Vigur
Island Tiny Westfjords island known for puffin colonies and eiders
A small Westfjords island, Vigur draws visitors for seabird colonies, eiderdown farms and a preserved turf house. Short boat trips bring photographers and naturalists for close wildlife viewing and local craft demonstrations.
Vigur is a small inhabited island in the Westfjords of Iceland noted for its seabird colonies and traditional eiderdown farming. The island remains sparsely settled and is primarily valued for its natural and cultural heritage rather than large built monuments.
Coastal cliffs and grassy slopes provide nesting habitat for species such as eider ducks and various gulls and terns, making the island a destination for wildlife observation and photography. A few historic rural buildings and farm structures reflect the island’s long involvement in coastal subsistence and eiderdown production.
Historically the island has been used by local families for fishing, birding and eiderdown gathering; those practices continue on a small scale under private stewardship. Seasonal visits by boat are the normal way for visitors to reach the island and view its birdlife.
Vigur lies off Iceland’s northwest coast in the Westfjords region, set in a sheltered fjord environment with steep coastal terrain and nearby continental shelf waters that support abundant marine life.
- Wildlife: The island hosts dense seabird colonies, including sizeable eider duck populations, and traditional eiderdown collection is still practised there.
How to Get to Vigur #
Vigur is accessed by boat from Ísafjörður and nearby villages in the Westfjords. Boat operators run seasonal day trips in summer; crossings depend on weather and sea state.
Tips for Visiting Vigur #
- Boat landings are seasonal and depend on weather-book with the local skipper in Ísafjörður or Ísafjarðardjúp.
- Bring binoculars for seabird colonies and watch for nesting terns and eiders in the spring.
- There are no shops on the island-pack food, water, and any supplies needed for a half-day visit.
Best Time to Visit Vigur #
Best in late spring and early summer for birdlife and reliable boat access.
Weather & Climate near Vigur #
Continental climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -2°C to 11°C. Moderate rainfall (726 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
