Skalanes

Skalanes occupies the headland at the outer end of Seydisfjordur, a former farm that has been run since the early 2000s as a private nature reserve and field centre, hosting students and researchers alongside a small number of guests. Around forty-odd bird species breed on the land, the sea cliffs hold fulmars and kittiwakes, and eider and arctic terns nest close to the buildings. Reindeer come down onto the headland. The track from Seydisfjordur is rough with a river crossing that stops most cars, so a good share of visitors walk the last stretch, which takes a couple of hours and is the reason the place stays quiet.

What you actually see

• A farm turned field station - run privately as a reserve since the 2000s.
• Breeding birds on the headland - eider and terns by the buildings, cliffs beyond.
• Reindeer on the ground - the eastern herds come down here.
• A ford that turns cars back - most people walk the last stretch.

When to go

June to August, when the station is open and birds are nesting. A full day.

Honest expectations

The river crossing is real and changes with rain; walking in and out is the safe assumption. Accommodation is simple and must be arranged in advance. Nesting terns attack anyone near their ground. There are no shops or services on the headland.

Nearby

Seydisfjordur is at the head of the fjord; Egilsstadir is over the pass.