Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs
About Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs
Krýsuvíkurberg is a seabird cliff on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula, below the old Krýsuvík estate between Grindavík and Þorlákshöfn. It is by far the largest bird cliff on the peninsula, a long wall of dark rock dropping straight into the Atlantic.
In summer the ledges hold tens of thousands of nesting seabirds. Bird counts put black-legged kittiwakes at about 21,000 and common guillemots at about 20,000, with around 8,700 razorbills and 2,600 Brünnich's guillemots among them. Fulmars, shags and black guillemots nest here too, and a few puffins turn up, though this is not the place to come for puffins alone.
Getting there is the hard part. A rough track runs from Route 427 (Suðurstrandarvegur) down to the parking area above the cliff, and it really needs a 4x4, especially after rain or in winter when snow can cover it completely. From the parking area, walking the whole length of the viewpoints at a slow pace takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Plan on a little over an hour each way from Reykjavík, or about half an hour from Grindavík, and combine the cliff with Seltún and the Kleifarvatn lake on the same drive. Summer is the best time to visit Krýsuvíkurberg, when the colonies are full and the noise carries all along the top. Keep well back from the edge, since the drop is sheer and the grass along the top gets slippery when wet.
Good to know
Where is Krýsuvíkurberg?
Krýsuvíkurberg is on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula, below Krýsuvík and between Grindavík and Þorlákshöfn. A rough track leads to it from Route 427.
What birds can you see at Krýsuvíkurberg?
Kittiwakes and common guillemots are the most numerous, with roughly 21,000 and 20,000 birds, followed by razorbills and Brünnich's guillemots. Fulmars, shags, black guillemots and a few puffins also nest on the cliff.
Do you need a 4x4 to get to Krýsuvíkurberg?
Yes, a 4x4 is the safe choice. The track from Route 427 to the cliff is rough, and in winter snow can make it impassable for small cars.
Are there puffins at Krýsuvíkurberg?
A small number of puffins nest at Krýsuvíkurberg in summer, but they are far outnumbered by kittiwakes and guillemots. For close puffin viewing, other cliffs in Iceland are a better bet.
When is the best time to visit Krýsuvíkurberg?
Summer is the best time, when the seabird colonies are at their busiest and the track is easiest to drive. In winter the cliff is quiet and access can be blocked by snow.
How long do you need at Krýsuvíkurberg?
Walking the full length of the cliff slowly takes 20 to 30 minutes, so allow about an hour with time to watch the birds. Add the drive on the rough access track each way.
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