Connected by one mountain road, Seydisfjordur is a remote treasure. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. Well sheltered from the ocean, the islet is one of the best places for viewing puffins in Iceland. There were puffins nearby, and we were waiting for a break in the weather to reach them. Homepage of Borgarfjordur eystri, east Iceland Explore the scenic surroundings of the mystical Lake Lagarfljot serene forests, panoramic views, offbeat waterfalls and more! 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! The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord. Seyisfjrur, the secret gem of the East : GetLocal These noisy white little birds have large colonies in the area, and you can expect them to dive from the sky to bite your headand it hurts! With some luck and patience, we spotted a Puffin within 10 feet for about 15 seconds before flying away. 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. Photos (9) Directions. 7,5 Hours. Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. Sometimes Heima also organises special events to showcase the work in progress of artists in residencies. As the name suggests, it is located in an old hospital building. Go Campers 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! Sometimes forgetting that many countries do in fact also have their own south coasts. There is no entrance fee to Borgarfjordur Eystri. My Iceland #6: Puffins + Mountains - Seyisfjrur - YouTube Austursigling (Seydisfjordur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Moreover, the midnight sun on the way back made for spectacular views of the whole fjord. You do not need 4WD in the summer season, our 2WD campervan was absolutely enough, but it is a different story while traveling in the winter. Strandartindur. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to KnowJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The Iceberg Lake in Southeast IcelandGolden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. The main road to reach the fjord is the one from Egilsstair, the town that's the crossroad of the North East. A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. At the tourist information point you can book tours and find maps for local hiking trails. 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. 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. 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. haha. The sudden view of the port, the harbour, the multi coloured houses and the surrounding mountains, all covered in the blue of lupins during the summer, will leave you breathless. 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. For all waterfalls in Iceland, such as Gufufoss, Seljalandsfoss, Dettifoss, or Skogafoss, we recommend you to have your dry sack ready to keep your valuables safe. When we returned, we were delighted that we decided to incorporate Seydisfjordur in ourEast Fjords itinerary, which you should definitely check out too. Regular walking shoes should be more than fine for walking around the town, but we would wear hiking boots for most outdoor adventures. Duration 2 hrs . So, later on, we had to buy an extra memory card for a camera inAkureyri. * safjarardjp, the Westfjords News from Iceland, What to do and see, local travel tips and expertise. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. Large puffin colonies on the island of Hafnarhlmi, and the chance to get up-close-and-personal with the birds. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike - AllTrails.com In fact, the town gets busy, especially in the summer season. 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. 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. Hosting has been a passion for locals throughout the years and is visible through the wide selection of accommodation. For colder days, ask for a table in the back room, with view on the bay. Landmannalaugar, The geothermal paradise tourists never hear about, The South Coast of Iceland - the ultimate guide. This is a private tour. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a charming fishing village situated on a grassy valley along a short wide fjord of the same name. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. It's a great place to hang out with friends and family, featuring board games, art books, a record collection and of course free wifi. Our Seydisfjordur travel guide includes tips on the best things to see and do, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go. It was really cool despite of the big detour in a super dangerous mountain road! In Seyisfjrur there is also an indoor swimming pool, with sauna and two hot hubs, a public library, a pharmacy and a supermarket, plus several art crafts shops selling all colours and sizes of Icelandic traditional wool sweaters and local design's items. The area is famous for hiking and surrounded by a great deal of myth. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Borgarfjrur eystri - CAPITAL of the Puffins Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. Seyisfjrur is the heart of It had been a hell of a drive getting in obscured by fog, the mountain road had been almost invisible. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. Therefore, the town is a great place to buy an authentic souvenirs for your family or yourself. A beautiful birdFew places on Planet Earth offer better opportunities to lay eyes on puffins than Iceland, the home to nearly half of the worlds puffin population. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. Re: Cruise port. Here's the list of the best hotel options in Borgarfjordur Eystri for all types of travelers. It can host 6 emerging artists at same time, living and working in a 350 square meters space. Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP 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. There are many activities available for both nature and adventure lovers in the fjord. Seydisfjordur is a great place to explore the natural beauty of Iceland and experience the unique culture of the region. . It is good to know that the Borgarfjordur puffin site is quite small, so be respectful to other visitors and puffins, of course. The combination of colors and the church at the end of the street is pretty photogenic, and if you want to enjoy the sight just by yourself, your timing must be perfect. I could only see one or two road markings in front of me. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. * 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. But no worries. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. So when should you arrive in Borgarfjordur to see puffins? During the summer is great to dine on the tables outside, smiling at people and enjoying the sun. To fully understand why this day was the best, check back tomorrow for my recap of Seydisfjordur. Puffins in ICELAND! Ring Road Part 3 | Hengifoss, Seydisfjordur The road to Borgarfjordur is paved in places, while some sections are still unpaved. The mountainous pass between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur is accountable for two things. Cruises to Seydisfjordur, Iceland | Royal Caribbean Cruises At the peak of the summer season there is a very special event in Seydisfjordur. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. The street is also lined with many bars and cafes, and it is one of the liveliest parts of Seydisfjordur, where people like to chill out after a tiring day on the road. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. As we make our way to the town, we will stop at some of the most picturesque spots, including hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. 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. The islandViguris the largest of three islands in the fjord, and a good place to see puffins. Once you reach the coastline, it is only a short drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri. During the nesting season, between April and August, there should be at least one bus per day connecting Egilsstadir and Borgarfjordur Eystri if you do not have your own transport. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. 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? 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. About 10 after 1 PM we headed back to Seydisfjordur. 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). 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. Long, sweeping bends traced the shores of the fjords, climbing high into the mountains, flirting with sheer cliffs with short guardrails to stop our car from falling into the tumultuous, rocky sea below. We arrived at Hafnarholmi hill around 11:15. There is also a shop, where you can find souvenirs, art books and prints. It is very possible to climb the island unless you're afraid of heights. Aldan is the most famous and oldest hotel, open all year and hosting guests in different buildings. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Located in the remote northeast corner of Iceland, the newly built harbor of Hafnarholmi lies just a few miles north of Borgarfjodur Eystri (aka Bakkagerdi). 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 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. 3,5 Hours. Once you reach the pass, there is a new viewing platform where you can take a break. It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. I drove with headlights and hazard lights. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . The way there was route 94, a long, gravelly, spine-shaking off road highway. The driver was the guide, and there were 17 passengers on the tour. Performances, concerts, dancing, theatre, poetry reading, comedy, visual exhibitions take place in every corner of the town, culminating in a two night music festival showcasing old and new talents from all over Iceland and abroad. Do you have a question or want something customised? We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL HIKING TRAILS. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. The mountains in the east of Iceland were rocky and jagged, and were layered with snowcaps on their highest peaks. 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. And leaving the main road to visit Seyisfjrur will both enchant you and leave you with a number of happy memories. 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. Even if you spend a few hours there, the sense of freedom and true wilderness won't disappoint. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. 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. 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 . * South Coast It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Ltrabjarg in the Westfjords of Iceland - Guide to Iceland Seydisfjordur - What to see and do in the town - Introducing Iceland culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. Private Puffin and Elves from East Iceland - Iceland Highlights 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. The apartments at top floor are for artists in residency. Go Campers Our travel guide includes what to expect from visiting Seydisfjordur and tips on the best things to see and do while there. No spam, just fun! Learn how your comment data is processed. During the days of the Festival there's free entry to The Technical Museum of East Iceland, established in 1984. Another reason was that ourIceland itinerarywas packed. When the breeding season comes, puffins seek places such as Borgarfjordur, where they find protection on the cliffs covered with grass above the sea. 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. This is a mission indeed, and the prize is to earn the official document crowning you as a Seyisfjrur Mountain Viking". In Seyisfjrur you will find hostels, hotels, guesthouses as well as a camping ground and caravan site. The Blue church was open for visitors when we arrived, but we learned it was closed for most of the morning. Where to visit puffins in Iceland - StickyMangoRice Sklanes is accessible only by foot, jeep or by mountain bike, because there are rivers to cross to reach the research and information centre at the very heart of the park. 7,5 Hours, $ We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. Well, if we had to make our pick, it would be detouring to the fjord towns of Seydisfjordur and Borgarfjordur Eystri in the north east corner of the country. Seydisfjordur is a town ringed by a rainbow of tin houses and dramatic snowcapped peaks. Here you can find various restaurants and shops with local goods. 