Washitsu.Casa Guide:

Wildlife

Immersive Nature: From Your Window to the Outer Sea Cliffs

You do not need to book an expensive safari to experience the raw, untamed wildlife of Iceland. When you stay at Washitsu.Casa, you are quite literally sleeping in the middle of it. Take a breath, slow down, and let the environment come to you.

The Casa: The Ultimate Bird-Watching Hut

During the breeding season, our home functions as a luxurious, high-definition wildlife observatory. Look out the expansive windows or step onto our garden—you will immediately see birds flying overhead, nesting close to our street, the young often resting on the street itself, and inhabiting our parking area and the surrounding fields and small lakes in front of the house.

You will be surrounded by an incredible, noisy, and vibrant variety of birdlife. You will see waders like the Common Snipe and Golden Plovers darting through the meadows, while hundreds of ducks—including Eider and Harlequin ducks—can be seen swimming or nesting securely on the tiny islands in our pond. In the spring and autumn, look out for vast, noisy flocks of wild Geese using our fields as a vital stopover on their long migration to Greenland or America. Perhaps most magical of all are the Loons; hearing their haunting, echoing calls in the very early hours of the morning will make you feel as though you are waking up in a tent in one of the most tranquil, isolated wildernesses on earth.

The Phenomenal Arctic Tern

You will also have a front-row seat to the life of the Arctic Tern, a fiercely determined bird that makes an awe-inspiring 60,000 to 80,000 km (40,000 to 50,000 miles) round trip every single year. Watching them arrive in May, actively feed their tiny newborn chicks right in front of the Casa, and feeling the emotional, highly charged anticipation in the air as they gather as a massive flock to take their fragile fledglings on an incredible trans-global migration in mid-August is an experience words cannot fully capture.

Because they are so incredibly protective of their vulnerable chicks, you will likely experience their famous dive-bombing behavior if you walk outside during nesting season. Do not let this keep you indoors! The solution is remarkably simple: just wear a hat, or hold a stick or even your bare hand straight up in the air above your head. The terns will automatically aim for the highest point, keeping you completely safe while you walk among them.

Why do they and so many other birds choose to nest right in the village? Originally, the farmer who built the first houses in Rif actively encouraged the birds to nest there because they brought rich, natural fertilizer to his fields! Today, the birds wisely continue to use the human settlement as a protective shield to keep the Arctic fox, the mink, and birds of prey at bay. (Though occasionally, a hungry predator cannot help but to strike, and you will witness raw nature’s drama unfold right before your eyes).

Use the provided binoculars and scope to take an up-close look at all this action comfortably right from the Washitsu living room.

Whale Watching from the Living Room & Local Tours

You do not even have to step outside to search for whales—simply set up our provided scope and binoculars right in the Washitsu living room! Here is a local hint: when the sea is exceptionally calm and you can see ships actively fishing directly outside our windows, that is the absolute ideal time to spot whales.

Please note that their locations shift with the seasons. In deep winter, the whales tend to move deeper inside the bay; in high summer, you are more likely to spot them out near the Svörtuloft lighthouses at the tip of the peninsula. However, geographically in between those areas, and seasonally in between winter and summer, they can literally be spotted right from our living room!

If you want an up-close ocean experience, we highly recommend taking a professional whale-watching tour out of neighboring Ólafsvík via Láki Tours. (A quick tip: booking early is not a must, but highly recommended, as they can sell out very fast!).

The Tank House Walk: Seals & Seaside Meditation

To feel the saltwater breeze and observe marine life up close, simply walk down our street. Where the road bends, just keep going straight, walk past the unique house made from an old tank, and continue right down to the ocean rocks. This is a brilliant place to sit and watch seabirds endlessly drifting in the air along the shoreline. If you walk even further along this shoreline past the tank house, you will discover a destination by the coastal cliffs so peaceful that one of our long-term guests made walking there a daily, meditation-like routine. With a bit of patience, a seal's head will often pop out of the surf in these rich fishing waters where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet.

Fulmars and the Dramatic Sea Cliffs

If you venture in the opposite direction—walking or driving past the Rif harbor and the long black beach on the way toward neighboring Ólafsvík—look closely at the coastal mountains above you to spot elegant Fulmars soaring gracefully around their cliffside nests. Another great place to observe the Fulmars is if you drive about one and a half kilometers past Ólafsvík; on the right-hand side, you will find Bugsfoss, a waterfall you can most probably have all to yourself!

