Birds of Northeast Iceland

D1- Reykjavík – Akureyri - Húsavík
1h domestic flight to Akureyri - Road to Húsavík 130 km - Húsavík Hotel

Morning domestic flight to Akureyri in the North of Iceland - Welcome by your guide - Departure due North towards Grenivík then we go due North up the wooded valley where the beautiful and clear Fnjoská flows down. On its banks and its islets nest many Graylag Geese. Again, due north we go up due north the pretty countryside of the great valley of Aðaldalur or zigzag the powerful glacial river of Skjálfandafljót through the meadows which intertwine with old lava flows, streams, ponds and arctic birch woods. This valley is outside the active ridge, but large lava flows have spread there to the ocean creating on the wetlands crossed beautiful pseudo-craters where birds, sheep, cows and horses like to settle in silhouettes.

(Two optional paying options in Húsavík: whale watching North Sailing and bath at GeoSea)

D2 – Húsavík - Melrakkaslétta – Raufarhöfn
150 km - Hostel in Raufarhöfn

Around the Tjörnes peninsula to the Ásbyrgi canyon - Then around the desolate Melrakkaslétta Peninsula (The plateau of the grass dog = The Arctic fox) a paradise for waders (Golden Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Snipe, Common Redshank, Great Ringed Plover. And pretty passerines, some not very shy like the White Wagtail, the Snow Bunting or more nervous like the Northern Wheatear. On a promontory by the sea is a beautiful colony of Northern Gannets.

D3 – Raufarhöfn – Langanes
100 km – Night in a farmhouse

Visit and walks on the deserted point of Langanes which is home to a beautiful colony of Northern Gannets that we admire from a few meters below the cliff where we progress. Under the nervous attacks of the elegant Arctic Terns, many observations are offered including the Red-necked Phalarope, surface ducks and divers, and among the birds of prey if luck smiles on us: the Gyrfalcon, the Short-eared Owl and the Merlin.

D4 – Vopnafjörður – Héradsfloi - Bakkagerði
240 km - Hotel in Bakkagerði

Vertiginous track and immense landscape at the pass of Hellisheiði (Purple Sandpiper, Long-tailed Duck) from where one dominates the vast black sand bay of Héradsfloi. On the other side of the bay stands the colorful rhyolitic massif of Dyrfjöll. We reach the pretty isolated village of Bakkagerði in eastern Borgarfjörður.

D5 – Borgarfjörður-Eystri
30-40 km of track - Hotel in Bakkagerði

Magnificent rhyolitic mountains with shimmering pastel colors. Observation in the bay of Borgarfjörður in the surrounding moors a paradise for waders, ptarmigans and passerines. The dexterity and aerial prowess of the Parasitic Skuas can be observed while hunting. Powerfully built for flight, this elegant bird, like the Arctic Tern, only likes summer since its migration takes it to the coasts of Patagonia and the southern seas.. On the grassy basalt humps surrounding the tiny fishing port is installed a colony of Atlantic puffins not very shy, even hams. Binoculars are too much here, and we photograph them from less than a meter away

D6 – Borgarfjörður – Egilsstaðir – Hallorrmsstaðir
80 km – Lodge in Hallorrmsstaðir forest

Short hike along a river at the foot of the rhyolitic massifs to reach the sands of Héradsfloi. Beautiful countryside while driving towards the small town of Egilsstaðir. Bordering the long and narrow lake of Lagarfljót, the beautiful forest of Hallorrmsstaðir is home to many passerines such as the Redwing or the Common Redpoll.

D7- Mount Snæfell – Möðrudalsöræfi Plateau
70 km of road – 80 km of track – Möðrudalur Inn

The road climbs towards the desert highlands to Möðrudalur, a farm located at 500 m altitude, once the most isolated in Iceland. The vast tundras of the great Möðrudalsöræfi plateau represent one of the main sanctuaries of the Pink-footed Goose with Greenland and Spitsbergen. It is a more graceful and also wilder goose than its cousin the lowland greylag goose. It is a very sociable species that nests in colonies. The goslings from several nests are grouped together under the supervision of a few adults. Everywhere, if you know how to look, you can spot the heads of the guardians standing at the end of their long necks which emerge from the mounds and sedges of the tundra.

D8 – Möðrudalur – Mývatn
110 km – Farmhouse Inn in Mývatn

Departure for Lake Mývatn. This large lake is a sanctuary for waterfowl since American, European and Arctic species coexist there. You can easily observe the magnificent Barrow's Goldeneye, two American species that are completely unaware that Iceland is apparently in Europe. Many surface ducks whose males are still in their nuptial attire: Green-winged Teal and Wigeon, Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveler and of course the unmissable Green Mallard which is not the majority here. Among the diving ducks: the Long-tailed Duck, the Black Scoter, the Tufted Duck, the Scaup… On small magical ponds we discover pairs of Slavonian Grebes and their floating nests.

D9 – Lake Mývatn - Akureyri
20 km around the lake - 100 km - Hotel in Akureyri

Morning of observation along the Laxá, the torrential river spillway of Lake Mývatn in search of torrent ducks: the Barrow's Goldeneye and the Harlequin Goldeneye. Morning of observation along the Laxá, the torrential river spillway of Lake Mývatn in search of torrent ducks: the Barrow's Goldeneye and the Harlequin duck. Route in the afternoon to Akureyri the small and charming “capital” of the North of Iceland via the very beautiful Goðafoss waterfall where the tourist crowd surprises us after our trip to the North-East.

D10- Akureyri – Reykjavik
Domestic flight 1h

Domestic flight to Reykjavik early in the morning (or around noon if we arrive from Mývatn that morning). Taxi transfer to your hotel (*) Rest of the day and evening free or departure from Iceland by night flight

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 12 (+/-1) participants (Note: for group sizes of 6-7 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) +to come ISK (ca.+ €) for 5 participants // +to come ISK (ca.+€) for 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 during the trip: Sleeping bag accommodation in country hostels in double-twin and in mountain huts (usually one comfortable, mixed bunkhouse). Dining room and well equipped kitchen, running water, toilet outside, showers. Possibility to recharge your electrical appliances (220V electrical outlets European standards)

Comfort option with extra charge: in made up bed, in double-twin or double room or single room with or without private facilities. More info will come soon

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 industrialisation 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.