The Short-stayer

What: Birding / photographing on Reykjanes and/or Þingvellir
Duration: Reykjanes 2,5h–12 hrs; Þingvellir 6h–12 hrs (when time allows)
For whom: 1–4 people on a layover or with a strict timeframe

Only in Iceland for some hours or half a day? Perhaps you have a lengthy layover or need to kill some time? Did you pack your binoculars in your hand baggage and need something to look at?

For the short stayers, I offer a trip that involves pickup at KEF International Airport (or Reykjavík Domestic Airport) with my 4×4 SUV, minimum 2,5 hrs of birding / bird photography on the Reykjanes peninsula, and a safe return to the airport in time for your next flight. We might even have time for an Icelandic pylsa or snúður on our way.

Reykjanes offers a variety of birds year round (by Icelandic standards). Late autumn, winter, and early spring host Harlequin Ducks on the windy seafronts, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls fill the harbours, and there might even be vagrants in sheltered bays or gardens. White-winged Scoters (Melanitta deglandi) and Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) are to be expected this time of year. During late spring, summer, and early autumn, breeding birds occupy the peninsula, such as the Spotted Redshank. Late July and early August also mark the start of the wader migration, which might produce occasional vagrants, as well as views of ongoing frenzies of Manx and Sooty Shearwaters at sea.

If you have half or a whole day at your disposal, we might be able to get to Þingvellir. This area hosts much of the wintering population of Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica), and dozens of birds spend December through March on the rift-valley lakes south of the national park. Occasional Common Goldeneyes find their way to the lakes as well, allowing opportunities for side-by-side comparisons. Þingvellir is about a 1,5 hour drive from KEF International Airport, so please take that into consideration.

For customers wanting the Short-stayer package, I kindly ask that you do the necessary research to confirm or unconfirm your eligibility for exiting and re-entering the airport. This includes double-checking the time at your disposal, whether you have a complex re-check-in or luggage that will need to join our trip. Bring and have access to enough clothes to keep you warm: Iceland is cold and windy year round, and sudden rain is common.