For the most awe-inspiring display of raw coastal power, take the drive out to the western tip of the peninsula to the golden Svörtuloft lighthouse. The sea here is magical, furious, and endlessly fascinating. Be sure to park and examine the great cliffs a little bit before you reach the actual lighthouse. The monumental ocean waves smash against these volcanic rocks with such incredible violence that the sea spray often erupts high above the edge of the cliffs! (A critical safety warning: admire this immense power from a safe distance, and be extremely careful not to get blown over the edge and go flying yourself!)

The Elusive Arctic Fox & Excursions

While you are out on the tip of the peninsula exploring the lighthouses, be sure to head over to Öndverðarnes lighthouse as well. Keep a sharp eye on the surrounding rocky terrain and lava fields; this specific area is a favorite haunt of the wild Arctic fox, and they can frequently be spotted trotting through the landscape here.

Take the time to truly absorb this. There is no rush. Put the camera away for a few minutes, listen to the howling wind and crashing waves, and just let the incredible nature of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula wash over you.

When you head out on these coastal excursions, feel free to take one of our small binoculars with you. But please, absolutely remember to return it when you come back!

The Washitsu Birder's Field Guide

Because Washitsu.Casa sits across intersecting habitats—coastal meadows, fresh water ponds, and the convergence of two mighty oceans—we host a stunning density of avian life.

Whether you are a lifelong ornithologist or simply someone who appreciates a peaceful morning watching nature, this field guide will help you identify exactly who is visiting the sanctuary. (Keep your binoculars ready!)

1. The Front Meadows & Casa Parking Area

Step right outside the door or gaze through the living room windows to spot these summer residents nesting and foraging in the tall grass.

● The Arctic Tern (Kría / Küstenseeschwalbe): Active May to mid-August. You will find them all around the parking area and village while breeding.

● Common Snipe (Hrossagaukur): Active April to August. Often spotted in the meadow right near the parking area.

● Black-tailed Godwit (Jadrakan): Active April to August. Frequently seen probing the soil in the front meadow.

● Common Redshank (Stelkur / Rotschenkel): Active April to September directly in front of the house.

● European Golden Plover (Heiðlóa / Goldregenpfeifer): Seen on the farm meadow in front of the Casa. Primarily observed migrating in April/May and again in Autumn (though a few occasionally stay through the winter!).

2. The Fresh Water Ponds & Lakes

The little ponds directly in front of the house and the larger nearby lakes provide a serene resting ground for diving birds and migratory waterfowl.

● Eider Duck (Æðarfugl / Eiderente): Look closely at the small islands in the pond! Starting in May, approximately 350 females actively breed and nest all around the pond margins. (They are also spotted year-round on the nearby sea).

● Red-Throated Loon (Lómur / Sterntaucher): Active April to September. These are the birds with the magical morning calls! Often seen swimming in the pond, the nearby lake, or flying over the sea.

● Tufted Duck (Skúfönd / Reiherente): Active April to September, primarily residing in our front pond.

● Greater Scaup (Duggönd / Bergente): A slightly rarer sight! Spot them occasionally on the pond or the lake from April to September.

● Red-necked Phalarope (Óðinshani / Odinshühnchen): Located on the nearby lake. During the spectacular August/September migration, up to 300 of these beautiful birds might drop by at once!

● Whooper Swan (Álft / Singschwan): Migratory. Look for their striking white silhouettes on the lake and pond in the spring and autumn.

3. The Garden & Local Trees (Passerines & Songbirds)

Listen closely near the Casa's small bonsai forest and gardens for these lovely visitors.

● Red-Wing Thrush (Skógarþröstur / Rotdrossel): Active April to September. Look near the house, specifically around the garden and tiny bonsai trees.

● White Wagtail (Maríuerla / Bachstelze): Active May to September. Recognizable by their constantly bobbing tails; seen around the house and parking meadow.

● Common Redpoll (Auðnutittlingur / Birkenzeisig): In spring and summer, these delicate finches are occasionally seen directly around the house.

