Plizio Visual Lab
Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
Weather…
Water temperature…
Ingolfshofdi is an isolated and historically significant headland on the southeastern coast of Iceland, surrounded by vast black sand flats and the turbulent North Atlantic. The promontory is named after Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland's first permanent settler, who famously landed and spent the winter here in 874 AD. Rising approximately 76 meters above the surrounding sand plains, the headland is only accessible at low tide via a multi-kilometer sandy causeway. It is a designated nature reserve and a crucial breeding site for various seabirds, most notably the Great Skua and the Atlantic puffin, which nest in its steep cliffs. A historic lighthouse dating from 1916 stands on the plateau, and remnants of old fishing huts reflect the site's long human history. Due to its remote and challenging location, the area remains a pristine sanctuary for wildlife, offering striking views of the nearby Vatnajökull glacier. Guided tractor tours are the standard and safest method for visitors to reach the reserve.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Skaftafell (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 284 | 262 | 222 | 175 | 109 | 92 | 115 | 146 | 220 | 251 | 230 | 271 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best time to observe puffins and Great Skuas is from June to August when the birds are breeding. In May the first birds arrive, and in September they leave the cliffs.
Best time of day
Early morning is when the birds are most active, heading out to feed. Late afternoon they return to the cliffs, also providing good viewing opportunities.
Etiquette
Always stay on marked paths and keep distance from nesting sites to avoid disturbing the birds. Entering restricted areas is prohibited, especially during the breeding season.
What to bring
Binoculars with good magnification are important for viewing birds from a safe distance. Sturdy hiking boots and windproof clothing are needed due to uneven terrain and strong winds.
Getting there
The Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve is accessible only with a guide, as it is an isolated area. Tours typically start from the nearby town and include a hike across sandy beaches.
What to expect
The birds are often far off on the cliffs, so patience is needed for good sightings. Wait for quiet moments when the birds come closer.
Geography
Facts
- Landing site of Iceland's first settler in 874 AD
- Headland rises 76 meters above the sand flats
- The current lighthouse was established in 1916
- Significant nesting ground for the Great Skua
- Accessible only at low tide via a sandy causeway
- Named after the settler Ingólfur Arnarson
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Ingólfshöfði?
Usually by tractor-drawn cart across the marshy flats on a guided tour.
Can you see puffins there?
Yes, it is an excellent place to see puffins up close in summer.
What is the historical significance?
The first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, spent his first winter here.
When do the tours take place?
Generally from May to August, depending on weather conditions.
Do I need to book the tour in advance?
Yes, advance booking is recommended due to limited capacity.
Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve: where is it located?
Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve is located in Iceland.
Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ingolfshofdi Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
Ingolfshofdi is an isolated and historically significant headland on the southeastern coast of Iceland, surrounded by vast black sand flats and the turbulent North Atlantic.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Þorlákshöfn
Þorlákshöfn is a port town on Iceland's south coast, featuring the only harbor in the region with safe access for large ships.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.
Dalvík
Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.
Hella
A small town in South Iceland on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá river, known for horse breeding and the mysterious Caves of Hella.
Vík í Mýrdal
Vík í Mýrdal is located on the south coast of Iceland and is the country's southernmost village.
Vik
A picturesque village on the south coast, famous for its black sand beaches and the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt stacks.
Vopnafjörður
Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is an artistic town in the East Fjords of Iceland.
History & landmarks
Nature
Hvannadalshnúkur
Hvannadalshnúkur is the highest peak in Iceland, reaching an elevation of 2110 meters.
Jokulsarlon Seal Colony
The lagoon is a key habitat for seals, often seen resting on drifting icebergs.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon at the edge of Vatnajökull.
Bárðarbunga
Bárðarbunga is a massive stratovolcano under the northwestern part of the Vatnajökull glacier.
Mælifell
A striking, cone-shaped volcanic mountain in the southern highlands.
More places
Öræfajökull
Öræfajökull is the largest active volcano in Iceland, forming the southern end of the Vatnajökull glacier.
Vatnajokull National Park
The park encompasses massive glaciers and green oases like Skaftafell.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
This location was the site of a Benedictine nunnery from 1186 until the Reformation.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a stunning canyon in southeast Iceland, through which the Fjaðrá river flows.
Vatnajökull
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland, covering about 8% of the country's land area.
Höfn Port
Höfn Port specializes in the catch and export of Norway lobster.
Kverkfjöll
A massive mountain range on the northern edge of Vatnajökull.
🗺️
Stafafell Historical Site
Site with historical roots and traces of old settlement in the southeast.