100% refund if your ship does not dock So visiting it does not require any effort. I loved seeing all these puffins! Duration 2 hrs . Borgarfjordur puffin nesting site can get pretty windy, and the conditions can be quite harsh when it rains. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. The chances are that you will drive this road twice in case you still want to return to the Ring Road and don't want to settle down in Seydisfjordur. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. The clouds were misbehaving here, lying lower than usual. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. It is very possible to climb the island unless you're afraid of heights. Seydisfjordur, in the Eastern Fjords, is one of the most picturesque villages in Iceland, as well as one of the country's main cruise ports. The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. LungA Art Festival which in 2018 will be from 12th to 22nd of July - transforms the village into a stage for a wide selection of artistic expression. We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. Top Things to Do in Seydisfjordur, Iceland Places to Visit in Seydisfjordur Ways to tour Seydisfjordur Book these experiences for a close-up look at Seydisfjordur. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders. History of Seydisfjordur Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. Once ashore, there was a little confusion over the meeting spot. During the days of the Festival there's free entry to The Technical Museum of East Iceland, established in 1984. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Southeast Iceland, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Golden Circle Iceland, Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building, A Complete Guide to Iceland's South Coast, 21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Iceland, A Guide to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland. On a clear day, we might have seen tall, snowy mountains, a still blue fjord, and a community of coloured wooden houses planted alongside a wooden church. Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. Description This hike used to be a loop, but the western portion is closed and it can now only be completed as an out and back. There are icelandic sweaters, and many sorts of decoration objects such as: candles, mirrors, statues and paintings. As the name suggests, it is located in an old hospital building. There are several places in Iceland to see puffins, we saw three of them, includingDyrholaey PeninsulaandLatrabjarg, but Borgarfjordur, specifically Hafnarholmi Marina, was undoubtedly the best. Don't count on taxis, This is a town with a population of around 700. We were back on the ship at 4:30pm. Alfaborg hill, believed to be the home of the Elf Queen, was nearby. One of the main attractions in town is the Blue Church and Rainbow street. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. Eventually, we decided to give it a go, and it turned out to be a great decision. Artists whose applications are accepted can live for a small fee in studios where they can use all available equipment and tools. * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland Another great alternative is Viator. Both nature and the Arts go hand in hand in Seydisfjordur, inspiring and encouraging each other, It's impossible to miss the creative vibes in the air. The route to Seydisfjordur is the best example and answer to your burning question about why Iceland is best explored by rental car or campervan. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. When the conditions are icy and snowy, it is essential to have 4WD and snow chains in the car trunk. So it is good to know there is a wooden observation shack for photographers (you can sit here quietly and open windows for better photos) where you can hide for a while. Skaftfell was founded in 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts, and it's dedicated to the memory of the Swiss artist Dieter Roth who lived and worked in Seydisfjordur during the last decade of his life. There were puffins nearby, and we were waiting for a break in the weather to reach them. About 10 after 1 PM we headed back to Seydisfjordur. 10,5 Hours, $ For colder days, ask for a table in the back room, with view on the bay. Starting from: Seydisfjordur, Eskifjordur Guiding language: English Season: All year Duration: 4-5 hours Max: 6 pax A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, the land of puffins and elves, where you will visit the home of the Elf Queen, the puffin hill and take an optional hike in a rhyolite gorge! Luxury | Vid Lonid Guesthouse - Set in a wooden house and decorated in Scandinavian minimalist design, this guesthouse truly deserves to be one of the best hotels in Seydisfjordur. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. 13 Day Cruises from 18,478.89 per adult Idfjoll Raid Adventure Tours from 1,66,310.00 per adult A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. From here we went to hike at Hengifoss,. As the name suggest, this two hour walk will take you along the river Fjardarsel, crossing small rivers and forests in the search of waterfalls. A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. His wingspan is around 47-65 cm. They might not have a bank or a hospital but theyll have a swimming pool! 7,5 Hours. Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. We did not spend a night there, did not do any longer hike in the area, yet, the drive and the town itself were super-photogenic and worth the trip. