It is good to know that the Borgarfjordur puffin site is quite small, so be respectful to other visitors and puffins, of course. The area is famous for hiking and surrounded by a great deal of myth. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. It's only about 20 minute climbing, but it's best to wear waterproof shoes because there are small streams of water to cross. 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. One of the reasons was that we planned our trip to Iceland rather spontaneously and did not have much time to gather all the information about every single must-see place and top attraction in the country. 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 draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. Length 2.0 miElevation gain 1,515 ftRoute type Out & back. The islandViguris the largest of three islands in the fjord, and a good place to see puffins. See the world famous erupting geyser & hot springs, experience the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, as you walk down the lava canyon in ingvellir, $ You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Skaftfell Art Centre is an institution, not only for Seydisfjordur but for whole Iceland. We rented a campervan, and could not be happier with this choice as we could stop anywhere we wanted. For colder days, ask for a table in the back room, with view on the bay. 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. What to do in Seydisfjordur, Iceland Cruise Port It led towards a mountain range. The island of Skrur is home to the biggest cave on the East Coast of Iceland, as well as a popular puffin colony. Part 3 of our Road Trip along Iceland's Ring Road brought us to the town of Egilsstadir. If you're well exercised why do not try the Seven Peaks mission? From time to time, we retraced our steps to find a new group of puffins and observed their hunting and nesting habits. Don't forget to bring a rain jacket to stay dry and a down jacket to keep your body warm, even in the summer. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. Three of us took over the back row with 4 seats which gave us a little more room. The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. It's unmarked and tiny (it's just a pull-off area), and we have to admit that we missed it on the way down. Well sheltered from the ocean, the islet is one of the best places for viewing puffins in Iceland. 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. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. Admire the unique and colorful Norwegian-style homes in Seydisfjordur. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. Iceland is a famous road trip destination. Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP The road to see the puffin colonies on the east coast of Iceland is a winding mountain drive. There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. It can host 6 emerging artists at same time, living and working in a 350 square meters space. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. The area's flowering plants may be the most beautiful and diverse in Iceland.Other selling points include puffin watching, legends about hidden elves, and . We parked the car at the designate area and followed the path to the nesting site. Budget | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building - This place is one of the nicest hostels we've ever seen. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Play Hide And Seek. Here's the list of the best hotel options in Borgarfjordur Eystri for all types of travelers. Go birding in Seydisfjordur. Less than 700 inhabitants live in Seydisfjordur (Seyisfjrur), but the town is no longer a hidden gem that no one knows about. Volunteers fly from all over the world and give their contributions towards the decorating, planning, cooking and even.cleaning! About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. And leaving the main road to visit Seyisfjrur will both enchant you and leave you with a number of happy memories. At the end of the day, you might even realize that you actually did not see and do much here. Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. We recommend you make a reservation well in advance because the puffin season coincides with the high season in Iceland. Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. So when should you arrive in Borgarfjordur to see puffins? And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. 110 During the summer is great to dine on the tables outside, smiling at people and enjoying the sun. Alfaborg, the home of the elf queen These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. A boom in herring fishing meant that Seydisfjordur later became the most prosperous town in eastern Iceland. This is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland. When we returned, we were delighted that we decided to incorporate Seydisfjordur in ourEast Fjords itinerary, which you should definitely check out too. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Seydisfjordur is a very small village, so you'll need approximately thirty to sixty minutes to walk around the tourist area. Print/PDF map. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. 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. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. A staircase beside the bar leads to first floor, where there the Art Gallery is located. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. It was cold, mid 40s, but the predicted rain was yet to materialize. When on top you'll find the 5 concrete domes of Tvisongur, the smallest being 2 meters tall, the tallest being 4 meters tall. Ltrabjarg in the Westfjords of Iceland - Guide to Iceland Along the Rainbow street are a few shops selling clothes and locally made items along with a caf. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. 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. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port Seydisfjordur is only 27 kilometers off Ring Road. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. 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! Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL HIKING TRAILS. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. We knew that Puffins go hunting to the sea, but they're also exceptional divers, something we would not have guessed. But they were great. The weather made Seyisfjrur an eerie place, almost as if something from a horror movie. Cruises to Seydisfjordur, Iceland | Royal Caribbean Cruises Some rooms have a sea view - go for it if it is still available. Photos (9) Directions. We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. I drove with headlights and hazard lights. Another great alternative is Viator. In 2017 there were 3000 people for the final night, with groups of friends travelling from Reykjavik to enjoy music and dancing under the bright clear sky of the Icelandic midnight sun. 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. Other activities that you can book include boat trips, kayak tours, rent a bicycle, or for a real challenge try paragliding. The way there was route 94, a long, gravelly, spine-shaking off road highway. A black and white movie will teach you how life was in the village when fish processing was main activity for local economy. 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. Well, if we had to make our pick, it would be detouring to the fjord towns of Seydisfjordur and Borgarfjordur Eystri in the north east corner of the country. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. The view of Seyisfjrur as you are driving down the road from Egilsstair is definitely unforgettable. With some luck and patience, we spotted a Puffin within 10 feet for about 15 seconds before flying away. 88 The card costs three times more than we are used to paying in the Czech Republic, so we recommend you one thing. Austursigling (Seydisfjordur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. 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. We recommend you book a room with a balcony overlooking the fjord if available. 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! A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . We start the tour by driving over the mountain pass to Egilsstadir. 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. These cute birds are also fast, reaching speeds of 80kmh (50mph). Even though Borgarfjordur Eystri in East Fjords is quite a remote spot and a detour off the well-traveled Ring Road, it is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland.. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. The only thing we regretted during our two-week trip around Iceland was we did not have enough time for hiking. * Westman Islands An unsettling thought. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. Seydisfjordur, Iceland In The Footsteps of the Elves Excursion Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. 