The area here is completely devoted to wildlife, with seals, whales, reindeers and 47 species of birds. The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. This one is more a gathering and a meeting place for professionals interested in traditional jobs and skills. It's not a coincidence that artists from all over the world are moving to this very special place to work at their projects. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). Watch on This is the entrance to the Puffin viewing area Puffin burrows While most of the Puffins have departed, there were about a dozen floating in the water below. 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. The price for Borgarfjordur Campground is 1200 ISK per person, plus 400 ISK per hot shower. The driver was the guide, and there were 17 passengers on the tour. Therefore, the town is a great place to buy an authentic souvenirs for your family or yourself. The area is popular for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. 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. 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. That's why there are quite many nice hotels in the town, at least when we take into account the size of the town. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL HIKING TRAILS. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. The nesting season of puffins in Iceland lasts from mid-April to mid-August, so to increase your chances to see those wonderful birds, plan your visit between May and the beginning of August. 110 Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders. 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. Seydisfjordur sits in a fjord, and you've probably guessed already that 'fjordur' means fjord in the Icelandic language. Inside the space you'll find all the most incredible objects, all made by Vigds Helga Jnsdttir and her husband Sigurur Hauksson. One of the main attractions in town is the Blue Church and Rainbow street. Without any further ado, here's our pick of activities and things to see and do in Seydisfjordur. Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. All throughout the year it schedules temporary exhibitions focusing on visual contemporary arts. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. So, later on, we had to buy an extra memory card for a camera inAkureyri. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. So we already know the best season to see puffins, but what is the best time of the day to watch puffins at Borgarfjordur Eystri? You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. HOME OF THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN. 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. In this travel guide, we share with you tips on how to get to Borgarfjordur Eystri, when is the best time to see puffins, where to stay, and what to expect from birdwatching in Hafnarholmi Marina. This friendly team nurture the Festival with positive energies and the healing powers of arts and culture. Once you reach the coastline, it is only a short drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). Drive slowly and carefully as there are no barriers along the way. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. St. Johns (Post #22), France in the North Atlantic St. Pierre (Post #23), The Invasion of the Towel Animals (Post #24), The Mountain and The Mansion Bar Harbor (Post #26), Itinerary, Menus, When & Where and Entertainers, Puffins and Elves -Seydisfjordur (Post #14). This is one of those places where having a proper telephoto lens will make a big difference. You can visit Tvisongur, a place that unites nature and culture. The goal is to climb, in 24 hours, all the seven mountains surrounding the town and fjord. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a small lovely village with not that many accommodation options. 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. We think it is impossible to travel around Iceland and not see at least one incredibly beautiful waterfall per day. However, there are plenty of hiking trails near Seydisfjordur in case you hear the calling of the wild. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. . We saw the poster advertising this bus route in the campground we stayed in, but it is better to ask to know the exact departure times. When the breeding season comes, puffins seek places such as Borgarfjordur, where they find protection on the cliffs covered with grass above the sea. We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that fishing and hunting were the primary sources of living here back in the day. Singer Jamila was the featured entertainer on the World Stage. 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. The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. 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? Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. I drove with headlights and hazard lights. For bird lovers, the stunningly beautiful coastal cliffs are home to a mind-boggling array of seabirds, including eider ducks and Iceland 's famous puffins. Moreover, Seydisfjordur sits in the valley, and when it rains, many new waterfalls appear and flow down the steep walls. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. It is a low intensity hike, where you also get the opportunity to see Iceland's oldest operational power plant called Fjardarselsvirkjun. 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. After lunch, we walked over to the red-painted Lindarbakki turf-roofed house and peered into the windows. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the absolute best RIB-safari tour in Iceland! They shared their home with noisy seagulls, screeching and complaining noisily in their cliffside nests. The observation platform will afford you an excellent view of nesting puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes; the latter being loud gulls named for their nasal "ki-ti-waak" callnotes. If your schedule allows it, check out the hiking trails in the village's surroundings. 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. 10,5 Hours. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. Before we reached the highest point on this route, we had emerged into a snowy wonderland that we had not expected to find here. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. 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. Cars would appear from the mist suddenly, their dim headlights ethereal as they rolled past. Promise! Read more. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. Another great alternative is Viator. Seyisfjrur is the heart of 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 110 We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. From time to time, we retraced our steps to find a new group of puffins and observed their hunting and nesting habits. This mid-valley hike starts and ends in Seydisfjordur. There is one thing you should know. Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. Up to half of the entire puffin population in Iceland nests in the islands. This is quite an impressive number, which makes the village one of the most accessible and safest spots to see puffins in Iceland. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. $ 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. Sometimes forgetting that many countries do in fact also have their own south coasts. Go Campers 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. On each mountain's top you'll find a container with a guest book to sign and a hole puncher, with a different pattern for every mountain, that you must use to punch your map in the stated place. For a bargain go there for lunch. Your email address will not be published. Small group tour with a local guide. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. At the tourist information point you can book tours and find maps for local hiking trails. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. The last weekend of July is the date for The Blacksmith Festival, organised by The Technical Museum of East Iceland on Hafnargata. Sign up for our newsletter! It is one of Iceland 's supreme hiking areas with magnificent colorful mountains, beautiful rocks and rare stones.. The route to Seydisfjordur is the best example and answer to your burning question about why Iceland is best explored by rental car or campervan. We anchored about 1 mile offshore. Get a 5% discount on There were puffins nearby, and we were waiting for a break in the weather to reach them. Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. A three hour whale watching adventure departing from the old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. As pretty much everywhere in Iceland, the hotels in Seydisfjordur are not exactly cheap. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Description This hike used to be a loop, but the western portion is closed and it can now only be completed as an out and back. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. First of all, the Gufufoss is only a few meters from the parking lot, which is just off the main road. We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. The islandViguris the largest of three islands in the fjord, and a good place to see puffins. 89 helpful votes. Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. While plenty of puffins will be super close, you might still consider bringing binoculars to observe their hunting habits, if you're not a photo enthusiast. Once ashore, there was a little confusion over the meeting spot. Your email address will not be published. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. 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! Enough to fill your camera's space and wonder where on Earth there could be more. 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. Nestled between Mt. * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland We saw puffins in Iceland!!! If your response is positive, you should start looking for the best hotel in Seydisfjordur. Join us in Borgarfjrur eystri, also known as The Puffin Capital of Iceland and the home of the Elves, where our expert Captain will take you on an hour-long journey filled with excitement and breathtaking scenery that you won't soon forget. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. 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. Landmannalaugar is a fascinating geological wonder, a geothermal oasis on the Highlands of Iceland, surrounded by multicolored mountains and steaming lava fields. His wingspan is around 47-65 cm. Print/PDF map. Only you can answer this question. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. 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. About 10 after 1 PM we headed back to Seydisfjordur. The only thing we regretted during our two-week trip around Iceland was we did not have enough time for hiking. Keep your eyes open for Icelandic sheep and puffins in Seydisfjordur. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . 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. Its easy to access and many breathtaking sights to see. 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. Part 6 of the My Iceland Project. 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. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. 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! Go Campers It's a 3 hours hike but not difficult at all. A staircase beside the bar leads to first floor, where there the Art Gallery is located. 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. The location of this nesting site is absolutely fabulous. Required fields are marked *. * 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. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. By the way, on Road 93 connecting Egilsstasir with Seydisfjordur, we saw an unusual exhibition showcasing TVs with mountains as a background. We found the puffins nesting and fishing at the end of a small peninsula, high atop an outcrop of sea rocks. 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. Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. 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. Borgarfjrur eystri - CAPITAL of the Puffins Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. When looking at the mountains around you, you can notice avalanche protection walls almost everywhere. We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. These birds can be found in North Atlantic, and you can watch them not only in Iceland but also in Greenland, Faroe Island, or Norway, just to name a few locations. It led towards a mountain range. 7,5 Hours, $ They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. 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. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. The most famous one is The Waterfall Lane, which starts nearby the swimming pool. 100% refund if your ship does not dock We saw some people hiking to the top, but we took a pass. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. A black and white movie will teach you how life was in the village when fish processing was main activity for local economy. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road. Seydisfjordur is no exception. 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. During the summer is great to dine on the tables outside, smiling at people and enjoying the sun. Your cart is empty Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. Aldan is the most famous and oldest hotel, open all year and hosting guests in different buildings. There are many activities available for both nature and adventure lovers in the fjord. Visit with us Borgarfjordur, a small village famous for wonderful scenery and nesting Atlantic Puffins. So when should you arrive in Borgarfjordur to see puffins? Ltrabjarg is also one of the westernmost parts of Europe (2432'3" west). If what you have been reading has inspired you to spend one or more days in Seydisfjordur, there's plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. There is also a shop, where you can find souvenirs, art books and prints. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. We were back on the ship at 4:30pm. At the end of the road ahead of the town are a picturesque little harbour and the Hafnarholmi hill. 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. Its actually such a big deal over here that we tend to refer to it exclusively as The South Coast. Last year there were boys from Poland and two energetic and very creative girls from South Africa in charge of building from second-hand materials the set for the festival, enclosing a working yellow lighthouse. 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. 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. Bakkageri was on the sea, on the other side of a mountain range. The way was steep and winding, and it was cold enough that the snow at altitude didnt melt. The parking is less than 4 kilometers from Seydisfjordur. 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. Yes, visiting Seydisfjordur is a detour off the Ring Road. We couldnt see much more than their backs as they glided through the water. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. In the lucky event you have more time my advice is to walk from Seyisfjrur that's what I did! All rights reserved. It is also one of the reasons why the village sits only on one side of the fjord. 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. A few minutes later we made another brief stop at the home of Icelandic painter Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval. 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. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. 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. 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. They might not have a bank or a hospital but theyll have a swimming pool! Eventually, we decided to give it a go, and it turned out to be a great decision. Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to KnowJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The Iceberg Lake in Southeast IcelandGolden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. 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. 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. 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. 88 Finally, it was moved to Seydisfjordur in 1920. So visiting it does not require any effort. The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins.
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