You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. Eventually, we decided to give it a go, and it turned out to be a great decision. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. Driving on the Ring Road, you justhave to turn off on Route 93 at Egilsstadir and enjoy thebeautiful, winding road for about half an hour. For colder days, ask for a table in the back room, with view on the bay. support@getlocal.is. Where to visit puffins in Iceland - StickyMangoRice You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Once we climbed high enough, the scenery suddenly changed, and it looked like we were visiting Iceland in the winter. Our good weather streak was looking like it might end this morning when I checked out the forecast on my phone. The clouds were misbehaving here, lying lower than usual. Vikings tales, mountains, waterfalls, whales, puffins, bohemian vibes, art festivals and tasty food. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. The first part of the drive is a flat, mostly unpaved road, and you have the views on the right-hand side; this is where the mountains and plains with horses are. One of Iceland's existing law even protects birds during the breeding season, because they were in the past hunted for eggs and meat. Why You Should Detour to Borgarfjordur Eystri in Iceland When the breeding season comes, puffins seek places such as Borgarfjordur, where they find protection on the cliffs covered with grass above the sea. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. 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. Your email address will not be published. We found the puffins nesting and fishing at the end of a small peninsula, high atop an outcrop of sea rocks. Their growling sounds like a muffled chainsaw! Borgarfjordur eystri village | East Iceland | Iceland Travel screen printing, crafting tools for agriculture, printing analogue photographs in a dark room. Easy to walk to center of town. 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. 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. It draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. That's why there are quite many nice hotels in the town, at least when we take into account the size of the town. The road is winding, and if the weather is clear, amazing views start to open up. 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. Drive slowly and carefully as there are no barriers along the way. 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. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. Due to the boardwalk, capturing puffins is very easy as you will get as close to them as possible. Twenty minutes later, we stopped at an overlook for a photo-op of Egilsstadir, which was below us in the valley. 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. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Seydisfjordur, Iceland Features animals Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. It is also one of the reasons why the village sits only on one side of the fjord. Save. At the end of the road ahead of the town are a picturesque little harbour and the Hafnarholmi hill. A three hour whale watching adventure departing from the old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. If your response is positive, you should start looking for the best hotel in Seydisfjordur. Borgarfjordur Eystri (Borgarfjrur) is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland in the summer. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. 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. This place is BEAUTIFUL. It is either in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM and then in the afternoon, between 6 PM and 10 PM. Skaftfell building is a grand old house from 1907, that's on Austurvegur, on the back of the gas station on Hafnargata. Home | Visit Seyisfjrur - Visit Seydisfjordur The road gets more exciting once the path turns right and you start climbing to the mountain pass. Borgarfjordur Eystri. We start the tour by driving over the mountain pass to Egilsstadir. Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. 3,5 Hours. 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). Another possibility is to hike along the river to the Vestdalsfossar Cascade, and the real adventurers can climb the highest mountain in the area, Bjolfur. Where to Spot Wild Reindeer in Iceland - We Seek Travel Blog Alfaborg, the home of the elf queen The road to see the puffin colonies on the east coast of Iceland is a winding mountain drive. First of all, the Gufufoss is only a few meters from the parking lot, which is just off the main road. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. 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. Keep your eyes open for Icelandic sheep and puffins in Seydisfjordur. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. Once ashore, there was a little confusion over the meeting spot. Without any further ado, here's our pick of activities and things to see and do in Seydisfjordur. 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. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! Homepage of Borgarfjordur eystri, east Iceland It's not a coincidence that artists from all over the world are moving to this very special place to work at their projects. History of Seydisfjordur 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. Seydisfjordur is a very small village, so you'll need approximately thirty to sixty minutes to walk around the tourist area. Iceland Road Trip Day 3: Puffin Colony | As Her World Turns We saw puffins in Iceland!!! At the southern end of the fjord, 17km from Seyisfjrur, flourishes the natural reserve of Sklanes. 1 day. 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. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. Sign up for our newsletter! But the truth is puffins spend most of the time during the day hunting out on the sea, and those birds who protect their eggs are usually hidden in the nest. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . One was dead ahead. From late May to July the famous puffins also migrate here in large colonies to build their nests. