Vigur Island Eider Ducks

Vigur is a small, privately owned island located in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in Iceland's Westfjords, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of eiderdown harvesting. More than 10,000 eider ducks nest on the island each year, living in a unique symbiotic relationship with the human inhabitants. The owners protect the birds from natural predators, and in return, they collect the precious down from the nests after the ducklings have hatched and departed. Beyond the ducks, Vigur hosts one of Iceland's largest colonies of black guillemots, along with numerous Atlantic puffins and arctic terns. A historical landmark on the island is Iceland's only windmill, constructed in 1840, which is now a protected monument. The Viktoria House, dating back to 1860, further illustrates the island's long history of settlement. Accessible only by boat from Ísafjörður, the island gives a serene, almost timeless atmosphere. The sustainable management of natural resources makes Vigur a leading example of arctic wildlife conservation and traditional Icelandic farming practices.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Húsavík

Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Ísafjörður

The largest town in the Westfjords, known for its dramatic mountain setting and fishing heritage.

Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is the economic and cultural hub of the Westfjords region.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.