Látrabjarg on Postcard

"Rauðisandur Beach Rauðisandur, or (Red Sand), is precisely that: a beach with red sand. Endless red sand. Well, not endless, but 10 km is a lot. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight and weather, and the beach is the biggest pearl in a string of coves with sand ranging in colors from white through yellow through red to black, and in coarseness from very fine to sole-hurting chips of seashells. What to do in Rauðisandur? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There is a cafe but not much else. There’s just pure sand and unique tranquility. You might want to step out of the car, get the camera out and start walking. Forget everything. Except maybe getting the perfect shot of the ever-changing hues of yellow, orange and red. Getting there the road (614) is not of great quality and it's very winding with 180-degree turns. Not protected with rails and narrow at times. I admit I was really scared looking down on my side of the car. Our car wasn't really fit for this kind of road even if it is not an F type road. Jeep-like vehicles are best. But at the end of that was this magnificent beach and it was worth it."

Iceland's Natural Highlights

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Jack Papich

Google

Puffins vere gone in my visit (end of august). This year they left earlier, perhaps due to a lot of rain this season on iceland. However cliffs are amazing, some other birds to observe possible. Driving there is a long way but stunning views.

Ewa Pytkowska

Google

Loved that place! The end way was a bit demanding, but fine for 4x4, however the views were amazing! After the arrival we could observe many birds and we’ve seen some puffins, they are beautiful 😍

Maria Pellini

Google

Great place to visit in the westernmost point in the Westfjords. It is the largest seabird cliffs in Iceland. The cliffs are easily accessible by car and plenty of parking is available. Just before you get here there are bathrooms that require you to pay before using them by scanning a code. Unfortunately the weather did not allow us to enjoy completing this 8.75 mile hike, but because of how amazing it was we would love to plan another visit. The hike is well marked and steep at times and rocky, and for some can be challenging but the cliffs and views are well worth the visit.

Halina Maladtsova

Google

Even on a foggy day, this place was worth it. We came at midday and still saw some puffins. Pro tip - first look around the area by the parking lot before setting off hiking among the clouds looking for birds. The drive up has amazing views. Don’t let reviews about tough roads put you off - the road is doable and has plenty of space. It just has a lot of potholes. If you did route 54, this road will feel like a breeze.

Robert Plant

Google

We went to Látrabjarg late at night (bright due to the time of year) and were originally disappointed as we only saw a single puffin, which is why we came there. However, on our walk back, we walked along the path that stayed near the edge of the cliff, and found that the puffins are there. I would imagine they avoid the large cliff face as it is mostly rock and they seem to like to burrow in grass and dirt. Getting here is a bit of a hike, so staying nearby for the night might be a good plan.

Howard T

Google

DO NOT come here outside Puffin nesting season, which is about mid May to mid Sep. It takes about 46 km of gravel road one way to get there. The view is OK but not worth the drive to see it. I think it will be OK if you visit during Puffin nesting season to see the Puffin.

Downing Coffee

Google

We went yesterday at like 10 pm July 28th and saw like 20 puffins up close on the cliff near the parking lot. It was amazing! The road was terrible to get there though. I am so happy we went since they were super close to us.

Malavika Kale

Google

The cliffs are stunning by themselves, although we did not spot any puffins (start of May). There were several other birds. The color of the water is incredibly beautiful, far different than any other waters along the Icelandic coast. The trail along the cliff is quite safe (dont walk close to the edge, lie down to get a look below) and you can walk as far as you like for about 4 miles.

Jack Papich

Google

Puffins vere gone in my visit (end of august). This year they left earlier, perhaps due to a lot of rain this season on iceland. However cliffs are amazing, some other birds to observe possible. Driving there is a long way but stunning views.

Ewa Pytkowska

Google

Loved that place! The end way was a bit demanding, but fine for 4x4, however the views were amazing! After the arrival we could observe many birds and we’ve seen some puffins, they are beautiful 😍

Maria Pellini

Google

Great place to visit in the westernmost point in the Westfjords. It is the largest seabird cliffs in Iceland. The cliffs are easily accessible by car and plenty of parking is available. Just before you get here there are bathrooms that require you to pay before using them by scanning a code. Unfortunately the weather did not allow us to enjoy completing this 8.75 mile hike, but because of how amazing it was we would love to plan another visit. The hike is well marked and steep at times and rocky, and for some can be challenging but the cliffs and views are well worth the visit.

Halina Maladtsova

Google

Even on a foggy day, this place was worth it. We came at midday and still saw some puffins. Pro tip - first look around the area by the parking lot before setting off hiking among the clouds looking for birds. The drive up has amazing views. Don’t let reviews about tough roads put you off - the road is doable and has plenty of space. It just has a lot of potholes. If you did route 54, this road will feel like a breeze.

Robert Plant

Google

We went to Látrabjarg late at night (bright due to the time of year) and were originally disappointed as we only saw a single puffin, which is why we came there. However, on our walk back, we walked along the path that stayed near the edge of the cliff, and found that the puffins are there. I would imagine they avoid the large cliff face as it is mostly rock and they seem to like to burrow in grass and dirt. Getting here is a bit of a hike, so staying nearby for the night might be a good plan.

Howard T

Google

DO NOT come here outside Puffin nesting season, which is about mid May to mid Sep. It takes about 46 km of gravel road one way to get there. The view is OK but not worth the drive to see it. I think it will be OK if you visit during Puffin nesting season to see the Puffin.

Downing Coffee

Google

We went yesterday at like 10 pm July 28th and saw like 20 puffins up close on the cliff near the parking lot. It was amazing! The road was terrible to get there though. I am so happy we went since they were super close to us.

Malavika Kale

Google

The cliffs are stunning by themselves, although we did not spot any puffins (start of May). There were several other birds. The color of the water is incredibly beautiful, far different than any other waters along the Icelandic coast. The trail along the cliff is quite safe (dont walk close to the edge, lie down to get a look below) and you can walk as far as you like for about 4 miles.

Látrabjarg

Látrabjarg

Photos

Highlights

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