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Have you ever wondered how Iceland's animals manage to thrive in such a harsh and isolated place? Just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a land of extremes—think volcanic landscapes, towering mountains, and vast lava fields. The weather here is just as varied. Down south, it's a bit milder and wetter, but head into the Central Highlands, and you'll find the coldest spots, while the low-lying inland areas deal with heavy snowfalls each winter.
These tough conditions mean that only a select few species can call Iceland home. A long time ago, when Iceland was connected to the mainland by ice, you could find animals like walruses all around. Over the years, though, many of these creatures disappeared, thanks to things like hunting, changing climates, and those ever-active volcanoes.
People brought in new animals, too—mink, reindeer, and others—which shook things up a bit. Even so, Iceland's wildlife has kept its own special vibe, especially by the coasts. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the animals that make Iceland their home today, whether they've been around forever or just showed up more recently.
Animals Native to Iceland
When it comes to Iceland's animals, the list of native species is short, with the Arctic fox being the only land mammal that roams these lands. Let's take a closer look at these little furry survivors:
The Arctic Fox: Iceland's Only Native Land Mammal
Arctic foxes arrived on the island over 10,000 years ago, probably by crossing the sea ice during the last ice age. Once here, they adapted to their new home by eating whatever they could find – eggs, birds, invertebrates, and even berries. The animals of Iceland may be few, but these foxes have certainly made their mark.
Over time, things changed. Early settlers hunted Arctic foxes for their fur and to protect their livestock. Later, as fur farms became more popular, the hunting continued, but for different reasons. Today, some farmers still push for population control in their own interests. Despite the pressure, these foxes have managed to thrive thanks to new food sources like rodents, food waste, and even lambs.
These rare Icelandic animals come in two colors: white and blue. The white ones change color with the seasons, and the blue ones keep the same color but lighten up in summer. Both grow thick fur for winter and shed it when the weather warms up. Today, they are mostly found in the Westfjords, especially in the Hornstrandir Reserve, where they are surprisingly not afraid of humans. In 2007, the Arctic Fox Centre opened in Sudavik and focused on research, education, and eco-tourism.
Introduced Wildlife and Domestic Animals in Iceland
As the first settlers arrived in Iceland, they faced a harsh and unforgiving landscape with limited resources and unpredictable weather. To survive, they brought along some domestic animals to help them survive the unforgiving landscapes of Iceland. These animals played a crucial role in the development of Icelandic society, and many still roam around today.
Icelandic Horse: A Symbol of Strength and Resilience
When you think about what animals live in Iceland, the Icelandic horse is probably the first one that comes to mind. The Icelandic horse is more than just one of the animals that live in Iceland; it's a symbol of the country's strength and resilience. These horses are on the smaller side, usually standing no taller than 59 inches (150 cm). With their friendly and curious nature, they've become deeply woven into Icelandic culture.
When the early settlers from Norway came to Iceland, they brought only the best horses that could fit in their longboats. These horses had to be hardy to survive the journey and even harder to handle the Icelandic winters. Over time, they became an essential part of life on the island. They were used for everything from transportation to farming and even in clan wars. Having an Icelandic horse wasn't just about getting around; it was about survival and prosperity.
They made it possible to get to towns and trading posts, which meant wealth and connection. What sets the Icelandic horse apart from other breeds is its five gaits. Most horses have three or four, but the Icelandic horse has the 'skid,' a gait that allows them to move smoothly and quickly over Iceland's rough terrain. Think of it as an extra gear that comes in handy when the going gets tough.
Icelandic Sheepdogs: Guardians of the Land
Icelandic sheepdogs have been a part of Icelandic life for centuries and are true guardians of the land. They came from Nordic sheepdogs brought over by the first Vikings who needed reliable herding animals in Iceland that could adapt to the harsh environment. Despite being smaller than their relatives abroad, they are known for their resilience and agility and are perfect for herding and guarding in the Icelandic landscape.
