The driver was the guide, and there were 17 passengers on the tour. When the breeding season comes, puffins seek places such as Borgarfjordur, where they find protection on the cliffs covered with grass above the sea. Part 6 of the My Iceland Project. In Seyisfjrur you will find hostels, hotels, guesthouses as well as a camping ground and caravan site. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike. One was dead ahead. Regular walking shoes should be more than fine for walking around the town, but we would wear hiking boots for most outdoor adventures. Here you can find more information on the best time to visit Iceland. Yes, visiting Seydisfjordur is a detour off the Ring Road. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. 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. Once you arrive at the information centre you'll appreciate it being warm and cosy, with sofas and free coffee and tea for visitors. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. Sometimes Heima also organises special events to showcase the work in progress of artists in residencies. Moreover, Seydisfjordur sits in the valley, and when it rains, many new waterfalls appear and flow down the steep walls. Rainbow path to the Blue Church in Seydisfjordur. Remember, that if you do not want to pay that much for a night or the town is booked up, you can look for accommodation in Egilsstadir, which is only thirty minutes' drive away. 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! Mid-range | Hotel Aldan - The Post Office - This hotel offers a central location, clean and nicely decorated rooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. 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! Many boats stop here during the summer months, and the townserves as a gateway to Iceland for many tourists. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. A staircase beside the bar leads to first floor, where there the Art Gallery is located. It's also one of the best places to see wild reindeer in Iceland. 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. Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. We stopped overlooking a small bay where we spotted several Humpback whales swimming out to sea. Austursigling (Seydisfjordur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Seydisfjordur Village - Guided Tour East Iceland | Iceland Travel As Egilsstadir is Iceland's transport hub, you should not have a problem getting to your next destination from here. 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. Join Pete and Judy on 2023 Grand World Voyage onboard the ms Zuiderdam, Subscribe to the Blog and Newsletter HERE, jQuery(function($){$(".divibooster_year").text(new Date().getFullYear());}); by The Inside Cabin All rights reserved. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Puffin Tours In Seydisfjordur Iceland. Another great alternative is Viator. 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. House walls are all in different colours, many of which feature drawings and naf paintings. Iceland Shore Excursions - Arctic Shorex * 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. Get a 5% discount on Sometimes forgetting that many countries do in fact also have their own south coasts. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. The parking is less than 4 kilometers from Seydisfjordur. 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! A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . 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. Just east of Seydisfjordur is the remote farm of Skalanes. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Hehe damn, I got the place name wrong , Pfff you can actually remember the name of Icelandic places? The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. 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 youre interested, you will have time to take the easy hike up the Alfaborg. Puffins, Elves & more - Seydisfjordur - Arctic Shorex Only a short boat-ride from the city center. Both nature and the Arts go hand in hand in Seydisfjordur, inspiring and encouraging each other, It's impossible to miss the creative vibes in the air. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. The long road from Hfn to the ghost town of Seyisfjrur had looked like something from a Jaguar commercial. It is either in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM and then in the afternoon, between 6 PM and 10 PM. Even if you spend a few hours there, the sense of freedom and true wilderness won't disappoint. Today, the town continues to live off fishing, tourism and handicrafts, having been established as one of the main stops on cruises around Iceland. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. The area here is completely devoted to wildlife, with seals, whales, reindeers and 47 species of birds. Seydisfjordur is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful wooden buildings, cafes, handicrafts, mountainous scenery, and hard-to-beat location. 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. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. It's only about 20 minute climbing, but it's best to wear waterproof shoes because there are small streams of water to cross. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. $ For colder days, ask for a table in the back room, with view on the bay. The Blue church was open for visitors when we arrived, but we learned it was closed for most of the morning. 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. We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. Located in the remote northeast corner of Iceland, the newly built harbor of Hafnarholmi lies just a few miles north of Borgarfjodur Eystri (aka Bakkagerdi). When looking at the mountains around you, you can notice avalanche protection walls almost everywhere. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Your cart is empty 10,5 Hours. 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. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. Up to half of the entire puffin population in Iceland nests in the islands. News from Iceland, What to do and see, local travel tips and expertise. Many puffin visits require you to get over your seasickness and buckle up for an hour or so on a boat, but quite a few good ones can be reached by car. As with any serious mission, you'll need a special map, available at the information centre. I loved seeing all these puffins! Small group tour with a local guide. Save. You will find it behind the Blue Church mentioned in an above section, and with the outside walls painted with cartoons you cannot miss it! 7,5 Hours. The islandViguris the largest of three islands in the fjord, and a good place to see puffins. As we make our way to the town, we will stop at some of the most picturesque spots, including hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. 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. It was a long, terrifying, white-knuckled drive to get here and see the puffins. On one side, there are puffins which from time to time fly out to the sea and then return with fish in their beaks. 110 Seydisfjordur, Iceland In The Footsteps of the Elves Excursion Wandering around the streets it's like walking in a surrealist painting. We could see it later more closely when we took awhale watching tour in Husavik, during which a flock of puffins followed us for a while and dived frequently. It led towards a mountain range. That's why the best time to visit Seydisfjordur might be during the shoulder season, either April and May or September and October. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. Puffin Tours In Seydisfjordur Iceland | Reykjavik Tourism Office Seydisfjordur is also home to an annual culture festival called LungA, which takes place every July. Easy to walk to center of town. 