easily recognized by its white beak. They are social animals, usually found in groups, and often appear alongside other marine life, including whales, on wildlife tours.
Locations: Popular dolphin-watching areas include Faxaflói Bay near Reykjavík and the waters of North Iceland. Dolphins can also be spotted along much of the coastline, particularly in areas with large numbers of fish such as cod, haddock, and herring.
How to see: Dolphins are often encountered on whale-watching tours, which offer opportunities to see a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and other sea animals. Sightings depend on season, location, and prey availability.
Tip: Spring through autumn is the best time for dolphin sightings, as the animals follow fish populations close to the coast.
A colony of puffins on the lush grounds of the Westman Islands. Captured by Gunnar Gaukur.
One of the most iconic birds in Iceland, Atlantic puffins arrive each spring to breed along the coast and leave before winter. They’re easy to recognize thanks to their black-and-white bodies and colorful beaks. Iceland hosts a significant share of the global puffin population.
Location: Westman Islands, Látrabjarg cliffs (Westfjords), and Dyrhólaey peninsula (South Iceland).
How to see: Guided puffin tours allow safe viewing during the breeding season.
Tip: Visit between May and August. Keep a safe distance from nesting areas to avoid disturbing birds.
A lone Arctic tern surveys its surroundings from a fence post. Image courtesy of Gunnar Gaukur.
Iceland is a popular destination for birdwatching, with a wide range of species found along its coasts and inland waters during the summer months. In addition to puffins, visitors can often spot oystercatchers along the shoreline. Their bright red-orange beaks, long legs, and black-and-white plumage make them easy to identify. Another familiar sight is the European golden plover, traditionally seen as a sign of spring in Iceland. The Arctic tern nests by the sea and large lakes and migrates between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, stopping in Iceland on its long journey.
Locations: Coastal areas provide important nesting and feeding grounds for many bird species in Iceland. Places such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands archipelago) are well known for birdlife. Inland lakes, including Mývatn Lake in North Iceland, attract large numbers of birds during the warmer months thanks to their rich wetlands.
How to see: Birds can often be spotted while driving along the coast or near lakes and rivers. Traveling the Ring Road (Route 1) offers many opportunities to see birdlife, especially during spring and summer.
Tip: Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times for sightings, especially during the spring and summer breeding season.
Several domesticated animals in Iceland were introduced by early settlers and have since adapted to the country’s landscapes and rural way of life. Sturdy Icelandic horses once carried travelers, while sheep and loyal herding dogs have long shaped Iceland’s farming traditions. These animals continue to reflect Iceland’s resilient character.
Icelandic horses graze with the blue ocean stretching behind them. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur.
Introduced to Iceland more than a thousand years ago, Icelandic horses are small but sturdy, averaging 132–142 cm (4.33–4.66 ft) in height and 330–450 kg (727.5–992 lbs) in weight. These versatile horses are widely used by residents and tourists to explore Iceland’s natural landscape without causing significant damage to the terrain. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their friendly but spirited nature, making them ideal for riding adventures.
Location: Icelandic horses are a common sight in rural Iceland and at tour base points, with Vík village boasting several bases where visitors can start their ride.
How to see: Horseback-riding tours operate mostly year-round. The Silver Circle adventure visits a horse farm, where you can pet these animals yourself.
Tip: Choose a guided tour that matches your riding ability and ask your guide to demonstrate the Icelandic horse’s unique gait, the tölt, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride even over rough terrain.
Sheep rest among the rugged rocks of West Iceland. Image courtesy of Gunnar Gaukur from the Arctic Adventures team.
Icelandic sheep are small, resilient animals that closely resemble ancient European breeds. They feed on wild grasses and tough brush, grazing across the Icelandic Highlands, South Coast, and other regions. This resilient breed has provided meat and wool for local communities for centuries and has remained largely unchanged for over 1,100 years, making it a living link to Iceland’s cultural and agricultural history.
Location: Icelandic sheep are found throughout the country, particularly in the Highlands and northern regions, where grazing land is plentiful.
How to see: During the summer months, farmers release sheep to roam freely. You’ll commonly spot them while driving along rural roads, hiking trails, or exploring Iceland’s countryside.
Tip: Respect fenced pastures and farm property when viewing sheep, and keep a safe distance. Summer is the best time to see them grazing in open fields.
A lone Arctic tern surveys its surroundings from a fence post. Image courtesy of Gunnar Gaukur.
Friendly yet hardy, Icelandic sheepdogs have been a trusted companion to farmers in Iceland. With a double coat—black, gray, or chocolate brown with white markings—they are well adapted to Iceland’s cold climate. These agile and cheerful dogs work tirelessly herding livestock and guarding farms.
Location: Icelandic sheepdogs are commonly seen on farms and in rural areas. The breed is also celebrated at the Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center (Sögusetur Íslenska fjárhundsins) in Lýtingsstaðir.
How to see: During summer, you can spot Icelandic sheepdogs herding sheep on farms across the countryside. Visiting the Sögusetur Íslenska fjárhundsins allows you to meet dogs such as Sómi and Hraundís, the center’s owners’ pets.
Tip: Summer is the best time to see sheepdogs in action on farms.