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. Whales spend the winter in the fjord, when water is warmer there, then move to open sea for the summer. News from Iceland, What to do and see, local travel tips and expertise. All throughout the year it schedules temporary exhibitions focusing on visual contemporary arts. Capital of Elves, Puffins and Hiking It's yours to explore. 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 . You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. 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. I could only see one or two road markings in front of me. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. See the world famous erupting geyser & hot springs, experience the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, as you walk down the lava canyon in ingvellir, $ The Atlantic Puffin is not a rare species, but it's still one of the most stunning and beautiful birds in the world. Before we reached the highest point on this route, we had emerged into a snowy wonderland that we had not expected to find here. 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. . Borgarfjrur eystri - CAPITAL of the Puffins Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. It is also a period when the town attracts crowds and prices are high. Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. 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. Ltrabjarg bird-cliff in the Westfjords of Iceland is the largest seabird cliff in Iceland and one of Europe's biggest seabird cliffs. We recommend you make a reservation well in advance because the puffin season coincides with the high season in Iceland. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. From April to October the town is full with travellers, well catered by hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, two Youth Hostels and a fully serviced campsite. Promise! This wonderful private nature reserve showcases incredible flora, fauna, and settlement history. Around 11 am we arrived in the small village of Borgarfjordur Eystri for a restroom stop. While puffins look like miniature versions of penguins with colorful beaks, the sound they make doesn't resemble any other animal. Items in your cart Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 10,5 Hours. 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. The card costs three times more than we are used to paying in the Czech Republic, so we recommend you one thing. 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. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. 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! The most famous one is The Waterfall Lane, which starts nearby the swimming pool. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. A lonely sailboat waiting for the cruise ships to, Husavik has one of the prettiest harbours in Icela, Is Iceland on your cruise bucket list ? We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. 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. 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. The area is a breeding ground for black-legged kittiwakes, a coastal bird that nests on steep cliffs. There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. And leaving the main road to visit Seyisfjrur will both enchant you and leave you with a number of happy memories. But no worries. haha. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. 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. A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. By the way, the otherworldly scenery was one of the reasons that back in the 1850s attracted the first settlers to come and live in this area. Puffins in ICELAND! Ring Road Part 3 | Hengifoss, Seydisfjordur My Iceland #6: Puffins + Mountains - Seyisfjrur - YouTube We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. If your schedule allows it, check out the hiking trails in the village's surroundings. It, too, was mostly hidden by fog. Volunteers fly from all over the world and give their contributions towards the decorating, planning, cooking and even.cleaning! Puffins, Elves & more - Private Tour - Wild Westfjords We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Austursigling (Seydisfjordur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 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! 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. Three of us took over the back row with 4 seats which gave us a little more room. We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. Seydisfjordur Village - Guided Tour East Iceland | Iceland Travel 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. 13 Day Cruises from $224.01 per adult Vk Baths admission 129 from $47.04 per adult Full Day Stulagil Canyon and Vk Baths Guided Tour 3 Full-day Tours from $162.00 per adult Here you can find various restaurants and shops with local goods. Seydisfjordur is only 27 kilometers off Ring Road. Seyisfjrur is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. 9,5 Hours, $ Another great alternative is Viator. 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. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. 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. The more important reason why to stop here is that Gufufoss is so beautiful. 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. Well, the weather was pleasant, so watching the birds was quite entertaining, and the time just flew by. The huge windows, bright colours of walls and the simple wood decorations give visitors a true sense of simplicity and calm. 4 years ago. Expect to find the typical tourist list of the best things to see and do here. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. Another way to get to Seydisfjordur is on a cruise around Iceland. Singer Jamila was the featured entertainer on the World Stage. Our bus was a 20-passenger minibus. Get a 5% discount on 89 helpful votes. 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. Seydisfjordur, Iceland In The Footsteps of the Elves Excursion Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to KnowJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The Iceberg Lake in Southeast IcelandGolden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. 