88 LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. During the days of the Festival there's free entry to The Technical Museum of East Iceland, established in 1984. support@getlocal.is. puffins | Borgarfjrur eystri So visiting it does not require any effort. Gardens are decorated with strange and sometimes funny statues while creatures made up from woods, iron or recycled materials roam free. HOME OF THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN. Photos (9) Directions. 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. In the lucky event you have more time my advice is to walk from Seyisfjrur that's what I did! Proudly made in Reykjavk City. A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. View Derrick_Sketchess profile on Instagram, Vatnajkull glacier lakes Fjallsrln andJkulsrln, Hverir geothermal area an alien landscape that cant bemissed, Things about Iceland that will inspire you to go StickyMangoRice, Iceland Ring Road the ultimate 2 week road trip StickyMangoRice, Renting a SADcar in Iceland My Experience Driving A Second-Hand Car Around Route 1 StickyMangoRice. The only thing we regretted during our two-week trip around Iceland was we did not have enough time for hiking. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. And there's no one here. We couldnt see much more than their backs as they glided through the water. As the name suggests, it is located in an old hospital building. She performed a wide variety of songs from current hits to opera. 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. 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. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. Borgarfjordur eystri village | East Iceland | Iceland Travel 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. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. If you're well exercised why do not try the Seven Peaks mission? 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. After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. We recommend you book a room with a balcony overlooking the fjord if available. Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. After climbing all seven peaks, go back to present the map with holes at the information centre and you'll get your precious rewardon top of all the inspiration, wilderness and fairy sceneries you'll have experienced and enjoyed throughout this incredible journey. Enough to fill your camera's space and wonder where on Earth there could be more. All rights reserved. I loved seeing all these puffins! Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! There are three ways to get to Seydisfjordur. A black and white movie will teach you how life was in the village when fish processing was main activity for local economy. 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. The goal is to climb, in 24 hours, all the seven mountains surrounding the town and fjord. This place is BEAUTIFUL. Re: Cruise port. Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. Your email address will not be published. All throughout the year it schedules temporary exhibitions focusing on visual contemporary arts. The road is sneaking around the snow-capped mountains, and you will very soon see the sea views. And btw, it was Borgarfjordur Eystri!!! 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. Mid-range | Blabjorg Guesthouse - Wonderful, newly refurbished guesthouse offers equipped kitchen, and there are even a sauna and hot tub. 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. Other than being a stop for cruises departing during the summer bound for America & Greenland, all year round the port is connected once a week to Denmark by Smyril Line. 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. We also share practical information that will help you get the most out of the trip to this town nestled between Mt. 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. Go Campers I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. Three of us took over the back row with 4 seats which gave us a little more room. 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. 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 first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. This one is more a gathering and a meeting place for professionals interested in traditional jobs and skills. Wandering around the streets it's like walking in a surrealist painting. One of the things to know about Iceland is that it's a very expensive country - see our Iceland Travel Budget. Items in your cart However, there are plenty of hiking trails near Seydisfjordur in case you hear the calling of the wild. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. The harbor is very photogenic, so snap a few photos before you excitedly run to see the puffins. 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. Some rooms have a sea view - go for it if it is still available. The mountainous pass between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur is accountable for two things. The sun dips behind the clouds as I head back south to Egilsstadir and then east to camp in Seydisfjordur. The road to see the puffin colonies on the east coast of Iceland is a winding mountain drive. This is a private tour. Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. Thankfully, the inside of the cafe was warm. 88 Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. Even if you spend a few hours there, the sense of freedom and true wilderness won't disappoint. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. Top Things to Do in Seydisfjordur, Iceland Places to Visit in Seydisfjordur Ways to tour Seydisfjordur Book these experiences for a close-up look at Seydisfjordur. It is also a period when the town attracts crowds and prices are high. , Yeah they were cool! 13 Day Cruises from 18,478.89 per adult Idfjoll Raid Adventure Tours from 1,66,310.00 per adult Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Play Hide And Seek. 2. Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. Camping | If you plan on camping in Iceland, you will find campsites in Seydisfjordur or Egilsstadir. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. It remains a divers' wreck at the bottom of the fjord. Places to Visit in Seydisfjordur - Tripadvisor The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. Read more:5 Things you need to know about Puffins. