So when should you arrive in Borgarfjordur to see puffins? You can either fly to the Island or take a ferry. Get a 5% discount on There are three ways to get to Seydisfjordur. 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. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port Finally, it was moved to Seydisfjordur in 1920. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. There are also other Art Galleries in town for local talents, and my favourite is Galler Vigds. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. Where to visit puffins in Iceland - StickyMangoRice Strandartindur. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. Each dome has its own resonance that corresponds to a tone in the Icelandic musical tradition of five-tone harmony and you can experiment with it using your voice. 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. Don't count on taxis, This is a town with a population of around 700. The total population is around 14 million, and the largest colony lives on Iceland's Westman Island. The southern coast of Iceland is by far one of the most popular destinations that Iceland has to offer. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This place is BEAUTIFUL. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. If you travel in a campervan as we did, the cheapest place to stay in Borgarfjordur is the campsite. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Connected by one mountain road, Seydisfjordur is a remote treasure. The town of Egilsstadir was on the way, and we spent about 15 minutes driving thru with our driver providing some commentary. Just east of Seydisfjordur is the remote farm of Skalanes. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Puffin Tours In Seydisfjordur Iceland. We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! We arrived back in Seydisfjordur around 3 PM. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 10 min to complete. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. Here you can find more information on the best time to visit Iceland. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. 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. Age 8+. You do not have to go far to figure out that this place has a lot to offer. Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. 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. A staircase, viewing platform and wooden walkways make it easy to get closer to birds whilst remaining safe. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Save. Try fishing or kayaking in the long fjord that leads to Seydisfjordur. 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. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). The views from the winding road between the mountains and amidst steep cliffs are spectacular. You can experience a Norwegian town without leaving Iceland! Do you have a question or want something customised?Send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. One can clearly recognise the Scandinavian style in the many wood buildings still existing in the village. This is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland. 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. When we returned, we were delighted that we decided to incorporate Seydisfjordur in ourEast Fjords itinerary, which you should definitely check out too. Only you can answer this question. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. 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. We recommend you book a room with a balcony overlooking the fjord if available. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. If I were to imagine a heaven on Earth, I couldn't imagine a different place than this. Today, the town continues to live off fishing, tourism and handicrafts, having been established as one of the main stops on cruises around Iceland. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. Many boats stop here during the summer months, and the townserves as a gateway to Iceland for many tourists. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. Firstly, you need to figure out whether you want to stay in Seydisfjordur overnight or not. Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. She fell in love with Iceland a few years ago - of course through music! 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. Seydisfjordur is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful wooden buildings, cafes, handicrafts, mountainous scenery, and hard-to-beat location. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. With minimal music, movies and art installation, it was so mesmerising and exciting! 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. * Breiafjrur It is right in the middle of the village, only a couple of kilometers from the nesting place, and it has everything you need a shared kitchen, toilets, and showers. The Borgarfjordur Eystri area is well known for hiking trails. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. 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. We were back on the ship at 4:30pm. Duration 2 hrs . The Blue church was open for visitors when we arrived, but we learned it was closed for most of the morning. Of course there's the fun side, with music, dancing, and home-made food served at the old pier in the harbour for affordable prices. Seydisfjordur is also home to an annual culture festival called LungA, which takes place every July. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Around 8:30, the clearly marked Artic Shorex buses started to arrive and one of the guides on the first bus said we were in the correct spot. This is quite an impressive number, which makes the village one of the most accessible and safest spots to see puffins in Iceland. The mountains in the east of Iceland were rocky and jagged, and were layered with snowcaps on their highest peaks. From time to time, we retraced our steps to find a new group of puffins and observed their hunting and nesting habits. Go birding in Seydisfjordur. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. Therefore, we've put together the top places to see puffins in Iceland that are well-accessible. News from Iceland, What to do and see, local travel tips and expertise. You can visit Tvisongur, a place that unites nature and culture. Ltrabjarg bird-cliff in the Westfjords of Iceland is the largest seabird cliff in Iceland and one of Europe's biggest seabird cliffs. 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. A three hour whale watching adventure departing from the old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. 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. 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. 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. Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP The area is famous for hiking and surrounded by a great deal of myth. Every summer, a bus runs between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur, but you should check out the timetable before you go. And there's no one here. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. Puffins in ICELAND! Ring Road Part 3 | Hengifoss, Seydisfjordur The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. At the end of the road ahead of the town are a picturesque little harbour and the Hafnarholmi hill. The card costs three times more than we are used to paying in the Czech Republic, so we recommend you one thing. Their growling sounds like a muffled chainsaw! 7,5 Hours. 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. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Proudly made in Reykjavk City. culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. 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. Once ashore, there was a little confusion over the meeting spot. 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. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. 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. Ltrabjarg is also one of the westernmost parts of Europe (2432'3" west). 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. Three of us took over the back row with 4 seats which gave us a little more room. 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. On one of the tables upstairs you can spot a massive book with photos and history for every house of Seydisfjordur. It stood on the hill, but a huge storm destroyed it in 1894. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the absolute best RIB-safari tour in Iceland! This is a private tour. 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. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Part 6 of the My Iceland Project. All rights reserved. Go Campers Even though Borgarfjordur Eystri in East Fjords is quite a remote spot and a detour off the well-traveled Ring Road, it is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland.. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. Unless you arrive and leave the town by boat, you will need to tackle the wonderful stretch of the road between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur by car. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. There is a free parking at Borgarfjordur Eystri right next to the harbor where you can leave your car and walk a few hundred meters to the nesting site. 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. When on top you'll find the 5 concrete domes of Tvisongur, the smallest being 2 meters tall, the tallest being 4 meters tall. Regular walking shoes should be more than fine for walking around the town, but we would wear hiking boots for most outdoor adventures. Budget | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building - This place is one of the nicest hostels we've ever seen. 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. The huge MS Norrna is no mere ferry but rather a large cruise ship, with all comforts on board: restaurants, cinema, shops and even a hot hub! Even though seeing puffins in Borgarfjordur is completely free, you can donate some money if you want to support this site. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. Along the Rainbow street are a few shops selling clothes and locally made items along with a caf. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. 10,5 Hours, $ Go Campers First of all, the Gufufoss is only a few meters from the parking lot, which is just off the main road. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. Egilsstadir | Gistihusid - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. Home | Visit Seyisfjrur - Visit Seydisfjordur These cookies do not store any personal information. It is pretty interesting that the distinctive orange bill appears only during the nesting season, and later in the year, the color fades to dull shades. It's unmarked and tiny (it's just a pull-off area), and we have to admit that we missed it on the way down. 88 The small towns center is known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and picturesque setting around the lagoon. 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. There is no entrance fee to Borgarfjordur Eystri. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Well, the weather was pleasant, so watching the birds was quite entertaining, and the time just flew by. It's a 3 hours hike but not difficult at all. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. A simple hat or umbrella will keep you safe. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. The long road from Hfn to the ghost town of Seyisfjrur had looked like something from a Jaguar commercial. The main road to reach the fjord is the one from Egilsstair, the town that's the crossroad of the North East. From Iceland Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins This is one of the best places to view the Puffins and there are several platforms and stairs which allow you to climb the small hill and get close to the Puffins and their burrows. In fact, many of the picturesque wooden buildings in the village have their origins in those golden years, and some were even brought disassembled over from Norway itself. 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. If you plan on seeing the puffins straightaway, you need to drive past the village until you reach the very end of the road. Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. 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. In the lucky event you have more time my advice is to walk from Seyisfjrur that's what I did! Our travel guide includes what to expect from visiting Seydisfjordur and tips on the best things to see and do while there. Around 11 am we arrived in the small village of Borgarfjordur Eystri for a restroom stop. 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. Items in your cart 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. Graves dating back as early as the the 8th century have been discovered in the area and also the burnt ruins of a staf church built in the 10th century. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. Seydisfjordur, Iceland In The Footsteps of the Elves Excursion Don't worry, we won't spam you. Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. 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. Bjolfur and Mt. 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. - or to go by bike. Homepage of Borgarfjordur eystri, east Iceland Visit with us Borgarfjordur, a small village famous for wonderful scenery and nesting Atlantic Puffins. Once we climbed high enough, the scenery suddenly changed, and it looked like we were visiting Iceland in the winter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And leaving the main road to visit Seyisfjrur will both enchant you and leave you with a number of happy memories. 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. 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. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. If you want more information on visiting Borgarfjordur and seeing puffins, you've come to the right place. We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. If you answered that these were all highlights of the east of Iceland then you would be right! We left the car there and covered the rest of the distance on foot. 3,5 Hours. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). The road gets more exciting once the path turns right and you start climbing to the mountain pass. If you're well exercised why do not try the Seven Peaks mission? A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. Seydisfjordur - Fjarar: 19 Reviews, Map - Eastern, Iceland | AllTrails 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. Right after the parking area, if you're visiting early summer, be careful of the arctic ferns! After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. It's also one of the best places to see wild reindeer in Iceland. Camping | If you plan on camping in Iceland, you will find campsites in Seydisfjordur or Egilsstadir. Somewhere near the top of the range, I noticed the sheer drop alongside the road. And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. While the harbor is new, the puffin colony is not and it is easier than ever to access the grassy mounds where they like to build their nests. We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. The female usually lays a single egg and keeps it warm (together with a male partner) for the next 42 days. One of the things to know about Iceland is that it's a very expensive country - see our Iceland Travel Budget. 10,5 Hours. 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. On Google Maps, you can find the birdwatching spot under several names, such as Hafnarholmi Marina or Borgarfjardarhofn. Seydisfjordur - What to see and do in the town - Introducing Iceland * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland An unsettling thought. We knew that Puffins go hunting to the sea, but they're also exceptional divers, something we would not have guessed. One of Iceland's existing law even protects birds during the breeding season, because they were in the past hunted for eggs and meat. 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. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. 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 Private Puffin and Elves from East Iceland - Iceland Highlights 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 . Alfaborg hill, believed to be the home of the Elf Queen, was nearby. This wonderful private nature reserve showcases incredible flora, fauna, and settlement history. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord.
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