Vigur Island
Vestfirðir
Vigur Island is the second largest island in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords of Iceland, measuring approximately 2 kilometers in length and 400 meters in width. Situated just south of the Arctic Circle, it is famous for its thriving seabird populations, including one of Iceland's largest Atlantic puffin colonies, a rare black guillemot colony, and numerous Arctic terns. The island also preserves traditional eiderdown harvesting, a centuries-old practice where the nests of about 3,500 common eider pairs are carefully collected after the chicks have fledged. Architecturally, Vigur features some of Iceland's oldest timber buildings, such as the two-story Viktoriuhús built in 1860, and houses Iceland's oldest seaworthy boat, Vigurbreiður. A historic windmill dating back to around 1840 stands on the island, notable as Iceland's only extant windmill and possibly the northernmost in the world. Today, the island sustains a single farm, continuing its rich cultural and natural heritage amid a pristine Arctic environment.
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Tip: The best time to visit Vigur Island is during the summer months when seabird colonies are most active and eiderdown harvesting occurs. Advance booking of tours or transport is recommended due to the island's remote location and limited visitor facilities. Visitors should prepare for variable Arctic weather and bring appropriate clothing. No specific ticketing is required for the island itself, but guided tours may offer enhanced experiences and insights into local wildlife and history.
Interesting facts
- •Vigur Island hosts around 3,500 pairs of common eiders, whose down is harvested using centuries-old methods.
- •The Viktoriuhús on Vigur is among Iceland's oldest timber buildings, dating back to 1860.
- •The island's windmill, built circa 1840, is Iceland's only surviving historic windmill and possibly the northernmost in the world.
- •Vigur is home to one of Iceland's largest Atlantic puffin colonies and a rare colony of about a thousand black guillemots.
- •Iceland's oldest seaworthy boat, Vigurbreiður, is preserved on the island.
History
Vigur Island was first mentioned in written records in 1194, though it may have been known earlier under different names.
In the seventeenth century, it was home to Magnús Jónsson, a notable manuscript collector.
The island's Viktoriuhús, constructed in 1860, represents one of Iceland's oldest timber buildings.
Around 1840, a windmill was built on Vigur, which remains the only historic windmill in Iceland and possibly the northernmost worldwide.
Over centuries, the island has maintained traditional practices like eiderdown collection and has preserved its natural seabird habitats.
Place Guide
Viktoriuhús1860
This two-story timber house, built in 1860, is one of Iceland's oldest wooden buildings and part of the national Historical Buildings Collection. It offers insight into traditional Icelandic architecture and historical life on Vigur.
Historic Windmillcirca 1840
Constructed around 1840, this windmill is the only surviving historic windmill in Iceland and may be the northernmost in the world, showcasing historic agricultural technology in a remote Arctic setting.
Seabird Colonies
Vigur Island supports vast seabird populations including about 3,500 common eider pairs, large Atlantic puffin colonies, roughly a thousand black guillemots, and hundreds of Arctic tern breeding pairs, making it a significant site for birdwatching and conservation.
Vigurbreiður
Iceland's oldest seaworthy boat, preserved on the island, representing maritime heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