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. We saw puffins in Iceland!!! Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. I drove with headlights and hazard lights. Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. Sometimes forgetting that many countries do in fact also have their own south coasts. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. We also made tea at the parking lot to fill up a water bottle to enjoy a hot beverage while staying warm and enjoying the wonderful summer evening in Iceland. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. 88 Strandartindur. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. Your email address will not be published. The big part of the road is unpaved but without holes, and there is ongoing construction to improve road conditions. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Nestled between Mt. It is also a good opportunity to see the route from a different perspective, especially if the weather is not cooperating on the way there. At the southern end of the fjord, 17km from Seyisfjrur, flourishes the natural reserve of Sklanes. Young students from different countries arrive in town to live together for 12 weeks, developing art projects and learning new skills. Many puffin visits require you to get over your seasickness and buckle up for an hour or so on a boat, but quite a few good ones can be reached by car. The area's flowering plants may be the most beautiful and diverse in Iceland.Other selling points include puffin watching, legends about hidden elves, and . The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. Views of the mystical Lake Lagarfljot. Enough to fill your camera's space and wonder where on Earth there could be more. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. This is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland. It, too, was mostly hidden by fog. Of all the places I've visited in Iceland, this small village with its 700 inhabitants will always have a special place in my heart. After climbing all seven peaks, go back to present the map with holes at the information centre and you'll get your precious rewardon top of all the inspiration, wilderness and fairy sceneries you'll have experienced and enjoyed throughout this incredible journey. If you answered that these were all highlights of the east of Iceland then you would be right! Welcome to our Village. A flight of wooden stairs led us uphill, and already here, we could see the first puffins sitting in the grass in front of their burrows. So, later on, we had to buy an extra memory card for a camera inAkureyri. You'll get astonished by the amount of forgotten objects you'll see. Even though Borgarfjordur Eystri inEast Fjordsis quite a remote spot and a detour off the well-traveled Ring Road, it is one of thebest places to see puffins in Iceland. Print/PDF map. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). It is a low intensity hike, where you also get the opportunity to see Iceland's oldest operational power plant called Fjardarselsvirkjun. At the peak of the summer season there is a very special event in Seydisfjordur. If your schedule allows it, check out the hiking trails in the village's surroundings. Once you're there, you are likely to need to get on a boat to get close to the birds, but if observing from far is your thing, the numbers of puffin will work in your favour. If you're well exercised why do not try the Seven Peaks mission? Budget | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building - This place is one of the nicest hostels we've ever seen. The goal is to climb, in 24 hours, all the seven mountains surrounding the town and fjord. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Small group tour with a local guide. The weather made Seyisfjrur an eerie place, almost as if something from a horror movie. Though, most of thewaterfalls in Icelandare, to be honest. Eat, drink, buy stuff and be merry. The town of Egilsstadir was on the way, and we spent about 15 minutes driving thru with our driver providing some commentary. Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Play Hide And Seek. If you want more information on visiting Borgarfjordur and seeing puffins, you've come to the right place. A black and white movie will teach you how life was in the village when fish processing was main activity for local economy. Just east of Seydisfjordur is the remote farm of Skalanes. The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord. Thanks to its coloring - white head, black back and wings, white belly - and especially wonderfully colored flat-sided beak, this bird is very attractive for all enthusiastic birdwatchers, photographers, and also regular travelers who enjoy nature in its very best. Moreover, the midnight sun on the way back made for spectacular views of the whole fjord. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. The way there was route 94, a long, gravelly, spine-shaking off road highway. With 1.600m of ski lifts and a ski run good for children as well as adults, you're going to have too much fun to mind the cold! This place is BEAUTIFUL. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. You can visit Tvisongur, a place that unites nature and culture. Icelands third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to a lake monster, the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm). Spend a day exploring the stunning southern coastline of Iceland on our South Coast Tour from Reykjavik. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. , Yeah they were cool! Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. The long road from Hfn to the ghost town of Seyisfjrur had looked like something from a Jaguar commercial. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. It is also one of the reasons why the village sits only on one side of the fjord. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. You'll stop a lot, so allocate at least an hour each way. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. Last year there were boys from Poland and two energetic and very creative girls from South Africa in charge of building from second-hand materials the set for the festival, enclosing a working yellow lighthouse. We think it is impossible to travel around Iceland and not see at least one incredibly beautiful waterfall per day. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. Only you can answer this question. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It can host 6 emerging artists at same time, living and working in a 350 square meters space. Remember, that if you do not want to pay that much for a night or the town is booked up, you can look for accommodation in Egilsstadir, which is only thirty minutes' drive away. Seydisfjordur is no exception. Dont miss out on the biggest music festival of the year: Iceland Airwaves 2018, A classic tour of the Golden Circle. Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. Read more:5 Things you need to know about Puffins. Around 11 am we arrived in the small village of Borgarfjordur Eystri for a restroom stop. One can clearly recognise the Scandinavian style in the many wood buildings still existing in the village. The steamy Gufufoss waterfall No spam, just fun! Well, the weather was pleasant, so watching the birds was quite entertaining, and the time just flew by. The southern coast of Iceland is by far one of the most popular destinations that Iceland has to offer. The Technical Museum of East Iceland and Blacksmith Festival. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. Moreover, Seydisfjordur sits in the valley, and when it rains, many new waterfalls appear and flow down the steep walls. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. Your email address will not be published. Try fishing or kayaking in the long fjord that leads to Seydisfjordur. Connected by one mountain road, Seydisfjordur is a remote treasure. Inglfshfi South of rfajkull glacier, Reynisfjall near Vk Mrdal, and Dyrhlaey (also en route to Vk) are puffin colonies on the South Coast. There are actually two art residencies in town. While there is evidence of people living inSeydisfjordur dating back to Iceland's early settlement period, the town wasn't founded until the 19th century, when Norwegian fishermen built it up as a small port. The Museum is worth a visit anyway, and in other periods you won't regret paying a few kronas for two floors of exhibition focusing on the influx of modern times on local way of life from 1880 to 1960. It's more pub style, serving big burgers with vegetarian choices, grilled meat and fish and an interesting choice of local and international beers, both draught and bottled. Only a short boat-ride from the city center. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. We have opted for visiting Iceland in the summer, therefore, for birdwatching. Bjlfur (1085m) and Strandartindur (1010m) this tranquil town has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a range of cultural and outdoor activities, unique dining experiences and various shops for families and explorers to enjoy. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. . The highest (1085m) is the majestic and monumental Bjlfur. Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Once you have taken enough photos of the church, walk around the lake, head to the harbor, enjoy the superb views, and admire the traditional architecture. 2. Nordic's menu uses local ingredients as lamb and cod but with a modern twist, playing with traditional dishes from italian, french, spanish and british cuisine. Without any further ado, here's our pick of activities and things to see and do in Seydisfjordur. Still, it is hard to resist the combination of a town surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering a tranquil atmosphere and the traditional Icelandic architecture of colorful houses. If you have a standard car you must leave it at the parking area by Austdalsriver, and from there it's 30 minutes quite easy and scenic walk. Firstly, you need to figure out whether you want to stay in Seydisfjordur overnight or not. 113 We knew that Puffins go hunting to the sea, but they're also exceptional divers, something we would not have guessed. Reykjavik (Post #16), Grundarfjrur canceled but Pinnacle Gala is a hit (Post #17), The Outdoor Museum in Nanortalik (Post #19), Sailing the Labrador Sea Westbound (Post #20), Puffins, Whales & Hockey? culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. Located in Vatnajkull National Park, Dettifoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Only 700 people inhabit this quirky destination in the Eastfjords, home to a technology museum, an arts center, Atlantic puffins, reindeer, eider ducks and the popular LungA festival. