Iceland’s wild landscapes are alive with birds, whales, seals, Arctic foxes and more—but spotting them takes a little know‑how. Whether you’re road‑tripping the West or basing yourself at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, a few simple tips will help you see more wildlife while keeping nature safe and undisturbed.
Iceland’s wildlife is most active in the early morning and late evening, when light is softer and the roads are quieter. From Hvítá Inn, just inland from Borgarnes, you’re perfectly placed to head out at dawn along the rivers and lowlands of Borgarfjörður. Scan the riverbanks and wetlands for whooper swans, red‑throated divers, and wading birds feeding in the shallows. Bring binoculars and move slowly—often you’ll hear birds before you see them.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur Inn is a great base for bird and marine life watching. The Breiðafjörður Bay is famous for its rich ecosystem: countless small islands, kelp forests, and tidal flats attract puffins (in season), eiders, kittiwakes, and seals. Boat tours from Stykkishólmur often combine island hopping with birdwatching, and you can spot seals hauled out on skerries or curious heads popping up in the water. When watching seabirds on cliffs or islands, keep a respectful distance, stay on marked paths, and avoid sudden movements—this reduces stress on nesting birds and gives you better, more natural behavior to observe.
Farther northwest, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s wildest regions. Here, towering cliffs and remote fjords are home to some of the country’s best wildlife encounters. From Ísafjörður, you can join guided tours to places like Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where Arctic foxes roam freely. To spot them, look for movement along the shoreline and in the low vegetation, especially in the early morning or late evening. Dress warmly, sit quietly, and let the foxes come to you—patience is your best tool.
The Westfjords are also prime whale‑watching territory. From Ísafjörður and nearby harbors, boat trips head into deep fjords where humpback whales, minke whales, and sometimes even blue whales feed in summer. To spot whales, scan the horizon for blows (spouts of mist), tail flukes, or birds circling above feeding areas. Calm days with good visibility are ideal. Always choose responsible operators who follow guidelines on approach distances and speed; this protects the animals and leads to more relaxed, memorable sightings.
Wherever you stay with Ourhotels.is, keep these general wildlife‑spotting tips in mind:
– Bring binoculars and, if you like photography, a zoom lens. This lets you keep your distance while still seeing details.
– Move slowly and quietly. Sudden movements and loud voices scare animals away.
– Use your ears as much as your eyes. Bird calls, splashes, and rustling can reveal wildlife before you see it.
– Check with local staff. At Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, the teams can often tell you about recent sightings, best viewpoints, and recommended local guides.
– Respect nature. Stay on paths, never feed wild animals, and keep away from nests, dens, and pups or chicks.
Seasonality matters too. Spring and summer bring migratory birds, nesting colonies, and rich marine life. Puffins are usually seen from late April to August, especially around coastal cliffs and islands near Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. Autumn and winter are quieter for birds but can be excellent for spotting Arctic foxes against the snow and for seeing seals resting on ice or rocky shores. With long nights, you might even combine wildlife watching with the Northern Lights, especially from the darker countryside around Hvítá Inn or the remote fjords near Ísafjörður Inn.
By choosing comfortable bases like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can explore three very different wildlife regions of West Iceland without rushing. Each area offers its own character: river valleys and farmlands, island‑studded bays, and dramatic fjords. With a bit of patience, the right timing, and local insight from Ourhotels.is, you’ll be well on your way to spotting Icelandic wildlife in a way that’s both unforgettable and respectful of the fragile nature that makes this country so special.
