Visit for the day
From May to September every year we are delighted to welcome day-visitors from all over the world to Vigur to witness the eiderdown harvest and processing, to enjoy the ideal opportunities to get close to rare Arctic birdlife, to learn something of Vigur’s Icelandic heritage and to relax with some traditional Icelandic coffee and cake accompanied by the best view in the North!
Before you leave don’t forget to mail a postcard from our tiny Post Office (the smallest post office in Europe!), take a look inside historic Viktoríuhús at the heritage displays, buy a tasteful souvenir from the shop or try Hjónabandssæla from the cafe (a special generations-old Vigur recipe of this favourite Icelandic treat) - all in the knowledge that any proceeds from your visit are used to ensure the future protection of this Arctic island paradise for new generations (of both humans and ducks) to enjoy.
Photograph of the farm on Vigur taken some time after 1958
How to arrange a visit…
On a cruise or expedition voyage:
If you are visiting Iceland on an expedition ship or cruise, look out for Vigur as an option on your excursion programme and book through your cruise line - many expedition ships call at the island directly using their own small boats.
On a tour from Ísafjörður:
West Tours in Ísafjörður arrange several tours a week to Vigur using boats operated by Sjóferðir. The 3-hour tour starts at the Sjóferðir cabin right on the Ísafjörður harbour front on Ásgeirsgata close to the centre of town. A scenic half an hour boat ride across the majestic ĺsafjarðardjúp in comfortable cruisers brings you to Vigur (watch out for likely whale sightings on the way) where you will be met by Vigur’s own knowledgeable guiding team to escourt you around the island and show you all the best wildlife viewing spots. For more information and online booking see here. You can often also buy tickets on the day by popping into the West Tours office right in the centre of town at Aðalstræti 7, next to Edinborg Bistro.
By private boat/yacht:
There is no ferry service to Vigur. If you plan to visit Vigur independently please see ‘Guidance for visiting ships, boats, yachts and kayaks’ for vital information. Vigur is a private island, fragile wildlife sanctuary and an eider colony protected under Icelandic law - landing anywhere on the island, mooring or resting at anchor, undertaking activities such as snorkling, SUP and diving is only allowed with prior permission from the Vigur landowners. Please do not land, paddle along the coast or anchor unless you have spoken to us first. Thank you.
Stay overnight
The tour…
Whether you have arrived by ship, boat, kayak or helicopter (it has happened just once!) you will be welcomed to the island by a member of our expert team. They will accompany you on a guided walk around the island to see the abundance of birds in their natural environment and to share stories of Vigur’s fascinating past.
A visit to Vigur is one of the best opportunities in the Westfjords to get close to puffins, black guillemot and the eider which are nesting all over the island. You are also welcomed into the down processing house to learn about the ancient tradition of the eiderdown harvest, which is almost unique to Iceland, as well as enjoy one of Iceland’s oldest timber buildings (the stately home of ĺsafjarðardjúp), its oldest seaworthy boat and its only remaining heritage windmill.
Complementary refreshments are served at the end of every tour in the converted cow shed (Fjósið) which now houses the island’s post office (the smallest post office in Europe) and shop as well as the cafe and toilet/restroom facilities.
The well-being and conservation of the impressive wildlife on Vigur is our greatest priority and for that reason it is not possible for day visitors to roam the island independently unless they are part of one of our special interest overnight visits or holidays - please see here for further information.
In order to protect the wonderful bird life and fragile environment on Vigur we also ask that you do not bring dogs with you, use drones or smoke (in any form) during your visit. We also ask that in the interest of reducing waste (which all has to be shipped off the island at huge effort) you kindly do not bring disposible plastic bottles of water onto the island - we instead provide you with unlimited spring water from Vigur’s very own delicious freshwater spring.
Thanks so much for your understanding.
