Iceland’s wild landscapes are home to some of the North Atlantic’s most iconic animals: whales, puffins, seals, Arctic foxes, and countless seabirds. Experiencing this wildlife is often a highlight of any trip, but how you choose to view it matters—for the animals, for the environment, and for local communities. Responsible wildlife viewing in Iceland means enjoying these encounters in a way that protects fragile ecosystems and supports sustainable tourism.
One of the best ways to do this is to travel slowly and stay in locally run accommodations that understand and respect the surrounding nature. At Ourhotels.is, our inns in West and Northwest Iceland are perfectly placed for wildlife experiences, and we actively encourage guests to follow responsible viewing guidelines while exploring the region.
In West Iceland, the Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (close to Borgarnes) is a peaceful base for exploring rivers, coastlines, and bird cliffs. The Borgarfjörður area is rich in birdlife, especially in spring and summer when migratory species arrive to nest. When you head out from Hvítá Inn, keep a respectful distance from nesting sites, stick to marked paths, and use binoculars or a camera zoom instead of approaching birds too closely. This reduces stress on the animals and helps protect delicate vegetation around their habitats. Our staff are happy to point you toward scenic viewpoints and lesser-known spots where you can quietly observe birds and coastal wildlife without disturbing them.
Further out on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn is a great starting point for responsible marine wildlife viewing. Stykkishólmur is known for boat tours that explore the Breiðafjörður Bay, home to puffins, seals, and a rich variety of seabirds. When choosing a tour, look for operators that follow clear wildlife guidelines: they should keep a safe distance from animals, avoid sudden changes in speed or direction near birds and marine mammals, and never feed wildlife. From The Stykkishólmur Inn, you can walk to the harbor, enjoy the sea air, and learn about the local ecosystem before heading out on the water. After your tour, returning to a small, locally focused inn helps ensure that your travel spending supports the community that cares for these natural resources.
In the Westfjords, Ísafjörður Inn places you at the heart of one of Iceland’s most dramatic wildlife regions. The Westfjords are known for towering bird cliffs, Arctic foxes, and rich marine life. From Ísafjörður, many travelers visit nearby fjords and islands to see puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds, or join whale-watching tours in the surrounding waters. Responsible viewing here means more than just keeping your distance: it also involves respecting seasonal closures, obeying local signs, and being mindful of noise levels in quiet, remote areas. If you’re lucky enough to see an Arctic fox, remember that these animals are wild and should never be approached or fed. Observing them quietly from afar allows them to continue their natural behavior without becoming dependent on humans.
Across all of Iceland, a few simple principles can make your wildlife experiences more sustainable. Never chase or corner animals for a better photo, and avoid drones in sensitive areas, as they can disturb birds and marine mammals. Stay on marked trails to protect nesting grounds and fragile mosses, and pack out all litter so it doesn’t end up in rivers or the sea. When booking tours from bases like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, ask operators about their environmental policies—responsible companies will be transparent about how they minimize disturbance and support conservation.
By choosing accommodations that value nature and by following responsible wildlife viewing practices, you help ensure that Iceland’s animals remain wild and its landscapes unspoiled. Ourhotels.is is committed to welcoming guests who want to experience Iceland’s wildlife with care and respect. Whether you’re birdwatching along the shores near Borgarfjörður, scanning the sea from Stykkishólmur’s harbor, or exploring the remote fjords around Ísafjörður, staying with Ourhotels.is gives you a comfortable, local base for unforgettable—and sustainable—wildlife encounters in Iceland.
