Birding in northern and eastern Iceland

9 days with a local guide.


The rich bird life of northeast Iceland, distributed over widely varying habitats, displays a diversity seldom surpassed and accessible areas for observing species such as Barrow’s GoldeneyeHarlequin DuckGyr FalconRock Ptarmiganthe Great Northern Gannet and the Brunnichs Guillemot. In addition to the marshes of northeast Iceland, important habitat for many Icelandic bird species and famed for their rich bird life, this itinerary offers the chance to visit other interesting spots, in the north and in the east of t the country.



ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival and beginning of the journey.
We welcome you at the International Airport and set off for the tour. From Keflavík we transfer to Reykjavík Domestic Airport for a domestic flight, in the early afternoon, to Akureyri. We have some hours to explore the capital of the North, located in beautiful Eyjafjörður. Check in at the hotel in Akureyri, where we spend 2 nights.

Day 2 – Tröllaskagi Peninsula
Today, we explore the eastern, and most beautiful, side of wild Tröllaskagi peninsula up to Siglufjörður, beautiful fishing village. This day offers us s rich diversity of habitats – combining sea and coast, ponds and rivers – and good variety of birds. Svarfaðardalur, the large valley where Svarfaðardalsá river flows, is a one of our main areas of the day. Second overnight in Akureyri.

Day 3 – From Akureyri to Húsavík
From Eyjafjörður, which area offers other interesting birdwatching locations, we move on eastwards. On the way to Húsavík we make stops en-route such as by the lake Ljósavatn and at the scenic waterfall Goðafoss. We also explore the area, rich of birdlife, of Laxá river, the famed salmon river. One last stop is at Grenjaðarstaður turf farm. Check in at the hotel in Húsavík, where we spend 3 nights.

Day 4 – Húsavík area and Flatey
Today we focus on the bay of Skjálfandaflói as well as the community of Húsavík and adjacent rural areas. We begin the tour at 8:00a.m. in the morning by exploring the harbour and surroundings, as well as the lower regions of the nearby Laxá river and selected ponds and lakes, such as Kaldbakstjarnir, an area frequented i.a. by bird species such as the Great Northern Diver. We then take a few hours break that allows you to enjoy what Húsavík has to offer, beside birds (restaurants, museums, the garden and the church).
We meet again at 4:00p.m. for the second part of the program, which features a boat tour in the bay of Skjálfandi, including a visit to Flatey island, renowned for its rich variety of bird species. Thus, it is normally the home of more than 30 different bird species during the nesting season. Species such as the Arctic Tern and Puffin are there in vast numbers. They can often be observed at close quarters. Hence, this is a unique opportunity to experience the marvels of nature. In our travels, we might even be treated to the delight of whale watching. In Flatey we enjoy a light dinner meal before getting back to land at 9 p.m. or a bit later. Second overnight in Húsavík.

Day 5 – Lake Mývatn Area
The Lake Mývatn region is renowned for its incredibly rich birdlife, which makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. At the lake, we will find the home to more species of nesting ducks than you would find at any other single area on earth. The Mývatn area boasts e.g. of almost all the ducks of the species known as Barrow’s Goldeneye, found in any European country, as well as substantial numbers of the Harlequin Duck species. This area is also well known for its large populations of Gyr Falcons. This day features a drive around the lake, stops at selected locations, but the tour also includes other points of interest, such as the river Laxá, ponds and marshes as well as intriguing lava fields and formations.
Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Mývatn region is situated in its zone of volcanic and geothermal activity, which demonstrates this fact very well. Bird watching in this area thus focuses not only on observing a variety of bird species, learning about biology, and experiencing local culture, but it also shows a delightful variety of scenery, landscape and nature. The Mývatn day tour of birdwatching is designed for people with various levels of interest in bird life. Weather permitting, photographic opportunities are abundant, both in terms of bird life and geology. Overnight in lake Mývatn area.

Day 6 – Melrakkaslétta and Kelduhverfi
Today we focus on three districts in Northeast Iceland: MelrakkasléttaKelduhverfi and Tjörnes. This day offers variety in terms of bird life, scenery and local topography. In the course of the day, we shall be stopping at various sites of interest in order to explore them further and/or we will be using them as stepping stones to explore other more distant and less  accessible but noteworthy sites.
The Tjörnes peninsula provides us with the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, found along the shoreline and coastal cliffs. This peninsula is in effect known to be one of the best areas in Iceland for observation of the Ptarmigan. Moving to Kelduhverfi, we will focus on ponds and lakes, until we arrive at the marvellous spot Ásbyrgi, with its woodland. There we will attempt to spot an Icelandic Wren as well as some of the other woodland species. Öxarfjörður and Melrakkaslétta have some of the most densely populated sites
of Red-throated Divers in Iceland. Overnight in Raufarhöfn.

Day 7 – Langanes
Today we head straight to Langanes, the narrow peninsula, situated between Thistilfjörður and Bakkaflói, shaped like a bird with a large head. Langanes has quite a rich birdlife and very good shorebased observation points for watching bird species such as Guillemots (incl. Brünnichs Guillemot), RazorbillsPuffins and Gannets. This area is about as wild as coastal Iceland gets, perfect for exploration off the beaten track. A rough road leads to Fontur, the tip of the peninsula, and along the sides of the road there are the nesting grounds of Purple Sandpipers and Snow Buntings.
Out on the peninsula, the cliffs are steep, but fairly accessible and at times in such proximity that the birds are in clear viewing range. The curved shoreline at this point offers a good opportunity for photographers to hone their skills. A trip to the outlying peninsula is an unforgettable adventure, where you drive by remains of ancient farms. Below Skoruvík cliffs, there is the rock column known as Stóri (i.e. big) Karl (Charles), which constitutes one of Iceland’s most accessible Gannet colonies. During the so-called puffin season (till mid August), this is a grand site for Puffin observation. Overnight in Vopnafjörður.

Day 8 – Borgarfjörður Eystri and Egilsstaðir
From Vopnafjörður we follow the coast, go inland and back to coast across a variety of landscapes and birding opportunities. The highlight of the day is Borgarfjörður Eystri, the small village located literally at the end of the road, one of the best spots in the whole country to spot Puffins. The surroundings of Egilsstaðir, mainly Lagarfljót lake, complete the day. Overnight in Egilsstaðir.

Day 9 – End of the program
In the morning, we leave eastern Iceland by taking the domestic flight from Egillstaðir to Reykjavík. Upon landing, depending on your travel plans, transfer to Keflavík International Airport or to a hotel in Reykjavík, where, in such case, there will be time for city sightseeing.



Availability: In May and June.

Departure point: pick up at Keflavík International Airport.

Tour duration: 9 days.

Included: pick up at Keflavík International Airport, transportation and experienced, English-speaking, birdwatching guide for the duration of the tour, fuel, binoculars, 8 nights in hotel with breakfast (double room accommodation), meals for the duration of the tour, one way domestic flight Reykjavík-Akureyri, one way domestic flight Egillstaðir-Reykjavík, drop off at hotel in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport

Optional (for extra cost): single room accommodation, guided tour and extra night in Reykjavík on day 9.

Not included: international flights, drinks, anything else not specified as “Included”.

Please note: minimum number of participant is 4, maximum number of participant is 14.

Bookings: for bookings and inquires regarding rates on this tour, please contact us.