A Visit to Iceland’s Premier Bird Museum
If you ask any traveler heading to Iceland which bird they’re most eager to see, the answer will almost certainly be the puffin. These charming little creatures have captured the hearts of tourists, becoming stars in travel campaigns alongside natural wonders like the Aurora Borealis and the Golden Circle. It’s amusing, really: a bird with an ungraceful waddle and a quirky beak holds a place in the spotlight, marketed as fervently as the celestial displays above.
Who Gives Two Hoots?
Yet, Iceland’s avian diversity extends far beyond the beloved puffin. The island is home to a staggering 10 million breeding pairs, dominating the local wildlife scene. These birds aren’t just abundant; they’re central to Iceland’s identity. Each spring, the first sighting of the lóa, or Arctic golden plover, makes headlines, heralding the season’s arrival. Certain areas are even known to locals as no-go zones due to the fiercely defensive kría (Arctic terns), which aren’t afraid to peck anyone who strays too close. Remarkably, the Falcon Cross, awarded to individuals for outstanding service, pays tribute to Iceland’s national bird, the gyrfalcon.
Iceland proudly serves as a pivotal refuge for birds of the northern hemisphere. It acts as both a breeding ground and a stopping point for countless migratory species undertaking their annual journeys. Along the cliffs and shores, massive colonies of guillemots, gulls, razorbills, and more create a breathtaking spectacle. Meanwhile, places like Hornstrandir, Þingvellir, and Lake Mývatn are home to formidable predators such as owls, eagles, and falcons.
Despite this wealth of birdlife, infrastructure to support birdwatching remains sparse. Bird hides and facilities are limited, meaning that this exhilarating pursuit is often left to those in the know—photographers, avid twitchers, and dedicated hobbyists—making it somewhat exclusive rather than universally accessible.
Taxidermy, Moss, and Button-Pushing
However, there are notable exceptions, the most prominent being Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum, nestled along the northern shore of Lake Mývatn. As you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the lake, distant mountains, and lush lava fields, punctuated by the cheerful presence of dozens of birds. The museum blends seamlessly into its stunning surroundings, thanks to its turf roof and glass-and-stone design.
Opened in 2008, the museum is a testament to the passion of Sigurgeir Stefánsson, a local who began collecting and taxidermizing birds in his twenties. By the time he passed away in 1999, Sigurgeir had realized a lifelong dream: to build a museum housing the bird fauna and eggs from his extensive collection. Almost a decade later, thanks to the dedicated efforts of his family and community, that dream materialized.
Stefanía, Sigurgeir’s older sister, now welcomes visitors with a warmth that imbues the museum with a cozy charm. Upon purchasing your ticket, she introduces you to marimo—strange, sentient-like moss balls unique to Lake Mývatn and Japan’s Lake Akan—before expertly guiding you to the main exhibit where a treasure trove of specimens awaits.
Stepping into the exhibit is a visual experience like no other. Dimly lit in parts, the room features glass cases showcasing nearly all bird species found in Iceland, alongside dozens of their eggs. The cases are meticulously organized by type and habitat—geese, seabirds, ducks, and birds of prey—and each specimen has a bilingual label and a button that illuminates the features of the birds as you press it. The eeriness of the taxidermy is offset by the immaculate preservation, allowing for an up-close view of rare species without the need for binoculars.
Killing Two Birds with One Stone (But Not Actually)
After exploring the main exhibit, Stefanía invites you to the adjoining building, where a different exhibit offers insights into the history of Lake Mývatn. Here, you can learn about the boat Sleipnir, which served as a crucial transport service from 1930 to 1977—connecting communities around the lake long before cars could navigate the region. Accompanied by stories and artifacts from local life, this exhibit paints a picture of a time before mass tourism transformed the landscape.
Back in the main museum, visitors can indulge in a selection of homemade soup, smoked trout, ‘lava bread’, and waffles. Souvenirs are available, with retro mugs sure to impress fellow bird enthusiasts. However, the real gem is a sophisticated telescope available for free use, offering detailed views of the vibrant birdlife on the lake—a perfect gateway for budding birdwatchers.
Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum is a delightful stop for anyone traveling around Lake Mývatn. Here, you not only learn about birds but also enjoy the sheer joy of birdwatching, making it an experience that allows you to figuratively kill two birds with one stone (but please, no actual birds).
For opening times and admission fees at Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum, visit fuglasafn.is.