Over the years they have become more than just working animals – they are part of the family. But due to Iceland's isolation they have become more prone to disease. In the late 19th century the breed was on the brink of extinction. Luckily, a ban on other dog breeds entering Iceland and the introduction of vaccines and modern veterinary care saved them.
Today they still have the same fluffy coat and curled tail as their ancestors and with their energetic and friendly nature they are perfect for those who have the space to let them run. Most of them live in the countryside where their herding instinct and endless energy can be used. Continuing the long tradition of being an essential animal in Iceland.
Icelandic Sheep: Pillars of the Rural Economy
You might think sheep are just another common animal in Iceland, but they have played a huge role in the country's history. When the first Vikings arrived, they relied on sheep for wool and meat, which was essential for survival in Iceland's harsh conditions. Even Nobel Prize-winning author Halldór Laxness wrote about how much Icelanders love their sheep – it's a topic that still comes up a lot in rural areas.
But life wasn't always easy for Iceland's sheep. After the Laki volcanic eruption in 1783 a famine hit hard and 80% of the sheep population was wiped out and the human population dropped too. Things turned around during World War One when demand for Icelandic wool shot up and helped boost the country's economy.
Today, there are more sheep than people in Iceland – about 800,000 in total. Their wool is used to make the famous Lopapeysa, the Icelandic sweater, and lamb, which is a big part of traditional Icelandic cuisine, especially lamb soup. An essential part of the sheep farming tradition is Réttir, the annual roundup where locals gather to herd and sort sheep, a practice that reinforces community bonds and celebrates the importance of these animals in Icelandic life.
Icelandic Cattle: Rare and Adaptable
You don't think of cows when you think of Iceland's fauna. But these cows have a story to tell. When the Norwegians first set foot on this island, they brought cattle with them. Over time, they adapted to their new home and became a breed of their own. These Icelandic cows are smaller than what you'll see elsewhere and don't do well with foreign bugs.
They may not be winning any milk-producing contests, but they've been a part of Icelandic life for centuries. Recently, the Agricultural University stirred the pot. They said bringing in foreign breeds, such as Swedish cows, would increase milk production and save some money. But many Icelanders aren't buying it. These cows have been part of the scene for over a thousand years, churning out dairy products that are woven into the fabric of Icelandic culture. Take Skyr, for instance - it's not just food, it's tradition.
And these cows are pretty to look at with all sorts of colors and patterns. They may not have the star power of Icelandic horses but they've carved out their own special place in the hearts of many Icelanders. It's clear that for Icelanders these cows are more than just milk machines - they're a living link to the past
Reindeer: Majestic Wanderers of the Highlands
Reindeer are a pretty big deal in East Iceland. These guys aren't old-timers - they showed up in the 18th century. The plan was to farm them, but the reindeer had other ideas and went wild. Now, about 7,000 of these antlered wanderers call Iceland home. They mostly hang out near Snaefell in the East. In summer, they head up high, and when it gets cold, they move down to warmer spots. Some adventurous ones have been seen as far as Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Vopnafjordur.
If you're driving through the East Fjords, keep your eyes open. You might spot a herd doing their thing. It's quite a sight. Icelanders like having reindeer around, but they keep an eye on the numbers. Too many could eat food meant for sheep, which isn't great for farmers. The Icelandic government allows a reindeer hunting season from August to mid-September each year. In 2024, they gave the green light to hunt just over 800 reindeer.
The goal is to keep the numbers in check and prevent the reindeer from overgrazing and causing problems for farmers and the environment. It's a delicate balance, though. The authorities have to make sure the reindeer population stays healthy and doesn't get out of hand, but they also want to preserve these magnificent creatures for everyone to enjoy. It's a tricky job, but someone's gotta do it, right?
