Birding and Photography 2022

Raise your left hand in front of your face with your fingers spread with the palm facing you and you have the Westfjords Peninsula. This large peninsula is connected to Iceland by an isthmus narrower than your wrist. A world and a journey apart is so vast. Almost an island, almost a second Iceland. The story says that this peninsula existed because of a dispute between bad neighbors, a furious troll wanted, long ago to isolate the region. In disaster, before the summer light dawned on him, and when he had thought of returning to his cave in the mountains, the giant began to attack the mountain with great strokes that trembled the country. When he had almost reached his goal, he let himself be surprised by the first ray of a radiant sun which instantly petrified him. The work has remained incomplete and the North-west is still part of Iceland. Here, this myriad of islands and islets scattered over the great bay of Breiðafjörður, it is said to be the shovels that the troll furiously threw over his shoulder. Look at your hand again, it is from the little finger to the thumb that we continue our journey.

D1 - 09/06 Arrival in Iceland
Transfer from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik - Day and meal(s) on your own

D2 - 10/06: Borgarnes - Snæfellsnes
Departure for the West. After crossing the Fjord of the Whales, the road before reaching the base of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, we cross a large swampy area where one can observe innumerable birds: Waders and other shoreline birds, ducks, divers ...The northern coast is cut out by numerous small fjords, some of which have active small, colorful fishing ports where several species of gulls can be observed.

D3 - 11/06: Breidafjorður Bay
The shallow waters of the large bay of Breiðafjörður are brewed by strong tidal current. Scattered with thousands of islands and islets, rich in food the Breiðafjord overflows with life. White-tailed Eagle, Atlantic Puffins (Fratecula arctica), Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), Harbour Seal, Grey Seal. By boat we win the pretty little island of Flatey and its old preserved village. An ambulatory stroll through this little paradise, the sanctuary of Guillemots, little fierce birds nesting in the most incongruous places: old tractors, tires, barns ...

D4 - 12/06: Cliff of Látrabjarg
From Breiðavík , by Hvallátur (where the whales give birth) to reach the cliff of Látrabjarg. 17 km of cliffs and several millions of birds farther the landscape plunges into a pretty creek before ending on the coppery sand of the bay of Rauðasandur. Observations on the first stretch of the huge Látrabjarg cliff considered the largest seabird cliff in the northern hemisphere. Real housing crisis. Puffins (Fratecula Arctica) , Northern fulmars (Fulmars glacial) Guillemots (Uria lomvia) and Murres (Uria aalge), Razorbill (Alca torda islandica),  Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) along with the notorious raven. Under the lighthouse we can observe a colony of large Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)swimming in green water basins or resting on the reef kelp.

D5 - 13/06: Rauðasandur
While Iceland has accustomed us to black sands, here, curiously, in the Far West of the largest volcanic island in the world, the sand is clear and the sea takes on tropical nuances. A sand of shells ranging from the most perfect light grey as in Kolsvík to the dark orange as here at Rauðasandur (Red Sand). Here the only bathers in the area are grey seals and sea calf seals. Offshore to the south stands the great solitary snow-capped volcano of the Snæfellsjökull, which we have skirted three days before. This Fuji Yama of Iceland was an important landmark for the long boats of the Vikings who sailed between Greenland and Iceland.

D6 - 14/06 : Arnarfjörður - Waterfall of Dynjandi - Ísafjörður
The road crosses to the South some high desolated plateaus of broken rocks still partly snowy and then bypasses profound branched fjords dominated by impressive mountains of stratified basalt to cross again other passes. Visit of the famous waterfall Dynjandi, one of the most beautiful and graceful of the great falls of Iceland. In the evening we reach the big fjord of Ísafjörður and the small fishing town of the same name with its old tarred wooden warehouses. Evening and dinner on your own

D7 - 15/06: Ísafjarðardjúp
Large opened landscapes on the wide as far as possible towards the bottom of the fjords. Bypassing many fjords all more beautiful than each other. With a large number of birds with a group of Harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) on the estuaries of the torrents. Maybe even a King eider (Somateria spectabilis)?

D8 - 16/06: To Reykholasveitt
Descent to the south by a desolate high plateau where you can see Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) on small lakes bordered by drifts. We descend to the bottom of the Breidafjörður valley to reach the Reykhólar countryside (the steaming hills) where hot water flows in abundance.