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. Back on the tender pier, they were passing out small paper cups with hot chocolate. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that fishing and hunting were the primary sources of living here back in the day. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! 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. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. If youre interested, you will have time to take the easy hike up the Alfaborg. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. It stood on the hill, but a huge storm destroyed it in 1894. 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. As Egilsstadir is Iceland's transport hub, you should not have a problem getting to your next destination from here. Do you have a question or want something customised?Send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. It was really cool despite of the big detour in a super dangerous mountain road! Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. Egilsstadir | Hotel Valaskjalf - Egilsstadir can easily be your base for visiting some of the stunning places in Iceland and starting off point for exploring East Fjords or the Northern part of the country. With some luck and patience, we spotted a Puffin within 10 feet for about 15 seconds before flying away. The price for Borgarfjordur Campground is 1200 ISK per person, plus 400 ISK per hot shower. Wild Westfjords / Shore Excursions / Categories / Seydisfjordur LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Travel in the summer season and see puffins, or arrive a bit later, in the autumn or winter, and spot the Northern Lights. 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. You should rent a 4WD car in the winter, although that applies for the entire Iceland trip, not just Seydisfjordur. That's why the best time to visit Seydisfjordur might be during the shoulder season, either April and May or September and October. The Technical Museum of East Iceland and Blacksmith Festival. 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. 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. Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! She fell in love with Iceland a few years ago - of course through music! Moreover, Seydisfjordur sits in the valley, and when it rains, many new waterfalls appear and flow down the steep walls. So visiting it does not require any effort. Located in Vatnajkull National Park, Dettifoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Seydisfjordur sits in a fjord, and you've probably guessed already that 'fjordur' means fjord in the Icelandic language. 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. The female usually lays a single egg and keeps it warm (together with a male partner) for the next 42 days. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. We knew that Seydisfjordur is home to one of the most Instagrammable spots in Iceland. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. 7,5 Hours. Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Other activities that you can book include boat trips, kayak tours, rent a bicycle, or for a real challenge try paragliding. It's also one of the best places to see wild reindeer in Iceland. So, later on, we had to buy an extra memory card for a camera inAkureyri. 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. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. On one of the tables upstairs you can spot a massive book with photos and history for every house of Seydisfjordur. Mid-range | Hotel Aldan - The Post Office - This hotel offers a central location, clean and nicely decorated rooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavk - Viator Therefore, you do not need to be worried that there is nothing to do at Borgarfjordur except watch puffins. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. This one is more a gathering and a meeting place for professionals interested in traditional jobs and skills. We parked the car at the designate area and followed the path to the nesting site. Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. BEND, Ore., Jan. Four, 2023 /PRNewswire/ Puffin Drinkwear, makers of character-infused clothing to your drink to wear, introduced nowadays a Series A round led by way of Village Family Capital and Jim. Places to Visit in Seydisfjordur - Tripadvisor Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. 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. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. We head east on a scenic road across a . Drive slowly. The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. Mind to wear proper hiking boots and to bring sticks, because some parts are a little difficult. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. There are actually two art residencies in town. There's a special hideout viewing location near the harbour of the town which allows visitors to view a wide variety of unique bird species native to the area. Landmannalaugar, The geothermal paradise tourists never hear about, The South Coast of Iceland - the ultimate guide. Here's the list of the best hotel options in Borgarfjordur Eystri for all types of travelers. Private Puffin and Elves from East Iceland - Iceland Highlights Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. Even if you plan on traveling further and do not plan on spending the night in Seydisfjordur, you should allow yourself some time to walk around the village. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. Get a 5% discount on This is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland. From Iceland Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. 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! 10,5 Hours, $ We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. Iceland Shore Excursions - Arctic Shorex By the way, on Road 93 connecting Egilsstasir with Seydisfjordur, we saw an unusual exhibition showcasing TVs with mountains as a background. A boom in herring fishing meant that Seydisfjordur later became the most prosperous town in eastern Iceland.
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