A short guide to spotting wild reindeer in Iceland.
Did you know there are wild reindeer in Iceland? The Arctic island made famous for its cinematic landscapes and fiery night skies doesn’t get enough credit for its wildlife.
Those looking for unique wildlife might be lucky enough to find arctic foxes, seals, whales, and thousands of Icelandic horses. I was also surprised to find out that polar bears infrequently visit the island, traveling from neighboring Greenland on floating Icebergs.
After traveling extensively in the country, this is my short guide to spotting reindeer in Iceland.
Are Wild Reindeer in Iceland Native?
For those visiting Iceland in Winter, it's hard to believe that any life could have been born there. The harsh volcanic-ice elements are pretty unforgiving. However, after being introduced from Norway in the 1770s, reindeer populations have managed to make Iceland their home.
Although reindeer were introduced all over Iceland, the only animals that have been able to survive were those populations in the East Fjords. Wild reindeer in Iceland are not native, but they sure look the part as they stroll the snowcapped mountains.
Tip: The best time to spot reindeer is during the winter months (November to March) when they migrate to lower ground in search of food.
Where can I find Wild Reindeer in Iceland?
For those driving the Ring Road, the East Fjords will most likely be on your itinerary. As Route 1 snakes itself up the coastline, make sure you keep an eye out for herds of reindeer. These guys like to hang out close to rivers, dams, and mounded hills.
While wild reindeer are fairly rare to spot, it's sure an amazing moment when you do. Reindeer tend to group together in herds and are easily spooked.
We spotted six different herds while we were in the East Fjords and most of the time they ran as we approached quietly from a distance.
The Best Town to See Wild Reindeer in Iceland
Seydisfjordur (Seyðisfjörður) is a small township in the East of Iceland located on the southern tip of a fjord of the same name. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. It's also one of the best places to see wild reindeer in Iceland.
The road leading to the fjord is perfect for spotting reindeer. There are small jagged mountains and picturesque rolling snow hills. Out of the six herds of wild reindeer in Iceland, we were lucky enough to spot two on this road.
Other popular places to spot them include towns like Egilsstaðir and Breiðdalsvík.
I hope you've enjoyed this short guide to finding reindeer in Iceland's wilderness.
Check out some of my other guides below for more adventure travel inspiration!
- Coolest Places to Stay in Iceland - my favorite unique cabins, lodges, and hotels in Iceland
- How to Travel Iceland on a Budget - learn how I traveled the Ring Road for less than $50 per day
- 4 Epic Glacier Boat Tours - these are the best zodiac tours and glacier lagoon trips
- 10 Top Iceland Bus Tours - the best day trips from Reykjavik and multi-day journeys across Iceland
- Golden Circle Tours - find the best Golden Circle Trips from Reykjavik
- Where to Stay in Reykjavik - the best hotels and accommodation picks for Iceland's capital
