When people think of Iceland, they often picture dramatic waterfalls, surreal northern lights, and endless volcanic landscapes. But those of us who spend time here know a different side of Iceland, a softer, more heart-melting version that emerges every spring. It’s a season where, quite honestly, everything is just... cuter.

From newborn lambs jumping around to puffins making their grand entrance, spring in Iceland is where rugged meets adorable. Here's why it's the best time to visit if you want to see the island at its most charming.

Lambing Season: The Heart of Iceland’s Countryside

Spring in Iceland isn’t just a change of season; it’s a time when rural life kicks into full swing with lambing season. From late April to early June, barns across the countryside transform into nurseries filled with lambs taking their first step into the world. For Icelandic farmers, it’s the busiest and most demanding time of the year, a kind of endurance race, with long days and even longer nights.

With flocks often numbering in the hundreds, farmers must be constantly on alert, as lambs can arrive at any hour. Most ewes give birth to two lambs, though it’s not uncommon for some to have three or more, while others deliver just one. While many births proceed naturally, others require hands-on help. Ideally, lambs should arrive front legs and head first, but when they don’t, farmers step in to assist, ensuring both ewe and lamb make it through safely.

After birth, lambs are moved with their mothers into hay-lined boxes for warmth and protection. The first minutes are crucial, as the ewe may take time to recognize and accept her lamb, especially if it’s her first. As she begins cleaning it and they start calling to each other, a bond forms, allowing them to recognize each other's voices even within a large flock. Within minutes, lambs try to stand, find their mother's teat, and when successful, wag their tails as they nurse for the first time. Once they grow stronger and the weather allows, the new families move to the hayfields and, later in summer, are released to roam free the mountains until réttir, the traditional sheep round-up in September.

Visitors lucky enough to experience lambing season often describe it as the most authentic window into Icelandic culture. Some farms even welcome guests to witness the process firsthand: bottle feeding orphaned lambs, learning about traditional farming practices, and experiencing the deep bond between farmers and their flocks.

You can get the chance to experience the lambing season on a farm in the West, a unique local experience!

The Arrival of Migratory Birds and Puffins in Iceland

While the countryside thrives with new life on the ground, Iceland’s skies and coastal cliffs become bustling habitats for another beloved spring arrival, puffins. These charismatic seabirds return to Iceland each year from late April to nest along the rugged coastline, making spring prime puffin-viewing season.

Iceland is home to some of the world’s largest puffin colonies, with spots like the Westman Islands, Dyrhólaey, and Látrabjarg offering incredible opportunities to see these colourful, comical birds up close. Alongside puffins, other migratory birds such as Arctic terns, golden plovers, and eiders flock back to Iceland, filling the air with life and song. The golden plover, in particular, holds a special place in Icelandic culture, symbolizing the arrival of spring and even inspiring a traditional song about its role in singing away the last snow.

To increase your chances of spotting puffins, check out our blog on the best places to see puffins in Iceland.

Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Iceland

Spring in Iceland offers more than just cute lambs and colourful puffins—it’s one of the most rewarding seasons to explore the country:

Fewer Tourists: Enjoy Iceland’s top attractions without the summer crowds for a more relaxed and authentic experience.

Extended Daylight: Longer days mean more time for road trips, sightseeing, and spotting wildlife in natural light.

Breathtaking Scenery: As the snow melts, the landscape transforms with green valleys, blooming wildflowers, and waterfalls at peak flow.

The overall atmosphere is magical, farmers welcoming new life, cliffs echoing with bird calls, and the countryside slowly coming back to life after winter.

Ready to experience Iceland’s cutest season for yourself? Contact Hey Iceland for travel advice and explore our self-drive packages to plan your perfect spring getaway.