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. The huge windows, bright colours of walls and the simple wood decorations give visitors a true sense of simplicity and calm. When looking at the mountains around you, you can notice avalanche protection walls almost everywhere. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. Another easy and short hike is the one to reach Tvsongur, a sound sculpture built in 2012 by German artist Lukas Khne. Puffins, Elves & more - Seydisfjordur - Arctic Shorex It was a crazy day of driving but it was all in the name of adventure! As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. When is the Best Time to Visit Seydisfjordur. Your email address will not be published. Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. All rights reserved. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. See all Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! Seydisfjordur sits in a fjord, and you've probably guessed already that 'fjordur' means fjord in the Icelandic language. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. 3,5 Hours, Garatorg 5, 210 Garabr, Iceland Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the absolute best RIB-safari tour in Iceland! 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. We arrived back in Seydisfjordur around 3 PM. When abroad she badly misses harfiskur, srmjlk and hot tubs! Seydisfjordur Village - Guided Tour East Iceland | Iceland Travel Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavk - Viator Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. It was a long, terrifying, white-knuckled drive to get here and see the puffins. We anchored about 1 mile offshore. It's also possible to go fishing, and outside town Hagavollur is a nine-hole golf course with a club house, where you can hire equipment. Increase your chances on this tour from Reykjavik that takes you out on a boat to to either Akurey or Lundey, two islands that are well known for their plentiful birdlife. 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! The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. 110 What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. Skaftfell building is a grand old house from 1907, that's on Austurvegur, on the back of the gas station on Hafnargata. Explore the area from above, discover new destinations and hikes. Your cart is empty So visiting it does not require any effort. A simple hat or umbrella will keep you safe. Iceland is all about nature, and the possibilities are endless pretty much anywhere you go. * Westman Islands Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. * Borgarfjrur Eystri, East Iceland Borgarfjordur puffin nesting site can get pretty windy, and the conditions can be quite harsh when it rains. 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. 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. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. And turf roofed houses, the home Husavik Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall $ You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. LungA also schedules workshops, some of them for children, to learn and experiment with different forms of creativity. 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. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. Once we climbed high enough, the scenery suddenly changed, and it looked like we were visiting Iceland in the winter. There are workshops and demonstration for blacksmithing, knife-making, metal casting. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. This is one of those places where having a proper telephoto lens will make a big difference. The town of Egilsstadir was on the way, and we spent about 15 minutes driving thru with our driver providing some commentary. Gardens are decorated with strange and sometimes funny statues while creatures made up from woods, iron or recycled materials roam free. Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. Foll. Nestled between Mt. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. If you plan on seeing the puffins straightaway, you need to drive past the village until you reach the very end of the road. Expect to find the typical tourist list of the best things to see and do here. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. 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. 4 years ago. 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. 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! Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. Save. Get a 5% discount on Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. The road to see the puffin colonies on the east coast of Iceland is a winding mountain drive. Seyisfjrur was used as a base for British/American forces during World War II and remnants of this activity are visible throughout the fjord, including a landing strip no longer in use and an oil tanker SS El Grillo that was bombed and sunk. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. Along the Rainbow street are a few shops selling clothes and locally made items along with a caf. Young students from different countries arrive in town to live together for 12 weeks, developing art projects and learning new skills. 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. Up to half of the entire puffin population in Iceland nests in the islands. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. We stopped overlooking a small bay where we spotted several Humpback whales swimming out to sea.
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