D9 - 17/06: Swamp of Reykhólar
Magnificent ornithological reserve on the marsh that borders the Bay of Breiðafjörður. There are many species of waders, anatidae, but also and especially many Red-throated divers (Gavia stellate) and Horned grebes (Podiceps auritus). And it is not uncommon to observe an Short-eared owl (Asio flames) from the marsh or an White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) being bullied by the birds of the swamp.

D10 - 18/06: Gilsfjörður, Borgarnes, Reykjavik
Descent south through beautiful countryside at the foot of the mountains. Last observations on the Gilsfjörður before reaching the circular route No. 1 and a start of relative traffic. Arrival in the middle of the afternoon in Reykjavik. Rest of the day on your own.

D11 - 19/06: Flying home
Transfer to Keflavik airport 3 hour before flight departure

Itinerary and safety: The day-to-day program can be changed or even reversed. Rare but unpredictable in advance, these modifications can be imposed for safety reasons due to natural phenomena specific to these territories: volcanic eruption or alert of eruption, early or late snowfall, bad weather, Glacial rivers flooding, exceptionally unfavorable weather ... Your guide knows perfectly the terrain and will ne the only Master on board to take the necessary decisions with our base when it is necessary to interpret the whims of nature almighty on this volcanic earth and under these high latitudes.

Average level: Accessible to all average hikers. Travel on board a small comfortable bus. The duration of the walks depends on the weather conditions of the day and the level of the group. They can be lengthened or shortened. A person not wishing to do all the hikes can of course take part in this journey.

Group size: Multi-national group of 6 to 9 (+/-1) participants (Note: for group sizes of 4-5 persons a small group surcharge applies) Fjallabak’s staff or Fjallabak’s representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc.…) and other discounted travelers such as children, are excluded from the participant count (minimum and maximum)

Small group surcharge: Additional small group surcharge below 6 participants (not commissionable)

• +60.000 ISK (env.400 €) par personne pour un groupe de 5 pers
• +90.000 ISK (env.600 €) pour un groupe de 4 participants

Composition of the group: In general, participants on our trips come from several countries. We generally have French, Swiss, Scandinavians, Germans, Canadians, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, Japanese and even Icelanders. Your Icelandic guide is fluent in English and often speaks one or two other languages. Traveling with Fjallabak is also a chance to meet, exchange ideas and socialize with friendly people from other countries that otherwise you may never have known and it is therefore a unique opportunity to make friends around the world and wring the neck of certain prejudices and misconceptions.

To privatise this trip: On other dates that might suit your holiday, it may be possible to privatize this trip. Below 8 participants the price per person is increasing. Above 8 participants the price decreases. Contact us for a quotation!

Vehicle: jeep or small bus depending on the size of the group. English-speaking driver-guide. On a complete group, the guide can sometimes be assisted by an Icelandic driver.

Accommodation The registration fees below include comfortable accommodation in a hotel or B & B in a double twin room with 2 twin beds or in a single room with 1 bed.

Rustic option: For 3 or 4 nights, it is possible to opt for a sleeping bag accommodation in a more rustic and cheaper hostel (-30 € per night). If you are an inveterate camper then here too we can find an interesting solution for you. Contact us.

Food: We pride ourselves on providing the best cuisine in the highlands!

Breakfast is Scandinavian-style, with muesli, breads, jams, fish and cheese.
Packed lunch, with a variety of sandwich fillings, from smoked meats and fish to local cheeses and salads.
Dinners involve fresh, local fish and meat dishes, with pasta, rice or potatoes, fresh vegetables and salad. Vegetarians and those with food allergies can be fully catered for with a range of tasty options. It is essential that you inform our office of any special food requirements at the time of booking!
For usability, but no obligation, you can bring with you a little specialty of your home country to share with your companions as well as a flask of some thing for a short drink in the middle of nowhere.

Special diets, food allergies, vegetarians, vegans ...
We are aware of the dietary changes, due to exaggerated industrialization of our time and we are able to satisfy special requests, as far as possible
If you are vegetarian or if you have a particular diet, if you are allergic to certain foods, please let us know in the comments of the registration form and specify the details by email. We are used to meeting the demand of vegetarians, but vegans will have to bring from home some of their own supplements

Recommended Travel Gear

Try to go as light as possible and take only essentials. Excess baggage can be a burden to you and to our support personal. Keep in mind that there are limits on how much your duffel bag can weigh because the weight restrictions on international and domestic flights is usually 20 kg (70lbs).

For quantities or quality for each item listed, use your own judgement, based on the expected weather conditions and overall packing/weight restrictions for your luggage.


