At Illugastaðir, guests can observe both seals and various birds in their natural habitat. The harbour seal inhabits the Illugastaðir skerries all year round, although some of the females migrate elsewhere during pupping season (May – beginning of June). Curious seals often swim quite close to guests at Illugastaðir, sometimes it’s even a little bit unclear if the guests are seal watching or the seals human watching! The Great Seal Count in 2007 (August 25th) showed around 60 seals at Illugastaðir.

Illugastaðir are also the scene of one of Iceland’s most famous crime, the Illugastaðir murders (The Story of Natan Ketilsson), which led to the last execution in Iceland in January 1830. The remains of Natan’s smithy can still be found at Illugastaðir.

A local guide can be booked through The Icelandic Seal Center.

Illugastaðir are closed to June 20th, or during the eider duck nesting season.

Photo: From Illugastaðir (Pétur Jónsson)