Iceland is also home to non-native species. These animals were introduced by humans or arrive only occasionally from elsewhere. Their presence highlights how species adapt to Iceland’s challenging environment and shows how the island is connected to the wider natural world.
A reindeer stands its ground on a fog-covered road.
Reindeer were introduced to Iceland and have adapted well to the island’s cold, variable climate. Adult males weigh around 90 kg (198.4 lbs), and females about 40 kg (88.2 lbs). They are covered in thick fur for insulation and have antlers for foraging and defense. Reindeer primarily feed on plants and grasses, staying at higher elevations during summer and moving to lower areas in winter. Their gray or brown legs, back, and head, combined with a white belly, help them blend into Iceland’s rugged landscapes.
Location: Icelandic reindeer are most commonly found in the Eastfjords, particularly near Vatnajökull glacier and Snæfell mountain. In winter, herds are sometimes seen closer to towns and coastal areas, including the town of Egilsstaðir, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the village of Höfn.
How to see: A 6-day Ring Road trip around Iceland includes an opportunity to spot reindeer in their natural habitat. Sightings depend on season, location, and weather conditions.
Tips: The best thing to do in East Iceland is to travel the region in winter, when reindeer descend from elevated ground. Always observe them from a distance using binoculars and avoid disturbing their grazing grounds.
A pair of polar bears shares a floating ice chunk. Source: Stock.
Polar bears are rare in Iceland; they are among the most iconic Arctic animals to visit Iceland, usually drifting from Greenland on sea ice carried by ocean currents or swimming the long distance. Adult males weigh 400–600 kg (881.8–1,322.8 lbs), and females slightly less, making them among the largest land carnivores in the world. Adapted to cold environments, polar bears have thick layers of fat and dense, water-repellent fur that appears white, providing both insulation and camouflage.
Location: Sightings in Iceland are extremely rare and unpredictable. The most recent recorded sighting was in 2024 near the Hornstrandir peninsula, likely when a bear arrived via an iceberg from Greenland.
How to see: Polar bears are not reliably seen in the wild in Iceland. The best way to learn about them is by visiting the Perlan Museum in Reykjavík, which features an exhibition on the species and its Arctic environment.
Tip: Visiting museums or guided Arctic exhibitions is the safest and most informative way to experience these animals.
There are no dangerous animals in Iceland, making it one of the safest travel destinations in the world. The only native land mammal, the Arctic fox, generally avoids humans and urban areas. Occasionally, you may encounter introduced species like reindeer or animals protecting their dens and young. In these cases, keep a safe distance and follow local guidance to ensure both your safety and the animals’ well-being.
Tourists and visitors can experience Iceland’s wildlife through guided tours or self-drive trips into rural areas. The type of trip you choose will determine which animals you’re likely to see. For marine wildlife such as whales and dolphins, coastal and offshore tours are the best options. To spot land-based animals, head to the Eastfjords to see reindeer or explore the Westfjords to observe Arctic foxes. Birdwatching tours offer close encounters with puffins and other Icelandic bird species.
Interested? Find a tour—single- or multi-day—on our page and secure your spot right away!
The Arctic fox is the only native land mammal in Iceland. Most other Icelandic land animals, including horses, sheep, and reindeer, were introduced by humans. However, many bird species and marine animals are native to Icelandic ecosystems and play a vital role in the country’s natural environment.
The Arctic fox is the only native land mammal in Iceland. Most other Icelandic land animals, including horses, sheep, and reindeer, were introduced by humans. However, many bird species and marine animals are native to Icelandic ecosystems and play a vital role in the country’s natural environment.
Wild animals in Iceland include the Arctic fox, reindeer, seals, whales, dolphins, porpoises, and many bird species. While Iceland does not have large predators, its wildlife thrives in both remote highland areas and coastal regions. Many wild animals can be seen on guided tours or in protected natural areas.
The Arctic fox is the largest and only native land predator in Iceland. In marine environments, larger predators such as orcas are present in Icelandic waters. However, neither poses a threat to humans when observed responsibly.
The Arctic fox is often considered Iceland’s main wild animal due to its status as the only native land mammal. The Icelandic horse is also a strong national symbol and one of the most recognizable animals associated with the country. Puffins are also seen as a national icon due to their population residing on the island’s shores.
No, there are no grizzly bears in Iceland. Bears are not native to the country and do not live there. On very rare occasions, polar bears may drift to Iceland on sea ice from Greenland, but these events are extremely uncommon and closely managed by authorities.
Iceland is the puffin watching capital of the world. Bird watchers and scientists from around the globe come to Iceland to observe this fascinating species firsthand. Thanks to their incredibly cute and funny appearance, puffin watching has become one of the top favorite summer activities for visitors and locals alike! Learn more about the puffins in Iceland, including when to see them and how to find them.
Are you determined to see an Arctic fox on your visit to Iceland? Find out more about these adorable mammals and how to see them on your travels.
Iceland boasts not just the best whale watching in Europe but is also one of the best places to whale watch in the world. The country’s unique position between two ocean currents in the North Atlantic means that its waters are filled with krill and fish – the perfect attraction for hungry whales and dolphins. Boat tours in Iceland have an amazing success rate and whales often swim right beside the tour boats.
