Puffins of Iceland – A Dream Come True
Puffins in the Spotlight
With recent sightings of puffins at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach—and the release of Oregon’s new puffin-themed license plate—these charming birds are riding a wave of popularity in the Pacific Northwest. Coincidentally, I heard both pieces of news while I was photographing the Puffins of Iceland.
It felt like a sign.
A Longtime Dream
I’ve photographed puffins in Oregon before, but it was years ago, and the birds were far in the distance. My attempts in Alaska were much the same. I have a few puffin photos, but they were so small in the frame that they never held much attention.
I love puffins, and getting the chance to photograph them up close has always been a dream of mine. Last month, I finally had that opportunity on a photography trip of a lifetime.
The Journey to Bakkagerði
We spent ten days exploring Iceland, and while the island’s landscapes are truly epic, spending time with a puffin colony quickly became one of the biggest highlights of the trip.
To find the puffins, we drove to one of the most remote villages in northern Iceland—Borgarfjörður eystri. Nestled in a fjord, the tiny settlement of Bakkagerði is home to a colony of over 10,000 mating pairs of Atlantic Puffins. They nest here each year from April to mid-August.
Photographing The Puffins of Iceland Up Close
There’s a wooden staircase that leads visitors onto a rocky promontory right through the heart of the puffin colony. Guardrails keep people on the designated boardwalk, allowing the birds to go about their business undisturbed. Halfway up the stairs is a small wooden blind—perfect for photographers to get out of the wind and shoot through open windows without alarming the birds.
It was paradise. Some puffins were just a meter or two away.
Conservation and Care
The puffins of Bakkagerði are protected by law during the breeding season. The village has made a strong commitment to responsible tourism and conservation. A large interpretive sign explains the birds’ behavior, and donations help support their care.
Bakkagerði has created a sustainable model for wildlife tourism—one that Iceland can be proud of.
A Night with the Puffins
Because of Iceland’s 24-hour summer daylight, we stayed out photographing the colony all night. We watched the puffins fly out to sea for food, then return with beaks full of tiny fish.
It was incredibly difficult to capture that perfect moment. As soon as the birds landed, they’d dive into their burrows in the dirt to avoid the ever-watchful gulls hoping to steal their catch. Still, it was amazing just to observe them go about their lives.
Looking Ahead
After a long but unforgettable night, I returned home with a memory card full of images—and a heart full of gratitude. I can’t wait to go back. Next time, I’ll worry less about getting the perfect shot and focus more on just being present with these fascinating little birds.
Yes, I’ll probably buy that Oregon puffin license plate. I’ll still be chasing a better photo of our local puffins along the coast. But until then, I have my Iceland puffin photos—and the memories that go with them.
If you’ve ever considered a trip to Iceland, do it. And whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.