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. One of the reasons was that we planned our trip to Iceland rather spontaneously and did not have much time to gather all the information about every single must-see place and top attraction in the country. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. Nestled between Mt. You will see art and handicrafts in almost every garden and virtually every house when you walk around. Do you have a question or want something customised?Send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. The sea was lapping below. From late May to July the famous puffins also migrate here in large colonies to build their nests. The observation platform will afford you an excellent view of nesting puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes; the latter being loud gulls named for their nasal "ki-ti-waak" callnotes. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. There was a rest stop on this road with a small hut with a vending machine inside and a guest book for visitors to sign. We really love our swimming pools band we have strict rules you need to know about! Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. While plenty of puffins will be super close, you might still consider bringing binoculars to observe their hunting habits, if you're not a photo enthusiast. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL HIKING TRAILS. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to KnowJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The Iceberg Lake in Southeast IcelandGolden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide. Another great alternative is Viator. We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. Skaftfell Art Centre is an institution, not only for Seydisfjordur but for whole Iceland. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. The area is popular for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Do you have a question or want something customised? The road led across snowy plains, vast ice patches, and icy lakes formed by melted snow, and we could see white mountain tops in the distance. The area is famous for hiking and surrounded by a great deal of myth. Spending 10 hrs of quality time in Seydisfjordur is extremely difficult , Maybe one of reasons tour prices are so high- they have a captive audience. Seydisfjordur, in the Eastern Fjords, is one of the most picturesque villages in Iceland, as well as one of the country's main cruise ports. So when should you arrive in Borgarfjordur to see puffins? Here's the list of the best hotel options in Borgarfjordur Eystri for all types of travelers. Egilsstair also has a local airport with frequent flights from Reykjavik, offering a quick and easy way to explore both the east as well as the north. Home to 100 people, the beautiful village of Bakkagerdi is one of the smallest in Iceland but there is plenty to choose from history, folklore, a short hike or a taste of local cuisine. Step by step you'll see the fjord turning into open ocean, you'll meet sheep and Icelandic horses and you can also visit a real Viking archaeology site. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords isSeydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. It had been a hell of a drive getting in obscured by fog, the mountain road had been almost invisible. Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. While puffin colonies are located all around Iceland, there are a few places where your chances of catching the bird are more likely than others, as shown on the map. Thanks to its small size, you should be able to see all of its main places of interest: The most convenient way to get to Seydisfjorduris by rental car. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. . There is no entrance fee to Borgarfjordur Eystri. Seydisfjordur is a great place to explore the natural beauty of Iceland and experience the unique culture of the region. Travel in the summer season and see puffins, or arrive a bit later, in the autumn or winter, and spot the Northern Lights. That's why the best time to visit Seydisfjordur might be during the shoulder season, either April and May or September and October. Here you can search for the best deals on rental cars in Iceland or read our guide on how to choose the best campervan for Iceland. She fell in love with Iceland a few years ago - of course through music! Get a 5% discount on It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. At the top of the mountain pass, the clouds had completely enveloped the world the snowy roadside, the other cars, the road itself everything was gone. We arrived in Borgarfjordur after 9 PM, and the timing possibly could not be better because of the number of birds and the soft light. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. We saw the poster advertising this bus route in the campground we stayed in, but it is better to ask to know the exact departure times. This simple pale blue church lies in the centre of town, and it's open to visitors in the summer, when there's also a series of concerts featuring classical and traditional folk musicians. Seydisfjordur is only 27 kilometers off Ring Road. 4 years ago. And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. Puffins are even more common, and you can expect to see hundreds of them nesting among the huge colony of seabirds at Sklene cliff. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Proudly made in Reykjavk City. Our travel guide includes tips on photographing puffins, how to visit Borgarfjordur fjord, how to get there, and where to stay.