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. The pretty Lindarbakki red turf roofed house 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. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. Your email address will not be published. At the top of the mountain pass, the clouds had completely enveloped the world the snowy roadside, the other cars, the road itself everything was gone. Sign up for our newsletter! Another easy and short hike is the one to reach Tvsongur, a sound sculpture built in 2012 by German artist Lukas Khne. The area is a breeding ground for black-legged kittiwakes, a coastal bird that nests on steep cliffs. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. 4 years ago. 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. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike - AllTrails.com Seydisfjordur, Iceland Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze.com 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. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. Nestled between Mt. In the lucky event you have more time my advice is to walk from Seyisfjrur that's what I did! Would you like to know what we did do at Borgarfjordur for two hours? This mid-valley hike starts and ends in Seydisfjordur. I feel so lucky to see it. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. While there is evidence of people living inSeydisfjordur dating back to Iceland's early settlement period, the town wasn't founded until the 19th century, when Norwegian fishermen built it up as a small port. 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. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. Seydisfjordur - What to see and do in the town - Introducing Iceland * Breiafjrur The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. Cruises To Seydisfjordur | Europe Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line Items in your cart Once you arrive at the information centre you'll appreciate it being warm and cosy, with sofas and free coffee and tea for visitors. The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. But no worries. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. It was a crazy day of driving but it was all in the name of adventure! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Our good weather streak was looking like it might end this morning when I checked out the forecast on my phone. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You should rent a 4WD car in the winter, although that applies for the entire Iceland trip, not just Seydisfjordur. We really love our swimming pools band we have strict rules you need to know about! The views from the winding road between the mountains and amidst steep cliffs are spectacular. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. Iceland is all about nature, and the possibilities are endless pretty much anywhere you go. As the name suggests, it is located in an old hospital building. 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. Seyisfjrur is the heart of Get a 5% discount on Somewhere skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.. 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. There is also a Mountain Lodge where you can sleep overnight. 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? The sea was lapping below. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? 10,5 Hours. Egilsstadir is not only a good starting point for puffins but also for visiting a picturesque Seydisfjordur town and Hengifoss Waterfall. Sail into Faxafloi bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins and harbor porpoises. 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. haha. 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. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! 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From April to October the town is full with travellers, well catered by hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, two Youth Hostels and a fully serviced campsite. The driver was the guide, and there were 17 passengers on the tour. Its also possible that Artic Shorex filled their tour with passengers from both ships. If you . You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. It had been like this on the drive to Seyisfjrur, too. All throughout the year it schedules temporary exhibitions focusing on visual contemporary arts. 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. If you travel in a campervan as we did, the cheapest place to stay in Borgarfjordur is the campsite. A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. 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. Icelands third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to a lake monster, the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm). Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. . 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 It is either in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM and then in the afternoon, between 6 PM and 10 PM. 3,5 Hours, Garatorg 5, 210 Garabr, Iceland It's also possible to go fishing, and outside town Hagavollur is a nine-hole golf course with a club house, where you can hire equipment. 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. 88 We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. Dont miss out on the biggest music festival of the year: Iceland Airwaves 2018, A classic tour of the Golden Circle. Right after the parking area, if you're visiting early summer, be careful of the arctic ferns! Seydisfjordur - Fjarar: 19 Reviews, Map - Eastern, Iceland | AllTrails The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. 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 is a great place to explore the natural beauty of Iceland and experience the unique culture of the region. Seydisfjordur, Iceland Shore Excursions | Norwegian Cruise Line It is newly refurbished, and guests can choose from dormitories and private rooms. The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. Seydisfjordur is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful wooden buildings, cafes, handicrafts, mountainous scenery, and hard-to-beat location. We traveled to Iceland at the end of June, which is the summer season. The most famous one is The Waterfall Lane, which starts nearby the swimming pool. Before we reached the highest point on this route, we had emerged into a snowy wonderland that we had not expected to find here. 10,5 Hours, $ The road gets more exciting once the path turns right and you start climbing to the mountain pass. Keep your eyes open for Icelandic sheep and puffins in Seydisfjordur. The Puffin in Iceland | Best time and places to see the Puffin in Iceland Here you can find more information on the best time to visit Iceland. Re: Cruise port. 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. Seyisfjrur - Wikipedia Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. 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. Wandering around the streets it's like walking in a surrealist painting. Promise! 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. Moreover, Seydisfjordur sits in the valley, and when it rains, many new waterfalls appear and flow down the steep walls. Our bus was a 20-passenger minibus. 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. Egilsstadir | Gistihusid - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland Our travel guide includes tips on photographing puffins, how to visit Borgarfjordur fjord, how to get there, and where to stay. Designed by MyIslandDesigns.com, Click "Show More Posts" to show all the links to the other posts for the, The Eggs of Merry Bay Djupivogur (Post #15). Monica fell in love with music as teenager, and has been writing for magazines and blogs europewide. Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. Only a short boat-ride from the city center. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. As the puffins are only in the village for the summer months, and typically arrive back from feeding in the ocean in the evening (7-10pm), if you plan for an early arrival to the . The views from the winding road between the mountains and amidst steep cliffs are spectacular. Old phones and typewriters, the very first computers, cinema projectors, and even an old medical studio. 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. There is also a shop, where you can find souvenirs, art books and prints. The seas and winds were calm so tendering was easy and fast. Its actually such a big deal over here that we tend to refer to it exclusively as The South Coast. Where to Spot Wild Reindeer in Iceland - We Seek Travel Blog Don't worry, we won't spam you. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. 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).
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