Marine Animals That Live in Iceland
Iceland's not just about fire and ice - its waters are a whole other world. Dive beneath the surface, and you'll find a cast of characters that could rival any fantasy novel. From giants of the deep to quirky birds that look like they're wearing tuxedos, Iceland's marine life is anything but ordinary.
Iceland's Whales: Gentle Giants of the Seas
Iceland is a whale lover's paradise in the summer. It's funny to think that these days people are fighting to see whales when back in the day Icelanders thought of them as sea monsters. There's even an old story about a warlock who tried to invade Iceland by turning into a whale. Talk about a bedtime story! For a long time a beached whale was like winning the lottery.
The Icelandic word for windfall means the same as a beached whale. Everything got used - meat for dinner, oil for lamps, you name it. Iceland was late to the whaling game, we didn't start until the 1800s. Since then it's been a back and forth thing, bans and comebacks. Even now people are still debating if whaling has a future here. But whale watching in Iceland is booming.
You can join a tour from almost anywhere along the coast. Husavik is the big one - they call it the whale-watching capital. From April to October, you have a good chance to see 23 different dolphin and whale species. June to August is when the action really heats up. You might see humpbacks performing, minkes zooming around, or, if you're lucky, a blue whale. The Husavik whale-watching tour is a must-do if you're in the area.
Seals of Iceland: Playful Inhabitants of Iceland's Coast
Seals are the secret stars of Iceland's coastal show. These blubbery acrobats have been hanging around these shores for thousands of years before humans showed up. When the first settlers arrived, they hit the jackpot with these ready-made resource packages. Seals provided dinner, winter coats, and even oil.
But fame has its price. By the 20th century, seals were in fashion, and their numbers took a hit. Today, things have calmed down, but life's not all smooth sailing for our flippered friends. Some still get in trouble for messing with fishing gear or playing ringworm roulette with fish stocks. Here's where things get interesting. Seal watching is the new cool, and it's challenging the old ways of thinking.
The Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi is leading the way, showing people just how awesome these creatures are. Want to see the seal show? Keep your eyes open for harbor and grey seals, the local VIP seal species. The best viewing spots are the Westfjords, Vatnsnes Peninsula, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If you're extra lucky, you might even spot a walrus. They're like the comeback kids of Icelandic wildlife, making rare appearances after being hunted out in the 17th century.
Dolphins of Iceland: Intelligent and Social Creatures of the Ocean
Dolphins are a big thing in Icelandic waters. These smart swimmers are everywhere, and they're fun to watch. The white-beaked dolphins are the most common ones you'll see – there are about 30,000 of them around Iceland. They're known for being playful and fast, and you can see them all year round. If you're in Skjálfandi Bay, look for their dark grey backs and white bellies. They can be up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weigh up to 350 kilos (780 pounds).
Then there are the long-finned pilot whales. Despite the name, they're actually big dolphins. They're all black with long flippers and like to hang out in deep water. You might see them in the northern fjords. From May to October, you can see white-sided dolphins. They're easy to spot with their black-and-white coloring. And if you're here from March to July, keep an eye out for orcas in Olafsvik Bay.
If you want to see these dolphins up close, try the Akureyri Classic Whale Watching tour. Faxafloi Bay is another good spot. It's amazing to see these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Just remember they're wild animals, so every sighting is a bit of luck and excitement.
Puffins: The Clowns of the Sea
Iceland's animals are a big deal, but puffins in Iceland are an even bigger deal. These little guys are rare everywhere else, but here in Iceland, they are everywhere. Traditionally, they show up in April or May. Did you know that 60% of all North Atlantic puffins breed in Iceland? That's millions of nesting pairs. And these birds love company - where you see one, you'll see hundreds more.
Puffins are known for their colorful beaks, which are vibrant during the breeding season and duller during the off-season. You can see puffins from a boat or on land. There are tours from Reykjavik's Old Harbour that will get you up close. But if you're heading to the Westfjords, you're in for a treat. The Latrabjarg cliffs are a puffin paradise. These cliffs are huge - up to 444 meters (1,457 feet) high and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) long.
