Isafjordur vigur island
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The trip takes approximately 30-45 minutes and offers views of the surrounding fjords and the Drangar Peninsula. Thank you!
Visiting with third party operators:
We are aware that there are some local kayak and boat operators advertising various trips to Vigur but please be advised that these trips are not arranged in collaboration with us and therefore do not contribute anything to the safe-keeping of this wonderful environment.
The dramatic background of the surrounding mountains and fjords adds depth to landscape photos.
For the best wildlife photography, bring a telephoto lens (at least 200mm) and patience. The island hosts many seabirds, particularly Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns, and eider ducks.
The island is privately owned and home to just three residents who run the farm, manage tourism, and continue the centuries-old tradition of eiderdown harvesting.
These trips do not land on Vigur as they must, by law, remain a stipulated distance from the island's shore so as not to disturb birdlife feeding on the water or nesting on the shore.
Watch for harbor seals on rocks and seabirds diving for fish during the crossing.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The weather in the Westfjords can change quickly, even during summer. This well-preserved structure is an excellent example of historical Icelandic architecture and rural life.
Income from these visits directly funds the future conservation of the island so we greatly appreciate your interest in what we do and your support. Around 7,000 breeding pairs nest here, and their valuable down is collected by the island's residents without harming the birds.
For the best birdwatching, go in the morning when birds are most active, and follow your guide's directions to avoid disturbing nesting areas.
Historical Landmarks
Despite its small size, Vigur has several important historical sites:
- Viktoriuhús is a two-story wooden building from 1860 that's part of Iceland's Historical Buildings Collection.
You are welcomed into the eiderdown processing house to learn about the ancient tradition of the eiderdown harvest, which is almost unique to Iceland. Guides often give visitors sticks with flags to hold above their heads as protection.
The island also has about 1,000 black guillemots, forming one of the largest colonies in northern Europe.
Thank you so much for your understanding and help.
Visiting on our day tours fromĺsafjorður:
Online booking for tours in the summer of 2026 will open in January.
A short boat ride across the whale-filled fjord of ĺsafjarðardjúp will bring you directly to the island of Vigur where a member of the island’s naturalist team will be waiting to welcome you on a tour of this unique haven of Arctic nature and heritage.
During the breeding season, about 100,000 puffin pairs make the island their home, digging burrows in the grassy areas.
Arctic terns are another highlight, but stay cautious. In the winter, the puffin will spend all their time at sea.
Be sure to carefully watch where you step as you walk around the beautiful island. Watch out for seals at low tide and offer excellent whale watching opportunities from the shore.
This Tour is operated by our partner Sjóferðir.
Please help us look after this prescious place by not landing, paddling along the coast or resting at anchor unless you have spoken to us first. The resident family collects down that eider ducks use to line their nests, replacing it with hay to keep the eggs warm.
This practice shows sustainable harvesting: the birds are never harmed, and they return year after year to the same nesting areas where they feel safe.
This marked the beginning of a long line of people who would farm the land and harvest eiderdown.
Today, Vigur is owned by British polar explorer Felicity Aston and her husband, who bought the island about eight years ago. The main attraction is the Atlantic puffin, with its colorful beak and awkward gait. It is not uncommon to spot eggs nestled in the grass, and you certainly don’t want to accidentally step on one, especially if it belongs to the fiery and sometimes aggressive arctic tern!
After you explore the island and get plenty of puffin photographs, it is time to head over to the island’s 19th-century farmhouse, home to the island’s only residents: a farming family of five people.
The charming little birds can only be found in Iceland when they are nesting, between the months of May and August. Check availability now by choosing a date.
In 2026 we will be operating tours of Vigur from May until the end of September
Online booking for tours in summer 2026 will open in January
From May to September every year we are delighted to welcome day-visitors from all over the world to Vigur to witness the eiderdown harvest and processing, to enjoy the ideal opportunities to get close to rare Arctic birdlife, to learn something of Vigur’s Icelandic heritage and to relax with some traditional Icelandic coffee and cake accompanied by the best view in the North!