Iceland Wildlife & Nature

Iceland is a fantastic destination for ornithologists and avid naturalists alike.  

The Birding Trail of Northeast Iceland 
In particular, Northeast Iceland is a paradise for keen bird watchers, and there are many places where you can relax, enjoy the scenery and spot some truly beautiful birds. Northeast Iceland is arguably the richest birding area in Iceland, both in terms of the number of species and the abundance of birds. Nearly the entire European population of Barrow’s Goldeneye breeds in this area. Nowhere in the world is the density of the mighty Gyr Falcon higher than in Northeast Iceland. It can be found throughout the region, but Kelduhverfi, Melrakkaslétta and the Mývatn area are probably the best sites to see the species. The Northeast has the bulk of the Icelandic population of many species, such as Gadwall, Harlequin Duck, Common Scoter, Slavonian Grebe and Rock Ptarmigan. 

Dependent on your level of interest in birding, the Northeast Iceland Birding Trail can take between three and seven days to cover. The best time for birdwatching in the area, according to experts, is from mid-May to mid-June. Most of the breeding birds can still be found in the area in July, although many are more secretive by then. The area’s specialities, such as Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Gyr Falcon and Rock Ptarmigan, are found in the area all year round and can be even easier to observe in winter than summer. Up to 80 species of birds can be seen along the trail, depending on the season and the time spent searching for birds. 

A map and Guide which are available for download below include up to 31 numbered sites (numbers are referred to in the Guide), which are considered to be the most interesting places to stop. However, it is worth remembering that interesting birds can turn up almost anywhere on this route and some common species are very easy to find in many areas. 

		Northeast Iceland Birding Trail Map Lake Myvatn is Iceland’s premier birding area, where fourteen species of duck and other wildfowl can be easily observed on and around the lake, including rarities like Barrow’s goldeneye. Download the MAP HERE »
		Species List for Northeast Iceland Corresponding to the map above, the following lists out birdnames and the likelihood of spotting individual species. Download the SPECIES LIST HERE »
		Birding Trail Location Guide Read the following guide for detailed information about birds and their locations in Iceland. Download the TRAIL GUIDE HERE »

RECOMMENDED HOLIDAYS
The following itineraries in Iceland are recommended for keen bird watchers.

Birding in Iceland Self-Drive (7 nights) click here»
Wild Iceland Self-Drive (14 nights) including Snaefellsnes, West Fjords and Northeast Iceland click here»

Excursions focusing on bird watching are also available in the Northeast - please contact our specialist team to discuss your options.