Skálanes Nature Reserve

About Skálanes Nature Reserve

Skálanes is located at the mouth of Seyðisfjörður on Iceland's east coast, accessible via a rough 15-kilometre track from the town of Seyðisfjörður. The reserve and organic farm cover a dramatic headland where sheer sea cliffs meet a sheltered cove, creating diverse habitats for seabirds, migratory species, and coastal plants. Accommodation in traditional farm buildings is available for guests wishing to spend time at the reserve. Guided birdwatching is a highlight, with species including puffins, Arctic terns, great skuas, and red-necked phalaropes present during summer months. The journey to Skálanes is part of the experience — a rough track offering increasingly dramatic views over the fjord and surrounding mountains. The location is remote enough that guests can experience true Icelandic wilderness silence while remaining within reach of Seyðisfjörður village.

📖 Story

Skálanes sits at the very end of a long mountain track above Seyðisfjörður, where the fjord meets open ocean cliffs. For many centuries it was a working farm where families lived in near-total isolation. Today it operates as a nature reserve and research station, protecting seabird colonies and rare plant species while offering travellers one of the most genuine wilderness experiences in East Iceland.

Key Facts