The small rocky islet connected to Höfn by a causeway, Hafnarholmi is one of the most accessible puffin-viewing spots in Iceland. From late April through August, hundreds of Atlantic puffins nest in the grassy cliffs above the water, going about their business with complete indifference to the humans watching from the wooden viewing platform a few metres away. At peak season you can watch them land, squabble, and shuffle into their burrows at close range — no telescope required.
The walk out from town takes ten minutes along the harbourside. Bring a jacket regardless of the season — the wind coming off Hornafjörður is persistent — and come in the morning or evening when the puffins are most active. Outside nesting season the islet is worth visiting anyway: the views back across the bay to the white wall of Vatnajökull are as good from here as anywhere in town.