The puffins here are so used to people they'll let you get very close.Other good places to see puffins are the Westman Islands, Dyrholaey Rock Arch, East Fjords, and Grimsey Island. Here's a fun fact - Iceland is the only place where you can spend the day watching puffins and then have one for dinner if you want. But if you just want to watch them, the Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour is a good way to see them up close.
Fish of Iceland: Delicious and Diverse Creatures Under the Sea
Now it's time to meet the fish of Iceland. There are over 300 fish species swimming around these North Atlantic waters, some weird, some tasty, and all essential for keeping our oceans in balance. The Arctic Char is a biggie - it's the country's national fish. You'll find plenty of this red-fleshed salmonid in rivers and lakes, but you can also catch them in the sea.
Salmon are another fan favorite – they're good fighters too. Some people prefer Arctic Char to salmon because they say it tastes better. Next on the tasty list is cod. Icelanders have been fishing them for centuries, drying and salting them for later use.
You can also try your luck at sea by joining a fishing tour or sampling some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants scattered around the country. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try some fermented shark – a traditional Icelandic delicacy that's not for the faint of heart!
The Majestic Gyrfalcon: Iceland's National Bird
So let's talk about some of Iceland's coolest birds. The gyrfalcon is the national animal of Iceland and it's a real stunner. It's the world's largest falcon with a wingspan of up to 130 cm (51 inches) and a body length of 48-61 cm (19-24 inches). Fun fact: the females are usually bigger than the males in this species.
These birds live in Iceland all year round. They breed in remote highlands, and you can spot them in places like Jokulsargljufur Canyon or Arnarfjordur. They're not fussy eaters; they mainly eat other birds, but sometimes they snack on Arctic hares, too. Iceland is special for gyrfalcons - it's got about a quarter of Europe's population, with around 400 breeding pairs in a good year. But they're still considered rare and are protected by law.
According to BirdLifeDataZone, the gyrfalcon is classified as 'Least Concern', but its population is small and vulnerable, leading to legal protections in Iceland. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, monitoring of breeding sites, and research on their ecological role and prey dynamics. The Gyrfalcon monitoring project in Iceland focuses on tracking population changes and understanding their behavioral responses to fluctuations in prey availability, particularly rock ptarmigan.
White-tailed Eagles: The Big Birds Are Back
Now, let's not forget about the white-tailed eagles. These guys had a rough time and almost disappeared in the 20th century. But they're making a comeback since being protected in 1914. There are about 90 pairs now. You can't miss them with their huge wingspan of up to 254 cm (100 inches!)
The white-tailed eagle is also classified as 'Least Concern' but faces significant declines due to habitat loss and hunting. Legal protections have allowed their population to recover, and ongoing monitoring ensures that any potential threats are addressed.
Conservation initiatives focus on maintaining suitable habitats and promoting public awareness about the importance of these majestic birds.
Arctic Terns and Migratory Birds
Arctic terns are pretty cool among Iceland's bird species. They fly from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back every year. That's a big journey - 70,900 km or 44,100 miles round trip. They're basically chasing summer all year long.
Iceland is their summer spot. They arrive in late April or early May to start families. You'll see their nests on the ground near the coast and on islands. Just be careful if you're walking nearby - these parents are super protective and will swoop at you if you get too close! Arctic terns aren't the only birds that love Iceland.
Golden plovers are Iceland's spring alarm clock. When you see them, you know winter's almost over. Whooper swans are another cool visitor. They spend winters in the UK and Ireland but come to Iceland to have their babies. You might see them in lakes or even on farm ponds.
Invasive and Exotic Species
Iceland's not just home to its native critters - it's got some unexpected residents too. Over the years, a few animals have found their way to this island, either by accident or because humans brought them. These newcomers have shaken things up a bit in Iceland's ecosystem.
