Puffin Watching at Ingólfshöfði Cape, South Coast

Set just south of Hof—a small town along Iceland's South Coast via the famed Ring Road—is Ingólfshöfði Cape. The area is the perfect environment for nesting, attracting thousands of seabirds each year thanks to its isolation. Some of the birds that inhabit Ingólfshöfði include the common murre, razorbill, puffins, fulmar, and many others. This historical cape is nearly 250 feet (76 m) high and is named after one of the first settlers of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarsson. He spent his first winter there with his family after moving to Iceland around 874-875 CE.

Getting to the area is an adventure in itself, as it's not passable by car and tricky to navigate on your own, so going with a knowledgeable tour company is a must. You'll start at about 4 miles (6 km) from Ingólfshöfði at a designated meeting spot, where a tractor-drawn hay cart will take you over water, marshes, and sand. After about 25 minutes, you'll continue on foot with a scenic 1.5-hour hiking trip around the cape.

The hike around the reserve is around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long. It starts with a steep hike up a sandy slope, then traverses through rocky terrain before getting easier via flat grass and many stops. Enjoy savoring the views and spotting the numerous bird species, including the area's famed puffin colony!

Discover more unique experiences in the Golden Circle.