Látrabjarg

Cliff Westernmost bird-cliff in Europe with huge seabird colonies

Long coastal cliff in Iceland’s Westfjords where large seabird colonies nest; walkers come for puffin and auk sightings within easy reach of the road.

Látrabjarg is a steep sea cliff on the westernmost peninsula of Iceland’s Westfjords and is often cited as the westernmost point of Europe. The cliff is a major seabird breeding area and a notable coastal landmark.

Bird colonies here are large and include Atlantic puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other cliff-nesting species, with nesting activity concentrated in early summer. The cliffline extends for about 14 kilometres and reaches heights of several hundred metres at its highest points.

Látrabjarg is a natural feature rather than a built site and has long served as an important breeding ground for North Atlantic seabirds. It is also a traditional place for local bird harvesting in historical subsistence contexts.

Geographically it sits on the extreme western edge of the Westfjords region, facing the North Atlantic; the area is remote and visited by birdwatchers and photographers primarily in summer.

Size and height: A cliff line approximately 14 kilometres long with maximum heights reaching about 440 metres, making it one of Europe's largest bird cliffs.
Best time to visit: Prime season for seabird colonies, including puffins, is during the nesting months from June through early August.

Tips for Visiting Látrabjarg #

Visit in late spring and early summer (June-July) for peak seabird and puffin activity; that's when the cliffs are busiest but also when you get the best wildlife viewing.
Access is via Westfjords gravel roads from Patreksfjörður - allow time for slow driving on single‑lane gravel, and plan to arrive early in the day when parking at the cliff trailheads is easiest.
Stay well back from the grassy cliff edge and follow local signposted paths - there are few or no fences, the wind can be strong, and the soft turf near the edge gives way easily.