Kaldakvísl rivermouth (Tjörnes)

66.10625 , -17.28419

Iceland

Kaldakvísl rivermouth on Tjörnes peninsula might be the most reliable place in Iceland (and hence Europe) to see Harlequin Ducks all year round. Often times they can be approached for excellent photos, but then of course patience is rewarding. Kaldakvísl is the name of a small river. Harlequin like to rest by this river below the bridge or else on the sea outside. This place is easy to access. There is a track going from the main road towards the sea just south of a concrete bridge over the gorge. Take that exit and park your car close to the main road. Do not attempt do drive the road down to the rivermouth, it is forbidden by the owners and not safe. Instead, walk down this road leading to a small powerplant. The walk is actually quite steep. Walk quietly and slowly so as not to scare away the ducks that are likely to sit on the rocks by the river.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
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Site name was changed by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) into "Kaldakvísl Rivermouth (Tjörnes)" (2023-05-16 15:20:14 )

Coordinates were set by Gaukur Hjartarson : 66.1063/-17.2842 (2023-05-14 21:42:58 )

Site name was set by Gaukur Hjartarson as "Tjörnes - Kaldakvísl Rivermouth" (2023-05-14 21:42:58 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-13 13:34:58
Kaldakvísl rivermouth on Tjörnes peninsula might be the most reliable place in Iceland (and hence Europe) to see Harlequin Ducks all year round. Often times they can be approached for excellent photos, but then of course patience is rewarding. Kaldakvísl is the name of a small river. Harlequin like to rest by this river below the bridge or else on the sea outside. This place is easy to access. There is a track going from the main road towards the sea just south of a concrete bridge over the gorge. Take that exit and park your car close to the main road. Do not attempt do drive the road down to the rivermouth, it is forbidden by the owners and not safe. Instead, walk down this road leading to a small powerplant. The walk is actually quite steep. Walk quietly and slowly so as not to scare away the ducks that are likely to sit on the rocks by the river.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-13 13:34:42
Kaldakvísl rivermouth on Tjörnes peninsula might be the most reliable place in Iceland (and hence Europe) to see Harlequin Ducks all year round. Often times they can be approached for excellent photos, but then of course patience is rewarding. Kaldakvísl is the name of a small river. Harlequin like to rest by this river below the bridge or else on the sea outside. This place is easy to access. There is a track going from the main roads towards road towards the sea just south of a concrete bridge over the gorge. Take that exit and park your car close to the main road. Do not attempt do drive the road down to the rivermouth, it is forbidden by owners and not save. Instead safe. Instead, walk down this road leading to a small powerplant. The walk is actually quite steep. Walk quietly and slowly so as not to scare away the ducks that are likely to sit on the rocks by the river.
Edited by Gaukur Hjartarson on 2023-05-14 21:52:56
Kaldakvísl rivermouth on Tjörnes peninsula might be the most reliable place in Iceland (and hence Europe) to see Harlequin Ducks all year round. Often times they can be approached for excellent photos, but then of course patience is rewarding. Kaldakvísl is the name of a small river. Harlequin like to rest by this river below the bridge or else on the sea outside. This place is easy to access. There is a track going from the main roads towards the sea just south of a concrete bridge over the gorge. Take that exit and park your car close to the main road. Do not attempt do drive the road down to the rivermouth, it is forbidden by owners and not save. Instead walk down this road leading to a small powerplant. The walk is actually quite steep. Walk quietly and slowly not to scare away the ducks that are likely to sit on the rocks by the river.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

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  • Timing and strategy

This place is interesting all year round.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
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Edited by Gaukur Hjartarson on 2023-05-14 21:55
This place is interesting all year round.
  • How to get there

From the main road through Tjörnes (nr. 85) take an exit towards sea, just south of a gorge of the river Kaldakvísl (now a single lane concrete bridge crosses this gorge). Park your car close to the main road and walk down the road to the rivermouth. You are neither allowed, nor is it safe, to drive down the road that leads to a small powerplant at the rivermouth.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-13 13:33
From the main road through Tjörnes (nr. 85) take an exit towards sea, just south of a gorge of the river Kaldakvísl (now a single lane concrete bridge crosses this gorge). Park your car close to the main road and walk down the road downhill to the rivermouth. You are neither allowed, nor is it save, safe, to drive down the road that leads to a small powerplant at the rivermouth.
Edited by Gaukur Hjartarson on 2023-05-14 21:59
From the main road through Tjörnes (nr. 85) take an exit towards sea, just south of a gorge of the river Kaldakvísl (now a single lane concrete bridge crosses this gorge). Park your car close to the main road and walk the road downhill to the rivermouth. You are neither allowed, nor is it save, to drive the road that leads to a small powerplant at the rivermouth.

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  • Other attractions

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• wildlife (apart from birds)
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or near this site, including:
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instance, these may include:
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Kaldakvísl rivermouth (Tjörnes) - Orniverse