The views from the winding road between the mountains and amidst steep cliffs are spectacular. 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. Between 12 and 3pm there's usually a 2 for 1 deal, a good one to try whatever you like without worrying about the bill! Save. Regular walking shoes should be more than fine for walking around the town, but we would wear hiking boots for most outdoor adventures. 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. A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. From late May to July the famous puffins also migrate here in large colonies to build their nests. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Its actually such a big deal over here that we tend to refer to it exclusively as The South Coast. The total population is around 14 million, and the largest colony lives on Iceland's Westman Island. If you answered that these were all highlights of the east of Iceland then you would be right! This place is BEAUTIFUL. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port For a bargain go there for lunch. Cruises to Seydisfjordur, Iceland | Royal Caribbean Cruises Spotting puffins: here is our map showing the best places around Borgarfjordur Eystri is a small lovely village with not that many accommodation options. 98 reviews. A stunning bay in the West of Iceland between Snfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords, with countless islands and skerries of all sizes and very diverse birdlife. In 2017 there were 3000 people for the final night, with groups of friends travelling from Reykjavik to enjoy music and dancing under the bright clear sky of the Icelandic midnight sun. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. You will find it behind the Blue Church mentioned in an above section, and with the outside walls painted with cartoons you cannot miss it! We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Borgarfjordur eystri village | East Iceland | Iceland Travel And when all seems quiet, from October to December, LungA people in Seydisfjordur take care of an international school. The main road to reach the fjord is the one from Egilsstair, the town that's the crossroad of the North East. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. . Why You Should Detour to Borgarfjordur Eystri in Iceland Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Although the winter scenery looks gorgeous in pictures, you must realize that getting from Egilsstadir to Seydisfjordur in winter is no fun due to ice and snow. 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? When you see a 90% chance of rain all day, it usually doesnt bode well for a nice day. There are actually two art residencies in town. 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! Alfaborg, the home of the elf queen Go Campers The highest (1085m) is the majestic and monumental Bjlfur. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. Home / Tours / Seydisfjordur / Puffins, Elves & more, Puffins and other sea birds at the Hafnarholmi islet It is very possible to climb the island unless you're afraid of heights. The brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. The sea was lapping below. 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! Designed by MyIslandDesigns.com, Click "Show More Posts" to show all the links to the other posts for the, The Eggs of Merry Bay Djupivogur (Post #15). However, there are plenty of hiking trails near Seydisfjordur in case you hear the calling of the wild. The Borgarfjordur Eystri area is well known for hiking trails. 110 We knew that Puffins go hunting to the sea, but they're also exceptional divers, something we would not have guessed. The location of this nesting site is absolutely fabulous. The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ltrabjarg is also one of the westernmost parts of Europe (2432'3" west). We head east on a scenic road across a . Seydisfjordur is a town ringed by a rainbow of tin houses and dramatic snowcapped peaks. You should rent a 4WD car in the winter, although that applies for the entire Iceland trip, not just Seydisfjordur. 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. In fact, the town gets busy, especially in the summer season. 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. Another reason was that ourIceland itinerarywas packed. The Blue Church was actually moved several times, from Dvergasteinn farm to the hill overlooking Vestdalseyri, and many times was damaged or destroyed by fire, before finding its final home in 1920. Eat, drink, buy stuff and be merry. A Guide to Seydisfjordur in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP This is one of those places where having a proper telephoto lens will make a big difference. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. * Breiafjrur A stunning bay in the West of Iceland between Snfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords, with countless islands and skerries of all sizes and very diverse birdlife. A staircase beside the bar leads to first floor, where there the Art Gallery is located. Whale watching is always a solid option and in the May of 2017 I was lucky enough to see whales jumping right in front of my room's window, only 1 km from the town centre! Even though seeing puffins in Borgarfjordur is completely free, you can donate some money if you want to support this site. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. They might not have a bank or a hospital but theyll have a swimming pool! Since we are not that active on social media, this was not the reason to put the town on our list. Views of the mystical Lake Lagarfljot. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. Borgarfjordur puffin nesting site can get pretty windy, and the conditions can be quite harsh when it rains. Iceland Road Trip Day 3: Puffin Colony | As Her World Turns Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. One of the main attractions in town is the Blue Church and Rainbow street. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 10 min to complete. 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. Foll. We could see it later more closely when we took awhale watching tour in Husavik, during which a flock of puffins followed us for a while and dived frequently. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. Here you can find various restaurants and shops with local goods. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. The day of our visit was sunny, yet we could feel the cold winds blowing out of the sea, so make sure you dress in layers even if you do not plan on walking for hours. Bjolfur and Mt. The Puffin in Iceland | Best time and places to see the Puffin in Iceland Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; Therefore, your chances of seeing puffins here are very high because birds have everything they like - grassy areas and slopes above cliffs very close to the water. Along the Rainbow street are a few shops selling clothes and locally made items along with a caf. On other side of the street there is Kaffi Lra - El Grill Bar, another good place to hang out. 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 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. Homepage of Borgarfjordur eystri, east Iceland Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. When we reached the pass and started the descent to the other side of the valley, we pulled the car over and went for a short walk, following the sheep trail. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. There is also a Mountain Lodge where you can sleep overnight. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. When the conditions are icy and snowy, it is essential to have 4WD and snow chains in the car trunk. 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. A simple hat or umbrella will keep you safe. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. We could not be happier with our choice, as watching puffins in their natural habitat was one of our favorite activities in the Land of Ice and Fire. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. Starting from:Seydisfjordur, Eskifjordur Season:All year Duration:4-5 hours Get acquainted with Icelandic folklore and it's favourite bird on this tour to the land of elves and puffins The Secrets of Lagarfljot - Private Tour Starting from:Seydisfjordur, Eskifjordur Season:All year Duration:6-8 hours 88 I loved seeing all these puffins! The road is sneaking around the snow-capped mountains, and you will very soon see the sea views. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. It was a crazy day of driving but it was all in the name of adventure! Well sheltered from the ocean, the islet is one of the best places for viewing puffins in Iceland. 7,5 Hours, $ The road is winding, and if the weather is clear, amazing views start to open up. Expect to find the typical tourist list of the best things to see and do here. If your schedule allows it, check out the hiking trails in the village's surroundings. We also share practical information that will help you get the most out of the trip to this town nestled between Mt. A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. 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. From here we went to hike at Hengifoss,. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Nestled between Mt. puffins | Borgarfjrur eystri Locals and international tourists come here to enjoy the stunning nature, peaceful yet artsy and quirky atmosphere (Seydisfjordur is surprisingly one of Iceland's cultural centers), and to take a photo of that iconic Seydisfjordur blue church with a rainbow pavement next to it. Do you want to know more about this subject? Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to see both phenomena at the same time because puffins' bill loses its trademark orange color outside the nesting season, but more about it later. Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. It is believed that the total population of the puffin is around 14 million and the largest puffin colony can be found in Westman Islands in Iceland. Where to Spot Wild Reindeer in Iceland - We Seek Travel Blog Skaftfell Art Centre is an institution, not only for Seydisfjordur but for whole Iceland. Some rooms have a sea view - go for it if it is still available. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. Therefore, we've put together the top places to see puffins in Iceland that are well-accessible. Ltrabjarg bird-cliff in the Westfjords of Iceland is the largest seabird cliff in Iceland and one of Europe's biggest seabird cliffs. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. And btw, it was Borgarfjordur Eystri!!! Still, it's an experience you hardly get anywhere else nowadays, so we are not afraid to call this town in East Iceland a calm oasis in a hectic world. It's also expensive, but it is worth to try their Nordic Restaurant and their sushi bar, where they serve fresh local fish japanese style. We really love our swimming pools band we have strict rules you need to know about! Even though the architecture and a blueish pastel color are charming, it would probably not be such a recognizable landmark without its trademark rainbow pavement leading down the street to it. Puffins are cute birds that are pretty small, usually around 29 cm high, they weigh up to 500 grams, and their wingspan can be up to 65 centimeters. Here you can find more information on camping in Iceland. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. Spend a day exploring the stunning southern coastline of Iceland on our South Coast Tour from Reykjavik. The price for Borgarfjordur Campground is 1200 ISK per person, plus 400 ISK per hot shower. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. 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. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. It had been a hell of a drive getting in obscured by fog, the mountain road had been almost invisible. It is possible to visit the red painted Lindarbakki turf roofed house, one of the few remaining inhabited turf houses in Iceland and an important landmark of the village. After lunch, we walked over to the red-painted Lindarbakki turf-roofed house and peered into the windows. That's why the best time to visit Seydisfjordur might be during the shoulder season, either April and May or September and October. The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. There were puffins nearby, and we were waiting for a break in the weather to reach them. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. From Egilsstadir, you need to follow road number 94 that will take you to Borgarfjordur Eystri, and it ends right in the marina, which is the best spot for seeing puffins. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. 2. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. Strandartindur. Puffins, Elves & more - Seydisfjordur - Arctic Shorex As the puffins are only in the village for the summer months, and typically arrive back from feeding in the ocean in the evening (7-10pm), if you plan for an early arrival to the . Go birding in Seydisfjordur. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. 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. There are icelandic sweaters, and many sorts of decoration objects such as: candles, mirrors, statues and paintings. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Re: Cruise port. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! 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. Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. 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 town stretches along the south side of the fjord, but along the shoreline, you can find access to the sea, rocky beaches, a puffin colony and ruins of former activity. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. A Complete Guide to Borgarfjordur Eystri in Iceland Another way to get to Seydisfjordur is on a cruise around Iceland. The main road led us directly to a small parking lot right next to the church. Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. Your email address will not be published. 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. If you think you have enough memory cards for your trip, take a few extra because Iceland is absolutely wonderful, especially during the puffin season. As we make our way to the town, we will stop at some of the most picturesque spots, including hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Somewhere skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Once we climbed high enough, the scenery suddenly changed, and it looked like we were visiting Iceland in the winter. 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. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. 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. This option might be a perfect alternative for those who travel aroundIceland on a budget, especially if you don't mind combining it with hitchhiking. See all Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! Sometimes Heima also organises special events to showcase the work in progress of artists in residencies. Skalanes is also a research point, with scientists and students from all over the world living and working there to study geology, wildlife and ecosystems. My Iceland #6: Puffins + Mountains - Seyisfjrur - YouTube Today, the town continues to live off fishing, tourism and handicrafts, having been established as one of the main stops on cruises around Iceland. Length 2.0 miElevation gain 1,515 ftRoute type Out & back. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. All rights reserved. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. With minimal music, movies and art installation, it was so mesmerising and exciting! 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. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. Home | Visit Seyisfjrur - Visit Seydisfjordur No spam, just fun! Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. 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. The small towns center is known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and picturesque setting around the lagoon. Other than being a stop for cruises departing during the summer bound for America & Greenland, all year round the port is connected once a week to Denmark by Smyril Line. It's not rare in the summer, when the ferry arrives, to see flocks of motor bikers on fabulous Harley Davidsons hanging around at bars, ready to start their Icelandic adventure easy riders style! It's not a coincidence that artists from all over the world are moving to this very special place to work at their projects. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. Camping | If you plan on camping in Iceland, you will find campsites in Seydisfjordur or Egilsstadir. Another great alternative is Viator. * Borgarfjrur Eystri, East Iceland Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. On the other side is the harbor, and when you continue straight, you'll get to a viewing platform with another view of a cliff and hundreds of birds flying around.
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