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Luxury | Vid Lonid Guesthouse - Set in a wooden house and decorated in Scandinavian minimalist design, this guesthouse truly deserves to be one of the best hotels in Seydisfjordur. From this point, you must descend everything you've just ascended. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. On one of the tables upstairs you can spot a massive book with photos and history for every house of Seydisfjordur. 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. Once you reach the pass, there is a new viewing platform where you can take a break. There are actually two art residencies in town. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. It is newly refurbished, and guests can choose from dormitories and private rooms. Our travel guide includes tips on photographing puffins, how to visit Borgarfjordur fjord, how to get there, and where to stay. Back on the tender pier, they were passing out small paper cups with hot chocolate. - or to go by bike. 3,5 Hours, Garatorg 5, 210 Garabr, Iceland A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. 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. 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? Iceland is a famous road trip destination. Let us know! 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! Spotting puffins: here is our map showing the best places around Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. As with any serious mission, you'll need a special map, available at the information centre. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. Mind to wear proper hiking boots and to bring sticks, because some parts are a little difficult. 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. $ Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. One of the main attractions in town is the Blue Church and Rainbow street. 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. 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. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! Budget | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building - This place is one of the nicest hostels we've ever seen. Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. 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. As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. One of the landmarks of Seyisfjrur is The Blue Church / Blakirkja. Viking was moored alongside the cruise terminal, and she had her own tour buses meeting her passengers. I feel so lucky to see it. This simple pale blue church lies in the centre of town, and it's open to visitors in the summer, when there's also a series of concerts featuring classical and traditional folk musicians. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. House walls are all in different colours, many of which feature drawings and naf paintings. Iceland Road Trip Day 3: Puffin Colony | As Her World Turns Borgarfjordur Eystri (Borgarfjrur) is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland in the summer. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. At the peak of the summer season there is a very special event in Seydisfjordur. The total population is around 14 million, and the largest colony lives on Iceland's Westman Island. His wingspan is around 47-65 cm. 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 puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. We left the car there and covered the rest of the distance on foot. The pretty Lindarbakki red turf roofed house Once you're there, you are likely to need to get on a boat to get close to the birds, but if observing from far is your thing, the numbers of puffin will work in your favour. The town of Egilsstadir was on the way, and we spent about 15 minutes driving thru with our driver providing some commentary. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike. Sometimes forgetting that many countries do in fact also have their own south coasts. We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. Yes, visiting Seydisfjordur is a detour off the Ring Road. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Small group tour with a local guide. To document how amazing puffins in Borgarfjordur are, we must admit that after visiting the village and taking hundreds of photos, we realized that the number ofmemory cardswe have is probably not enough for the two-week trip. Iceland Shore Excursions - Arctic Shorex The area here is completely devoted to wildlife, with seals, whales, reindeers and 47 species of birds. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. So it is good to know there is a wooden observation shack for photographers (you can sit here quietly and open windows for better photos) where you can hide for a while. A few minutes later we made another brief stop at the home of Icelandic painter Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval. No spam, just fun! The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. Therefore, we've put together the top places to see puffins in Iceland that are well-accessible. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! Therefore, you do not need to be worried that there is nothing to do at Borgarfjordur except watch puffins. The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. The road is winding, and if the weather is clear, amazing views start to open up. While puffins look like miniature versions of penguins with colorful beaks, the sound they make doesn't resemble any other animal. Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. When abroad she badly misses harfiskur, srmjlk and hot tubs! Go Campers Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Hosting has been a passion for locals throughout the years and is visible through the wide selection of accommodation. 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Bjolfur and Mt. And when all seems quiet, from October to December, LungA people in Seydisfjordur take care of an international school. Home / Tours / Seydisfjordur / Puffins, Elves & more, Puffins and other sea birds at the Hafnarholmi islet Seyisfjrur, the secret gem of the East : GetLocal Learn how your comment data is processed. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. 110 An unsettling thought. 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 draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. 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.