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[edit] Overview

Containing some of Iceland's most dramatic scenery, including hot springs, the highest mountain and largest glacier, Skaftafell is also has a rich and varied flora and a good range of breeding birds.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

For birders Skaftafell is famous for breeding skuas, both Arctic Skua and Great Skua breed on the Skeidararsandur, an extensive sand-plain formed by glacial outwash, that also has breeding Great Black-backed Gull.

The birch woodlands are home to Redwing and the Icelandic race of Wren and Brambling has bred.

The more open and marshy areas have Golden Plover, Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Meadow Pipit and Northern Wheatear.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Red-throated Diver, Rock Ptarmigan, Eurasian Golden Plover, Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Great Black-backed Gull, Razorbill, Meadow Pipit, Winter Wren, Northern Wheatear, Redwing, Brambling

[edit] Other Wildlife

Like the rest of Iceland mammals are few but Arctic Fox and introduced American Mink are sometimes seen.

Plantlife includes Pyramidal and Yellow Mountain Saxifrage, Harebell, Twayblade and Maidenhair Spleenwort.

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

To do

[edit] Areas of Interest

To do

[edit] Access and Facilities

Skaftafell is 15km north-west of Hofn and access is unrestricted. The park has a campsite with shop and marked hiking trails.

[edit] Contact Details

To do

[edit] External Links

Skaftafel National Park (English)

Content and images originally posted by Steve