Luggage for overland journeys 

• Extra bags clearly marked with your name can be kept in the Reykjavik hotel or in our store local office for pick-up at the end of the trip
• Large duffel bag (60/80 liters) sturdy and water-resistant, not exceeding 15 kg
• Day pack (30 to 50 liters)

Clothing

You’ll need to bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from cold and wet weather, such as polypropylene, capilene, or pile. Wool and wool/synthetic blends are also suitable – though wool, if wet, dries slowly compared to synthetic fabrics. We discourage the use of cotton in wet conditions it dries very slowly. 

When layering, the innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or wool shirt, and pants. The outermost layer must be a breathable waterproof jacket such as a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-pants.


Clothing and travel Accessories all the year around

• Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry
• Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts
• Synthetic thermal underwear
• Full-length pants, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt
• Wool or synthetic socks
• Synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
• Gore-Tex rain/wind parka
• Gore-Tex rain/wind pants
• Wool hat
• Gloves (wool or pile)
• Down jacket from September to May (optional)

Accessories

• Swimsuit and towel for hot spring bathing and swimming pool
• Toiletry kit—soap, toothbrush, and so on.
• Personal first aid kit
• Moisturizing lotion. (The air in Iceland is very dry)
• Sunglasses
• Swiss Army-type pocket knife (Must be kept in duffle bag, not in hand luggage, when flying !)
• Half liter capacity unbreakable water bottle or thermos
• Binoculars for bird watching, seals and whales (from March to September)
• Hiking poles. Highly recommended
• Optional but recommended
• Repair kit with needle, thread, and safety pins
• Reading and writing material
• Your favorite snack food such as raisins or chocolate
• Protein supplements for vegetarian

Specific equipment for summer (May to September)

• Hiking boots, medium-weight, all leather, with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproof, well broken in, and suitable for rocky terrain or possibly snow
• Short gaiters easy to put on Highly recommended.
• Hiking shorts, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Hiking trousers, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Medium-weight synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
• Sun & rain hat
• Sunscreen and lip protection (The sun in Iceland is much more intense than you probably imagine)
• Teva-type sandals for river crossing. Absolutely recommended!
• Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses (but not only lenses, as wind-blown dust can make them very uncomfortable)
• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (from August only)
• Netting hood, head net or bug bucket hat * (optional, can be purchased in Iceland / see explanation bellow)

Specific equipment for winter (Oct. to April)

• Canadian winter boots or warm trekking shoes
• Cleats for snow and ice adaptable to your shoes
• Warm synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
• Warm fleece trousers
• Silk socks (optional)
• Silk gloves (specially recommended for photographers)
• Warm waterproofed shell gloves or mitt
• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
• Ski goggles

When lodging in Hotels and Inns (Comfort Discovery)

• Casual elegant sportswear for evenings at the hotels
• Moccasin type shoes or lightweight sports shoe or slipper

When lodging in hostels and huts (Rustic Discovery)

• Hiking shoes are not allowed inside accommodation
• Moccasin type shoes or lightweight sports shoe. But your Teva-type sandals for river crossing can also be used inside
• Comfortable sleeping bag +5°C to +15°C / 32°F to 60°F which can be opened all the way to be used also as comforter
• Cotton sheet for hut’s mattress
• Pillow if you can’t sleep without one (optional)
• Towel and flannel for toileting and shower (or high density synthetic-chamois
• Eye shades. Highly recommended from April to July!
• Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around the camp
• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (no need from May to July included)
• 1 or 2 good bottles of wine or a bottle of something stronger (can be bought at duty free at arrival in Iceland and in few places around the country)

Camera, tablets, smart-phones

• Camera bag
• Light telescopic tripod and cable release for camera (Longs exposures for Northern Lights from mid-August)
• Replacement batteries for electrical devices
• Additional memory card
• Adapter for electrical plug (European standard)

*About netting hood    There are no mosquitoes in Iceland (yet), but at the beginning of summer midges swarms invade the lowlands rivers banks and lakes as Lake Mývatn “lake of midges”. With global warming midges begin to colonize now some wet areas of higher ground covered by vegetation. The outbreak periods are short but not really accurate. It is hell for the hapless hiker who found a windless day in clouds of these very angry bugs You will not regret to have brought with you, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and above a netting hood that you put on over your head rain hat or sun hat. You probably will not have to use it, but you’ll be relieved to have it just in case … and it’s not a huge investment.