Descripción
The island of Hrísey is about 7.5 kilometers long and 2.5 kilometers wide, making it the second-largest island off the coast of Iceland. Despite its modest size, it’s packed with birdlife and scenic trails.
You'll start the walk at the little harbour where you will probably see Arao Aliblanco and possibly Págalo Parásito, Fulmar Boreal, Escribano Nival and Gaviota Cana. You might see skuas, fulmars or gulls already on your (20 min) ferry boat trip from Árskógssandur to Hrísey. Keep your eyes open for whales when you're on the ferry.
Leave the harbour northbound on the only possibly path. You will soon reach some ponds where you can watch Archibebe Común, Falaropo Picofino and Pardillo Ártico. At the end of the village you have to turn right. Before you do so, follow the main path a few meters and turn left to reach a birdwatching hide. Porrón Moñudo, Silbón Europeo, Zarapito Trinador, Chorlito Dorado Europeo, Falaropo Picofino and Pardillo Ártico are around there.
Go back to the turning and follow the path uphill up to a fork where you keep left. You surely will see many of the birds mentioned above. You will reach the eastern cliffs of Hrísey where you should keep your eyes open for whales. Charrán ártico, Arao Aliblanco or even Frailecillo Atlántico might be seen. After the mid of July Pato Arlequín possibly will attract your attention. The whole path back to the harbour will take at least 3 hours to have enough time for watching or making photos. Best time of the year for a visit is between June and August.
Detalles
Accesso
Hrísey is located in the north of Iceland, in the middle of Eyjafjörður, one of the country’s longest fjords. To get to the island, you drive about 35 kilometers north from Akureyri to the small village of Árskógssandur. From there you have to take the ferry (see the link to the ferry schedule below). The ferry trip lasts about 20 minutes.
