Ytri Tunga walking trail
Ytri-Tunga beach is first and foremost one of the best seal-watching spots in Iceland. Seals come here to hang around thanks to rocky shore where they can find a perfect combination of mainland and the close proximity of the safe ocean. A lot of work has been put in for brand new walking trails, from the car park to the shore.
Please bear in mind the following:
- Please keep a minimum distance of 50 metres to the nearest seal. If pups are observed, a 100 m distance to the nearest seal is recommended.
- If a seal makes a sound, moves or seems alert, it might be a sign of disturbance. In that case, move further away.
- Females often leave their pups temporarily to go hunting. Plese do not attempt to access or touch the pups that appear to have been abandoned. Leave the pups alone so the mother can return to her offspring naturally.
- Never position yourself between a seal and the ocean. It is important that the seal has easy access to the water to feel safe and secure.
- When walking towards the seals, do so with slow and calm moves. Avoid loud noises and, if talking, keep your voice down. Leave the area in the same quiet manner.
- Do not throw objects in the area close to the seals.
- Avoid using camera flash when photographing.
- Seal welfare may be negatively impacted by large groups of people in the seal habitat. On arrival, if you encounter a large group of people already close the the seals, please wait until some of the people leave.
- Dogs are to be kept on leash at all times.
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- Area: Ytri-Tunga, Snæfellsnes
- Road number to the starting point: Car parking at Ytri-Tunga, Snæfellsnesvegur (no. 54)
- Level of difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Length: 1.67 km.
- Elevation: 7 m.
- Markings: Markings are on the route
- Duration: 27 min.
- Route type: Small rocks, mixed materials and grass
- Obstacles on the way: There are steps on the trail
- Service in the area: No service
- Illumination: No illumination on the route
- Season: The route is open all year round
- GPS coordinates to the starting- and the finishing point: N 64°48.2310 W 023°04.8595