The American Mink: The Threat to Iceland's Native Wildlife
Iceland has an unexpected land animal causing trouble - the American mink. These smart swimmers broke out of fur farms in the 1930s and decided to make Iceland their home. They have been a nightmare for the locals, especially Atlantic puffins, common eiders, and black guillemots. Wherever minks showed up, these bird populations took a big hit. By 1994, the government had to admit defeat and change its plan from eradicating all minks to just trying to keep their numbers down.
The mink escape basically doubled the number of four-legged predators in Iceland overnight. Even today, there are still around 40 fur farms in the country. But here's the thing. Around 2003, mink numbers started to plummet even though people were still hunting them. This got scientists, naturalists, and fishermen all worked up. The minks, once the top dogs in their new home, were suddenly vulnerable. Today, minks have fewer babies, and some estimates say their population has dropped by 60% since 2003.
Research indicates that environmental factors, including changes in prey availability and possibly climate change, may have contributed to this decline. Ongoing studies aim to better understand the dynamics of the mink population in relation to the native wildlife and the broader ecological impacts.
Rabbits and Rodents: The Farmer's Nightmare
When it comes to Iceland's animals and plants, rabbits and rodents have become the troublemakers. Rabbits are new to the scene, having arrived just in the last century. These fluffy escapees from pet homes have some people cooing over their cuteness while others are pulling their hair out over the damage they're causing. These bunnies aren't just nibbling on carrot patches. They're wreaking havoc in graveyards, munching on memorial flowers, and even bullying puffins out of their nesting holes in the Westman Islands.
A group of hunters called the 'Storm Troop' is trying to keep them in check, but it's a tough job. Rabbit hunting is technically illegal, but the farming ministry has turned a blind eye to some areas. As for rodents, they're old pros. House mice are everywhere except the Westman Islands. These little guys have taken up residence in homes, stables, and farm buildings. Wood mice are the adventurers of the group. Iceland's their northernmost hangout, and they're not fussy eaters, which helps them survive in harsh conditions.
Last but not least, there's the brown rat. These guys arrived in the 19th or 20th century and have been hitching rides on grain transports ever since. They're mostly sticking to the southwest. Rodent populations, particularly house mice and brown rats, pose additional challenges for Iceland's agriculture and native wildlife. They can damage crops, contaminate food supplies, and compete with native species for resources.
Management strategies for rodents include trapping, poisoning, and public education on preventing infestations. Local authorities are working to implement integrated pest management approaches that combine these methods to minimize rodent populations and their impact on the environment.
FAQs About Animals in Iceland
Are there dangerous animals in Iceland?
No, there are no animals in Iceland that pose a direct threat to humans. However, marine animals such as orcas can be dangerous if provoked, though such encounters with them are rare.
Are there moose in Iceland?
No, there are no moose in Iceland. They are not native to the island, and the environment is too harsh for them to survive.
What animals are native to Iceland?
Native Icelandic animals are the Arctic fox, various bird species like puffins and eiders, and unique aquatic life, such as salmon and trout, that are adapted to the environment.
Are there squirrels in Iceland?
No, there are no squirrels in Iceland. The environment and isolation of the island have prevented them from establishing a population, so Iceland is squirrel-free.
Are there bears in Iceland?
No, there are no bears in Iceland. Though sometimes polar bears do drift over on icebergs from Greenland, it is extremely rare and not considered a resident species. Once they arrive, they are usually shot by authorities for public safety.
Iceland's Animals and Their Homes
Conservation is key to saving Iceland's animals and the country's unique wildlife. Protecting native species and their habitats not only saves them but also the natural beauty that brings tourists from all over the world.
When you're in Iceland, be a responsible tourist and respect wildlife and keep a safe distance. Renting a car in Iceland is a great way to see the country and see the animals in their natural habitat. Let's save Iceland's wildlife for future generations.
