Animals of Iceland: Complete Guide to Wild and Native Iceland Animals

Did you know that Iceland is home to a variety of animals that have adapted to some of the harshest environments on the planet? From the adorable puffins to the majestic reindeer, this beautiful country is filled with fascinating species that are sure to captivate your imagination. Join me as we explore the intriguing world of animals in Iceland and discover some of the most amazing creatures that call this place home.

Many species have adapted to the island’s harsh Arctic climate, volcanic terrain, and seasonal darkness.

Key Facts

• Dual-layered coat: Tog (long, waterproof) and Þel (soft, insulating)
• Summer grazing: May to October, freely roaming highlands and fields
• Réttir: Traditional autumn sheep roundup, where farmers sort by ear tags or wool paint

Significance

• Wool is used for traditional Lopapeysa sweaters, blankets, and handicrafts
• Grass-fed lamb and mutton are prized for flavor

Icelandic sheep, brought over by the Vikings, have adapted to the harsh climate and rugged terrain, symbolizing the resilience of Iceland.

Iceland, a country with 350,000 inhabitants, manages to raise a whopping 600,000 sheep annually.

These hardy animals have a dual-layered coat, with the outer layer called 'tog' and the inner layer called 'þel.' Tog is a long, coarse fiber that provides excellent water resistance, while þel is soft and insulating. Together, these layers protect the sheep from the unforgiving Icelandic weather.

People really like Icelandic wool because it can be used in lots of different ways. It’s especially famous for making traditional Icelandic clothes, like the cozy Lopapeysa sweater that you see a lot in Iceland.

The bitter truth is that these beautiful and sweet creatures, Icelandic sheep, are raised not only for their wool but also for their meat, which is considered tender and flavorful. The sheep are primarily grass-fed and allowed to roam free during the summer months, contributing to the quality and taste of the meat.

As an integral part of Iceland’s rural landscape, these sheep have also shaped the country’s economy and agricultural practices. Annual sheep roundups, known as "réttir", are a longstanding tradition where farmers gather to sort and claim their sheep after the summer grazing season. This event creates a sense of community, as all farmers catch sheep almost simultaneously- before the first hard frost.

This means that sheep graze freely from May to October; they roam freely in the mountains and fields. Often the sheep of different farmers are mixed, and in October, when the sheep are collected, the farmers divide the sheep by the paint applied to the wool or by the tag on the ear.

Rural areas across Iceland, especially highlands and open fields in the WestFjords, North and East Iceland. Sheep are often visible during summer grazing.

May-October: Sheep roam freely in mountains and pastures.

September-October: You can observe traditional réttir, the sheep roundup, when farmers gather sheep and sort them. (When the first frosts arrive and the first snow and frost appear on the mountaintops, the cold drives the sheep down the mountains, and from below, people and dogs herd them onto the farms.)

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is the only true native Iceland animal and the only land mammal that arrived naturally after the last Ice Age.

Habitats

• Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Westfjords
• Remote northern fjords and highlands
• Coastal cliffs, especially near seabird colonies

Behavior & Adaptation

• Seasonal coat change: white in winter, brown/grey in summer
• Diet: birds, eggs, small mammals, carrion
• Population monitored by the IINH for conservation purposes

The Arctic fox is central to Iceland’s ecosystem and a key example of native wildlife resilience.

• Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Westfjords - prime location for Arctic foxes.
• Remote fjords in North and East Iceland.

• Summer (June-August): Easier to spot during daylight and when cubs are active.
• Winter (December-March): White coat blends with snow, so sightings are rarer.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) were introduced from Norway in the late 18th century. Today, they live only in East Iceland, including the Snæfell mountains and East Fjords.

Facts About Reindeer

• Population: 3,000–6,000
• Diet: lichen, moss, and grasses
• Seasonal migration: highlands to valleys during winter

Reindeer are one of the most striking wild animals in Iceland, especially in winter when they descend to lower lands.

• Snæfell mountains, East Fjords
• Hengifoss area and surrounding highlands

• Summer (June–August): Reindeer graze on highland vegetation.
• Winter (December–March): Migrate to valleys; easier to photograph in snow.

Iceland is home to over 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffins. These wild birds in Iceland play an essential role in marine ecosystems by controlling fish populations and providing nutrients to cliff habitats.

Best Viewing Locations

• Westman Islands — largest puffin colony
• Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjall cliffs, Látrabjarg cliffs

Other Seabirds:

• Guillemots
• Razorbills
• Arctic terns
• Kittiwakes

Puffins are a top attraction for eco-tourists, with sustainable observation programs ensuring minimal disturbance.

• Westman Islands — largest puffin colonies
• Dyrhólaey cliffs, South Iceland
• Látrabjarg cliffs, Westfjords

May–August: Nesting season; puffins are active and visible.

Icelandic waters host a variety of marine animals of Iceland, including whales and dolphins.

• Humpback whales: abundant in fjords like Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi Bay
• Minke whales: smaller but common
• Orcas (killer whales): hunt in groups near Reyðarfjörður
• Occasional blue whales: rare in northern waters

Whale watching is regulated by the Marine & Freshwater Research Institute to protect the ecosystem while allowing eco-tourism.

• Húsavík, North Iceland — whale-watching capital
• Skjálfandi Bay and Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland

May–September: Peak whale-watching season.

Two seal species are found year-round along Icelandic shores:

• Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)
• Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)
• Best Places to See Seals
• Ytri-Tunga Beach, Snæfellsnes
• Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes Peninsula
• Northern fjords and glacial lagoons

Seals are playful, curious, and a vital part of Iceland’s marine biodiversity.

• Ytri-Tunga Beach, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Hvammstangi, Vatnsnes Peninsula

• Summer: Pups visible on beaches.
• All year: Adults can be seen swimming or sunbathing.

Seals love the sun, so when it's sunny, they come out onto the rocks on the shore to bask. Sunny weather is the best time to watch seals.

The American mink was introduced in the 1930s for fur farming. Escaped individuals became wild, threatening native birds and eggs.

Control Efforts

• Trapping in bird reserve areas
• Monitoring populations to protect ecosystems

While not native, mink are now established wild animals in Iceland, showing the ecological impact of introduced species.

• Coastal bird reserves and freshwater lakes in North Iceland.

• Summer: Active near bird colonies
• Winter: Less visible; nocturnal behavior

Icelandic horses have roamed the island for over 1,000 years. They are genetically pure due to strict import/export laws.

Unique Traits

• Five gaits, including tölt and flying pace
• Thick winter coat
• Calm, friendly temperament

Horses are woven into Icelandic history, literature, and folklore, making them a cultural icon as well as a beloved Iceland animal.

• Everywhere in rural Iceland — farms, riding tours, countryside
• Popular tours in Reykjavik countryside, Golden Circle, and East Iceland

In the summer, Icelandic horses are free-ranging, so you can see them everywhere.

All year: Horses visible on pastures and riding tours.