We stopped overlooking a small bay where we spotted several Humpback whales swimming out to sea. 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. Quite a fascinating history for such a little church. The islandViguris the largest of three islands in the fjord, and a good place to see puffins. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. Here you can find various restaurants and shops with local goods. The female usually lays a single egg and keeps it warm (together with a male partner) for the next 42 days. Hosting has been a passion for locals throughout the years and is visible through the wide selection of accommodation. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. less. The area is famous for hiking and surrounded by a great deal of myth. 13 Day Cruises from 18,478.89 per adult Idfjoll Raid Adventure Tours from 1,66,310.00 per adult * Borgarfjrur Eystri, East Iceland 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. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. Puffin Tour from Seyisfjrur - Iceland Highlights We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. 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. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. The parking is less than 4 kilometers from Seydisfjordur. Home | Visit Seyisfjrur - Visit Seydisfjordur 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. Do you want to know more about this subject? Whales spend the winter in the fjord, when water is warmer there, then move to open sea for the summer. From Iceland Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Sail into Faxafloi bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins and harbor porpoises. culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. 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. 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 total population is around 14 million, and the largest colony lives on Iceland's Westman Island. 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. Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. While puffins look like miniature versions of penguins with colorful beaks, the sound they make doesn't resemble any other animal. 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 couldnt see much more than their backs as they glided through the water. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. The area here is completely devoted to wildlife, with seals, whales, reindeers and 47 species of birds. 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. There is no need to have 4WD in the summer. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. 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. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. One can clearly recognise the Scandinavian style in the many wood buildings still existing in the village. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. On one side, there are puffins which from time to time fly out to the sea and then return with fish in their beaks. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Go birding in Seydisfjordur. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. Please send us a line at [email protected]. Only a short boat-ride from the city center. Firstly, the drive is incredibly scenic, and the way itself is actually one of the best reasons that should persuade you to visit this former fishing village. Required fields are marked *. Twenty minutes later, we stopped at an overlook for a photo-op of Egilsstadir, which was below us in the valley. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. The price for Borgarfjordur Campground is 1200 ISK per person, plus 400 ISK per hot shower. The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord. Gufufoss Waterfall was our final stop and we spent about 10 minutes here before moving on. For a bargain go there for lunch. 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. 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! What to do in Seydisfjordur, Iceland Cruise Port Part 6 of the My Iceland Project. 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. 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. Enough to fill your camera's space and wonder where on Earth there could be more. Skaftfell building is a grand old house from 1907, that's on Austurvegur, on the back of the gas station on Hafnargata. The brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. Vikings tales, mountains, waterfalls, whales, puffins, bohemian vibes, art festivals and tasty food. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. Icelands third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to a lake monster, the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm). Inside the space you'll find all the most incredible objects, all made by Vigds Helga Jnsdttir and her husband Sigurur Hauksson. It is good to know that the Borgarfjordur puffin site is quite small, so be respectful to other visitors and puffins, of course. It is one of Iceland 's supreme hiking areas with magnificent colorful mountains, beautiful rocks and rare stones.. Borgarfjrur eystri - CAPITAL of the Puffins Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. We left the car there and covered the rest of the distance on foot. Upon arriving in Egilsstair, I am greeted by Magnfrur lf Ptursdttir, better known as Magga, who promises to take me on a tour to discover elves, puffins and perhaps even some reindeer that are hiding in the area. One of the landmarks of Seyisfjrur is The Blue Church / Blakirkja. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 88 A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. A staircase, viewing platform and wooden walkways make it easy to get closer to birds whilst remaining safe. Bjolfur and Mt. Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. By the way, on Road 93 connecting Egilsstasir with Seydisfjordur, we saw an unusual exhibition showcasing TVs with mountains as a background. 110 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. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. 2. Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. We really love our swimming pools band we have strict rules you need to know about! 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. But they were great. Do you have a question or want something customised?Send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. All this on Rnargata, the tiny street leading to Blue Church paved with stones painted in rainbow colours. The way was steep and winding, and it was cold enough that the snow at altitude didnt melt. 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. Small group tour with a local guide. Young students from different countries arrive in town to live together for 12 weeks, developing art projects and learning new skills. If youre interested, you will have time to take the easy hike up the Alfaborg. Bakkageri was on the sea, on the other side of a mountain range. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. 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 road gets more exciting once the path turns right and you start climbing to the mountain pass. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. It remains a divers' wreck at the bottom of the fjord. Therefore, you do not need to be worried that there is nothing to do at Borgarfjordur except watch puffins. I loved seeing all these puffins! Seydisfjordur, Iceland. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike - AllTrails.com Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. Even though seeing puffins in Borgarfjordur is completely free, you can donate some money if you want to support this site. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. 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. 7,5 Hours, $ 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 does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Nowadays, the main source of income is tourism. Also, make sure you wear something warm such as a down jacket (that's what we wore that day). Proudly made in Reykjavk City. [email protected]. I went to one in an abandoned fish warehouse early September 2017. The road is sneaking around the snow-capped mountains, and you will very soon see the sea views. - or to go by bike. Due to the boardwalk, capturing puffins is very easy as you will get as close to them as possible. We saw some people hiking to the top, but we took a pass. At the end of the road ahead of the town are a picturesque little harbour and the Hafnarholmi hill. Do you have a question or want something customised? The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. It was cold, mid 40s, but the predicted rain was yet to materialize. However, there are plenty of hiking trails near Seydisfjordur in case you hear the calling of the wild. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. If you travel in a campervan as we did, the cheapest place to stay in Borgarfjordur is the campsite. Try fishing or kayaking in the long fjord that leads to Seydisfjordur. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. Three of us took over the back row with 4 seats which gave us a little more room. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". Once you arrive at the information centre you'll appreciate it being warm and cosy, with sofas and free coffee and tea for visitors. Connected by one mountain road, Seydisfjordur is a remote treasure. 98 reviews. House walls are all in different colours, many of which feature drawings and naf paintings. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. We parked the car at the designate area and followed the path to the nesting site. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. 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. It, too, was mostly hidden by fog. Wandering around the streets it's like walking in a surrealist painting. Seydisfjordur sits in a fjord, and you've probably guessed already that 'fjordur' means fjord in the Icelandic language. It can host 6 emerging artists at same time, living and working in a 350 square meters space. The location of this nesting site is absolutely fabulous. At the tourist information point you can book tours and find maps for local hiking trails. 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. Here you can find more information on the best time to visit Iceland. Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. However, it is still possible to drive from or to Egilsstadir in case there is no hotel available. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. haha. We just couldn't get enough of the views. Seydisfjordur, Iceland In The Footsteps of the Elves Excursion 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. Seydisfjordur - Fjarar: 19 Reviews, Map - Eastern, Iceland | AllTrails Borgarfjordur Eystri (Borgarfjrur) is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland in the summer. Where to visit puffins in Iceland - StickyMangoRice Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. We rented a campervan, and could not be happier with this choice as we could stop anywhere we wanted. All rights reserved. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. 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? 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! One of the things to know about Iceland is that it's a very expensive country - see our Iceland Travel Budget. From late May to July the famous puffins also migrate here in large colonies to build their nests. 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! Travel in the summer season and see puffins, or arrive a bit later, in the autumn or winter, and spot the Northern Lights. It led towards a mountain range. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 10 min to complete. The only thing we regretted during our two-week trip around Iceland was we did not have enough time for hiking. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. We knew that Seydisfjordur is home to one of the most Instagrammable spots in Iceland. 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. Austursigling (Seydisfjordur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 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. These cute birds are also fast, reaching speeds of 80kmh (50mph). Availability 4. 7,5 Hours. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. This mid-valley hike starts and ends in Seydisfjordur. So visiting it does not require any effort. Despite being difficult to access, it's well worth a visit. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. 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. We could not be happier with our choice, as watching puffins in their natural habitat was one of our favorite activities in the Land of Ice and Fire. The best way to get to get to Borgarfjordur Eystri is by car as it allows you to stop as often as you want. Borgarfjordur puffin nesting site can get pretty windy, and the conditions can be quite harsh when it rains. That is one of the things we appreciated here the most. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. A staircase beside the bar leads to first floor, where there the Art Gallery is located. So, later on, we had to buy an extra memory card for a camera inAkureyri. Singer Jamila was the featured entertainer on the World Stage. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. Expect to find the typical tourist list of the best things to see and do here. The main road led us directly to a small parking lot right next to the church. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! 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. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . 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. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. 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. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. 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. Seyisfjrur, the secret gem of the East : GetLocal This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Borgarfjordur eystri village | East Iceland | Iceland Travel Despite there only being around 300 houses in Seyisfjrur, finding a place to stay is simple and easy. A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. 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. Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. 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. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! Skaftfell Art Centre is an institution, not only for Seydisfjordur but for whole Iceland. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. A black and white movie will teach you how life was in the village when fish processing was main activity for local economy. 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 Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Play Hide And Seek. It is a low intensity hike, where you also get the opportunity to see Iceland's oldest operational power plant called Fjardarselsvirkjun. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. Text about each place below the map, clockwise from Kollafjrur bay, West Iceland. 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. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. The Technical Museum of East Iceland and Blacksmith Festival. The road to see the puffin colonies on the east coast of Iceland is a winding mountain drive. 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. When on top you'll find the 5 concrete domes of Tvisongur, the smallest being 2 meters tall, the tallest being 4 meters tall. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. Secondly, Seydisfjordur feels quite remote, especially when you take into account that the road ends here. Puffin Tours | Day Tours Iceland | Arctic Adventures Seydisfjordur Village - Guided Tour East Iceland | Iceland Travel At the southern end of the fjord, 17km from Seyisfjrur, flourishes the natural reserve of Sklanes. 1 day. We start the tour by driving over the mountain pass to Egilsstadir. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. 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. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. You might have noticed when you travel around Iceland that almost every town, no matter how big or small has a swimming pool. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. 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. 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. It is believed that the total population of the puffin is around 14 million and the largest puffin colony can be found in Westman Islands in Iceland. Vigds puts in shapes of trees, crows and elves a dark and gothic tone with black humor. Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. Seydisfjordur is no exception. 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 happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. His wingspan is around 47-65 cm. Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! The road is winding, and if the weather is clear, amazing views start to open up. Explore the area from above, discover new destinations and hikes. Your cart is empty 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. Nestled between Mt. Its actually such a big deal over here that we tend to refer to it exclusively as The South Coast. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. We recommend you book a room with a balcony overlooking the fjord if available. They're not crazy and evil, but they have nests they want to protect. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The small towns center is known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and picturesque setting around the lagoon. Borgarfjordur Eystri. Admire the unique and colorful Norwegian-style homes in Seydisfjordur. Let us know! It's not a coincidence that artists from all over the world are moving to this very special place to work at their projects. Dont miss out on the biggest music festival of the year: Iceland Airwaves 2018, A classic tour of the Golden Circle. Strandartindur. We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. History of Seydisfjordur The musical connection goes further though as inside there is a pipe organ. Re: Cruise port. . When the conditions are icy and snowy, it is essential to have 4WD and snow chains in the car trunk.
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