Látrabjarg is Iceland’s largest sea cliff stretching 14 kilometres (8.75 miles) and peaking at a height of 441 metres (1,447 ft). This majestic cliff’s claim to fame is that it is the westernmost point in Europe and hosts Iceland’s greatest concentration of seabirds.
The cliffs also make a stunning viewpoint for the Aurora Borealis during northern lights season, but hikers should beware as the cliff edges are fragile and it is a long drop to the beautiful beaches below.
Birdlife in Látrabjarg cliffs
The variety and sheer number of birds that can be seen in Látrabjarg at one time are astounding. Safe from Arctic foxes, the birds are fearless. This provides ample opportunities to take wonderful photographs from close range as Látrabjarg is unrestricted during nesting season.
Thousands of Iceland’s iconic puffins frolic about as well as gannets, guillemots, razorbills, white-tailed eagles, red-throated loons, arctic terns, redshanks, snipes, auks, murres, kittiwakes, fulmars, snow buntings, and ringed plovers.
When is the puffin season?
Each year, the puffin season in Látrabjarg starts from the middle of May until late August.
How to get to Látrabjarg?
When driving from Reykjavík to the Westfjords, it will take about six hours to get to Látrabjarg. Make sure to fill up the tank when reaching the resting stop called Flókalundur, because from there are still about 95km (60 miles) drive to Látrabjarg but no gas stations on the way. If you do forget to fill up, it’s possible to take a detour to the village of Patreksfjörður.
GPS: 65.502572 N, -24.531698 W
Is Látrabjarg accessible in winter?
Not always, since the road crosses a snow-heavy heath. However, in late fall the cliffs also make a stunning viewpoint for Aurora Borealis during northern lights season, but hikers should beware as the cliff edges are fragile, and it is a long drop to the beautiful beaches below.
