The Puffin Run 2027

Transport yourselves to the charming, rugged, and windswept Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (the Westman Islands), located just off Iceland’s southern coast! The Puffin Run is a unique, spectacular race of 20 kilometers, held on the largest and only inhabited island in the area – Heimaey. The event usually takes place in May—exactly when millions of adorable puffins arrive at the region’s gigantic cliffs to nest 🐧. The course is nature’s running poetry: it follows narrow, grassy paths right along the ocean cliffs, across black sands, and up volcanic hills with views of Iceland’s mainland glaciers shimmering in the distance.

Once you’ve conquered the final climb, crossed the finish line, and proudly collected a puffin-themed medal, Heimaey will enchant you with its incredible history and atmosphere:

For a walk: Climb to the top of the Eldfell volcano (Fire Mountain), which was created during a sudden, dramatic eruption in 1973. Walking on ground that is still warm in places near the summit, and the view of the town partly flooded by black lava, are absolutely breathtaking. Don’t miss the famous Elephant Rock (Elephant Rock)—an incredible basalt formation rising from the ocean that looks like a giant elephant drinking water 🐘.

For families: Visit the Beluga Whale Sanctuary & Puffin Rescue Centre. It’s a unique shelter and educational center where you can see rescued puffins up close, as well as two adorable belugas (beluga whales) who, after years in captivity, came here for a well-earned retirement in the Klettsvík Bay 🐳, specially separated from the open sea.

For an excursion: If you’re not afraid of rushing air, book a trip on a fast hybrid boat (Ribsafari). Racing around the islands at breakneck speed, entering sea caves, and watching thousands of birds nesting on the rocks from the perspective of the waves guarantees a serious adrenaline rush 🌊.

Since Vestmannaeyjar is one of Iceland’s most important fishing hubs, your recovery has to happen at the harbor. Order a brilliant, creamy langoustine soup (langoustine soup) or perfectly fresh baked cod. And for an evening celebration of your success, be sure to drop by the local cult microbrewery The Brothers Brewery – try their craft beers, made with passion by local islanders 🍻