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. The highest (1085m) is the majestic and monumental Bjlfur. Their nachos with fresh creamy local cheese are tasty and perfect. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. Seydisfjordur is a town ringed by a rainbow of tin houses and dramatic snowcapped peaks. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. 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. Ltrabjarg in the Westfjords of Iceland - Guide to Iceland Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. Inside the space you'll find all the most incredible objects, all made by Vigds Helga Jnsdttir and her husband Sigurur Hauksson. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. Thankfully, the inside of the cafe was warm. The big part of the road is unpaved but without holes, and there is ongoing construction to improve road conditions. 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. 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. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. Sklanes is accessible only by foot, jeep or by mountain bike, because there are rivers to cross to reach the research and information centre at the very heart of the park. Travel in the summer season and see puffins, or arrive a bit later, in the autumn or winter, and spot the Northern Lights. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. All rights reserved. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. Landmannalaugar is a fascinating geological wonder, a geothermal oasis on the Highlands of Iceland, surrounded by multicolored mountains and steaming lava fields. This is a mission indeed, and the prize is to earn the official document crowning you as a Seyisfjrur Mountain Viking". It is also a period when the town attracts crowds and prices are high. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. 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 first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. You will see art and handicrafts in almost every garden and virtually every house when you walk around. Another reason was that ourIceland itinerarywas packed. Therefore, we've put together the top places to see puffins in Iceland that are well-accessible. However, it is still possible to drive from or to Egilsstadir in case there is no hotel available. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. Finally, it was moved to Seydisfjordur in 1920. Length 2.0 miElevation gain 1,515 ftRoute type Out & back. We walked at over to take a look after a brief stop in the cruise terminal where we bought a few key chains. We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. One of the main attractions in town is the Blue Church and Rainbow street. 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. On one of the tables upstairs you can spot a massive book with photos and history for every house of Seydisfjordur. Our travel guide includes what to expect from visiting Seydisfjordur and tips on the best things to see and do while there. * South Coast Puffins, Elves & more - Private Tour - Wild Westfjords 7,5 Hours, $ If you plan on seeing the puffins straightaway, you need to drive past the village until you reach the very end of the road. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. 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. haha. We really love our swimming pools band we have strict rules you need to know about! support@getlocal.is. For a bargain go there for lunch. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If you . The combination of colors and the church at the end of the street is pretty photogenic, and if you want to enjoy the sight just by yourself, your timing must be perfect. It draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. 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. Bakkageri was on the sea, on the other side of a mountain range. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. We left the car there and covered the rest of the distance on foot. 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. Without any further ado, here's our pick of activities and things to see and do in Seydisfjordur. 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. And turf roofed houses, the home Husavik Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall We arrived back in Seydisfjordur around 3 PM. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Inglfshfi South of rfajkull glacier, Reynisfjall near Vk Mrdal, and Dyrhlaey (also en route to Vk) are puffin colonies on the South Coast. The island of Skrur is home to the biggest cave on the East Coast of Iceland, as well as a popular puffin colony. Explore the scenic surroundings of the mystical Lake Lagarfljot serene forests, panoramic views, offbeat waterfalls and more! Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! 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. Their growling sounds like a muffled chainsaw! About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. 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 brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord. Skaftfell building is a grand old house from 1907, that's on Austurvegur, on the back of the gas station on Hafnargata. 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. 2023 World Cruise Itinerary, Menus, Programs & Entertainer, 2022 Wonder of the Seas Westbound Transatlantic, 2022 Wonder of the Seas WB Transatlantic Itinerary, Interactive Cruise Map Click on Marker for more information, 2022 Wonder of The Seas, Westbound Transatlantic Reference, Itinerary with Menus, Daily Programs and Entertainment, Itinerary, Menus, When and Wheres and Entertainers, Itinerary, Menus, When & Wheres and Entertainers 2020 World Cruise, 2018 Seabourn Quest Patagonia and Antarctica Exploration, 2018 Seabourn Quest Patagonia and Antarctica Exploration, Intinerary, Menus and Daily Herald Patagonia & Antarctica Exploration, Itinerary, Menus, When & Wheres and Entertainers 2018 World Cruise, 2017 Craft Cruises Celtic Adventure HAL Zuiderdam, 2017 Craft Cruise Celtic Adventure Map Index, Itinerary, Menus, On Location and Entertainers 2017 Craft Cruises Celtic Adventure, Itinerary, Menus, On Location and Entertainers 2016 CNE Cruise, Itinerary, Menus, On Location and Entertainers, Circle Iceland: 24 days on Nieuw Statendam (Post #1), Black Falcon Check-in and SailAway (Post #3), Tuxedo Junction in the North Atlantic (Post #4), The Big Fiddle Sydney Nova Scotia (Post #5), Sailing Prince Christian Sound (Post #10), Dynjandi & The Westfjords Isafjordur (Post #12), Myvatn, Godafoss & Nature Baths Akureyri (Post #13), Fiber, Falls, Steam and a $55 Hot Dog? One of the things to know about Iceland is that it's a very expensive country - see our Iceland Travel Budget. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. . The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. That is one of the things we appreciated here the most. A three hour whale watching adventure departing from the old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Don't count on taxis, This is a town with a population of around 700. Capital of Elves, Puffins and Hiking It's yours to explore. A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. Bjolfur and Mt. Age 8+. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. A simple hat or umbrella will keep you safe. Foll. It stood on the hill, but a huge storm destroyed it in 1894. Therefore, you do not need to be worried that there is nothing to do at Borgarfjordur except watch puffins. Dont miss out on the biggest music festival of the year: Iceland Airwaves 2018, A classic tour of the Golden Circle. The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. 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.

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