Rauðinúpur Bird Cliffs
Rauðinúpur
A short 4 km coastal walk from Núpskatla to the red crater headland of Rauðinúpur on the remote Melrakkaslétta peninsula.
- Distance
- 4 km
- Out & back
- Time
- 1–1.5 hours
- Ascent
- 40 m
- Max 73 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Rauðinúpur hike is a coastal loop on the remote Melrakkaslétta peninsula in North Iceland, one of the northernmost points of the mainland. Rauðinúpur is a headland made of red volcanic rock, with bird cliffs and a lighthouse. The out-and-back route from Núpskatla is about 4 km return with roughly 40 m of ascent and a high point of 73 m on the headland, and takes 1–1.5 hours.
This is a quiet, wild corner of Iceland, with few visitors and big open views over the Arctic Ocean. The trail follows the coast, passing driftwood beaches, lagoons and seabird cliffs where gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes and other species nest in summer. It is rated easy, with some uneven ground but no big climbs. It suits hikers who want solitude and a sense of remoteness.
Highlights
- Red volcanic cliffs of the Rauðinúpur headland
- Gannets and other seabird colonies on the cliffs in summer
- Driftwood beaches and coastal lagoons
- Remote views over the Arctic Ocean
The route
Along the coast to Rauðinúpur
From the parking area at Núpskatla the route heads west along the shore toward the headland, crossing grassy, stony ground and driftwood-strewn shores. In places there is no clear path, so follow the coastline and any marker posts. The going is mostly level, with lagoons inland and the open Arctic Ocean alongside, and Eider ducks and waders are common in summer.
Around the headland and back
At Rauðinúpur paths climb onto the red crater headland, passing the lighthouse (the present one dates from 1958) and giving views of the cliffs and the seabird ledges below. Return the same way along the shore to Núpskatla. Keep well back from the edges, which are loose and undercut, and avoid disturbing nesting birds on the cliff tops in early summer.
Getting to the trailhead
Rauðinúpur is on Melrakkaslétta, north of Kópasker. Take road 870 around the peninsula north from Kópasker, then road 8952 to the parking area at Núpskatla. Check road.is before driving, as some tracks may be rough or closed early in the season.
Where to stay
Kópasker and Raufarhöfn are the nearest villages, each with a small selection of guesthouses and a campsite. Accommodation on Melrakkaslétta is limited, so book ahead in summer. Raufarhöfn is also home to the Arctic Henge stone monument. Ásbyrgi and Húsavík are further afield but have more choice.
Best time to hike
May to October is the season. For seabirds, May to August is best, when the cliffs are busy with nesting birds; puffins, if present, are typically around from about May to August. June and July bring near-constant daylight. September is quiet and beautiful, but north-coast weather turns rough more often.
Safety
The cliff edges are loose and undercut, so keep well back. Weather on the north coast can change quickly, with fog and strong wind. This is a remote area with limited mobile coverage, so carry water, warm layers and a map. Leave a travel plan on SafeTravel.is, check vedur.is and call 112 in an emergency.
Plan & book
Book your Rauðinúpur Bird Cliffs hike
CampingÁsbyrgi & Vesturdalur Campsites
National park campsites in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Vatnajökull National Park
Guided tourDiamond Circle & Canyon Tours
Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Mývatn from Akureyri or Húsavík.
North Iceland operators1 day
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Rauðinúpur Bird Cliffs FAQ
How long is the Rauðinúpur hike?+
The out-and-back walk from Núpskatla is about 4 km return with roughly 40 m of ascent and takes 1–1.5 hours.
Can you see puffins at Rauðinúpur?+
Puffins may be seen on the north coast between roughly May and August, but the cliffs here are better known for other seabirds such as gannets, fulmars and kittiwakes.
Is Rauðinúpur remote?+
Yes, it is one of the most remote parts of the mainland. Plan carefully and bring everything you need.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
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