“At Europe's westernmost cliff, the puffins evolved with no land predators and show no fear, so you can lie at the edge almost close enough to touch them.”
About Látrabjarg
Latrabjarg marks the far western tip of Iceland and Europe. For generations local farmers scaled its cliffs on ropes to harvest seabird eggs, a dangerous traditional skill. In 1947 those same cliff men famously rescued the crew of the wrecked British trawler Dhoon by lowering themselves down the rock face to the stranded sailors.
What Latrabjarg actually is
Latrabjarg is a line of sea cliffs at the westernmost point of Iceland, and of Europe, rising up to 440 metres and stretching for some fourteen kilometres. It is one of the largest bird cliffs in the world, packed in summer with millions of seabirds, and it is famous for puffins so unbothered by people that you can lie at the cliff edge almost within arm's reach of them.
Latrabjarg is a line of sea cliffs at the westernmost point of Iceland, and of Europe, rising up to 440 metres and stretching for some fourteen kilometres.
The Birds With No Fear
The puffins and other seabirds here evolved with no native land predators, so they show little fear of humans, which makes Latrabjarg one of the best places on Earth to photograph puffins up close. The cliff also has a darker chapter: in 1947 local farmers, expert at being lowered down these cliffs to gather eggs, used those same skills to rescue the crew of a stranded British trawler in a celebrated feat of cliff rescue.
The Experience
You walk along the cliff top, often on your hands and knees near the edge for safety, while puffins land and preen on the grassy lip just metres away. The sheer drop to the ocean, the noise and smell of the colony, and the sense of standing at the edge of a continent make it unforgettable. The remoteness means you may share it with very few others.
Why It Matters
Latrabjarg is one of the world's great seabird cliffs and Europe's westernmost point, a place where wildlife, geography and a famous rescue story converge. It is the highlight of the southern Westfjords and a magnet for birdwatchers and photographers willing to make the long journey.
Latrabjarg is one of the world's great seabird cliffs and Europe's westernmost point, a place where wildlife, geography and a famous rescue story converge.
Why Visit
Some of the closest, easiest puffin photography anywhere, at Europe's westernmost cliff, with millions of seabirds and a dramatic rescue history.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Visit between May and August to see the puffins and the full colony.
- 2
Stay back from the crumbling cliff edge and lie down to photograph safely.
- 3
Allow a long drive on gravel roads; Latrabjarg is very remote.
- 4
Early morning and evening give the best light and calmest birds.