● Snow Bunting (Snjótittlingur / Schneeammer): A delightful winter visitor! In the cold months, you will see them flying by the house (many also flock toward Ólafsvík where locals actively feed them).

4. The Grand Migration: Wild Geese

Our surrounding fields are a vital refueling station. You will hear and see immense flocks resting in the meadows and by the lakes in the Spring (April onward) and Autumn (from late August).

● Greylag Goose (Grágæs / Graugans): A classic migrant, covering the meadows and lakefronts.

● Brent Goose (Margæs / Ringelgans): Spotted resting in the front fields alongside the other flocks.

● Barnacle Goose (Helsingur): Characterized by their beautiful, black-and-white patterns on the meadows.

● Pink-footed Goose (Heiðagæs / Kurzschnabelgans): Very common resting bird during the migration cycles.

● Greater White-fronted Goose (Blesgæs / Blässgans): Frequently joins the migrating flocks on the farm meadows.

● Canada Goose (Kanadagæs / Kanadagans): Keep a sharp eye out—this is a rare migrant seen by the lake only once every few years!

5. Birds of Prey & The Sky Pirates

Nature is raw here. You will sometimes spot apex predators swooping through the skies above the Casa hunting for small passerines, or aggressively clashing with the fiercely protective Arctic Terns!

● Gyrfalcon (Fálki / Gerfalke): Year-round residents. You can witness these breathtaking falcons hunting in the meadow near the parking area.

● Merlin (Smyrill / Merlin): Year-round residents. Often seen executing incredibly fast hunting dives right through the nearby meadows.

● White-Tailed Eagle (Haförn / Seeadler): Active in the summer. Look toward the majestic Búrfell and Enni mountains for the broad silhouettes of these massive sea eagles.

● Short-Eared Owl (Brandugla / Sumpfohreule): A year-round resident, though rarely seen. If you're lucky, you may spot them hunting in the parking meadow.

● Great Skua & Arctic Skua (Skúmur & Kjói): The ultimate "pirates" of the sky. Active May to mid-August, they can be seen aggressively flying straight through the middle of the Tern colonies.

6. The Sea Cliffs & Ocean Specialists (Auks & Divers)

For these seabirds, take a stroll past the unique tank house at the end of our road to the ocean rocks, walk around the Rif harbor, or venture out to the magnificent cliffs at Öndverðarnes.

● Atlantic Puffin (Lundi / Papageientaucher): The iconic symbol of Iceland! Can be seen flying over the sea near the tank building or harbor year-round, but they are absolutely best observed in the summer (August) breeding right on the dramatic cliffs at Öndverðarnes lighthouse.

● Northern Gannet (Súla): Active April to September. Watch for their spectacular, arrow-like diving sequences right into the ocean.

● Fulmar (Fýll / Eissturmvogel): Year-round. Beautiful flyers easily spotted soaring gracefully alongside the sea cliffs between Rif and Ólafsvík.

● Great Cormorant & European Shag (Dílaskarfur & Toppskarfur): Seen year-round flying or perched drying their wings on the ocean rocks—take the quick walk out past the tank house to view them perfectly!

● Black Guillemot (Teista / Gryllteiste): Active year-round inside the Rif harbor, along the nearby Hellissandur beaches, and at Öndverðarnes.

● Common, Brünnich's & Razorbill (Langvía, Stuttnefja, Álka): If you want to see dense seabird cliff-dwellings, visit Öndverðarnes between May and July. The rest of the year, they bob beautifully on the open sea.

7. The Gull Gathering

Iceland hosts an incredible variety of Gulls, both around our immediate coastal lakes and out by the breaking ocean waves. How many can you identify?

● Iceland Gull & Glaucous Gull (Bjartmáfur & Hvítmáfur): Year-round. Often found floating gracefully between the nearby ocean waves and the local coastal lakes.

● Great & Lesser Black-Backed Gulls (Svartbakur / Mantelmöwe & Sílamáfur / Heringsmöwe): Two powerful, striking year-round species easily identifiable by their dark slate and black coloring.

● Black-Headed Gull (Hettumávur / Lachmöwe): Easily identified by their chocolate-colored "hood" markings; frequenting the pond behind the Casa from April to September.

● Black-Legged Kittiwake (Rita / Dreizehenmöwe): March to September. Graceful small gulls spotted sweeping right along the coastal edge.