Another great alternative is Viator. An unsettling thought. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. Around 8:30, the clearly marked Artic Shorex buses started to arrive and one of the guides on the first bus said we were in the correct spot. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. We walked at over to take a look after a brief stop in the cruise terminal where we bought a few key chains. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. 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 . We've hand-selected the three best hotels in Seydisfjordur for every budget and every type of traveler. They're not crazy and evil, but they have nests they want to protect. 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. A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. This place is BEAUTIFUL. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. All rights reserved. A boom in herring fishing meant that Seydisfjordur later became the most prosperous town in eastern Iceland. You'll get astonished by the amount of forgotten objects you'll see. The main road led us directly to a small parking lot right next to the church. 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. When looking at the mountains around you, you can notice avalanche protection walls almost everywhere. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. 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. From this point, you must descend everything you've just ascended. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 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. Iceland is a famous road trip destination. Alfaborg hill, believed to be the home of the Elf Queen, was nearby. Seydisfjordur, Iceland. Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Play Hide And Seek. 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. Foll. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. Get a 5% discount on Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Hehe damn, I got the place name wrong , Pfff you can actually remember the name of Icelandic places? The Technical Museum of East Iceland and Blacksmith Festival. Mid-range | Hotel Aldan - The Post Office - This hotel offers a central location, clean and nicely decorated rooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. Skaftfell building is a grand old house from 1907, that's on Austurvegur, on the back of the gas station on Hafnargata. If you have a standard car you must leave it at the parking area by Austdalsriver, and from there it's 30 minutes quite easy and scenic walk. 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. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Bakkageri was on the sea, on the other side of a mountain range. $ You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. A staircase beside the bar leads to first floor, where there the Art Gallery is located. We couldnt see much more than their backs as they glided through the water. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. First of all, the Gufufoss is only a few meters from the parking lot, which is just off the main road. A few minutes later we made another brief stop at the home of Icelandic painter Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval. , Yeah they were cool! Inside the space you'll find all the most incredible objects, all made by Vigds Helga Jnsdttir and her husband Sigurur Hauksson. To fully understand why this day was the best, check back tomorrow for my recap of Seydisfjordur. The small towns center is known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and picturesque setting around the lagoon. If you answered that these were all highlights of the east of Iceland then you would be right! If you plan on seeing the puffins straightaway, you need to drive past the village until you reach the very end of the road. Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Without any further ado, here's our pick of activities and things to see and do in Seydisfjordur. Another way to get to Seydisfjordur is on a cruise around Iceland. Eat, drink, buy stuff and be merry. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. This mid-valley hike starts and ends in Seydisfjordur. 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. Finally, it was moved to Seydisfjordur in 1920. Before we reached the highest point on this route, we had emerged into a snowy wonderland that we had not expected to find here. 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. And turf roofed houses, the home Husavik Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. Duration 2 hrs . 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. The total population is around 14 million, and the largest colony lives on Iceland's Westman Island. Spend a day exploring the stunning southern coastline of Iceland on our South Coast Tour from Reykjavik. Puffin Tours | Day Tours Iceland | Arctic Adventures 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. You will see art and handicrafts in almost every garden and virtually every house when you walk around. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. Do you want to know more about this subject? 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. By the way, the otherworldly scenery was one of the reasons that back in the 1850s attracted the first settlers to come and live in this area. We left the car there and covered the rest of the distance on foot. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. Here you can find more information on camping in Iceland. . It can host 6 emerging artists at same time, living and working in a 350 square meters space. It led towards a mountain range. Home / Tours / Seydisfjordur / Puffins, Elves & more, Puffins and other sea birds at the Hafnarholmi islet 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. We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. * South Coast But no worries. $ Whales spend the winter in the fjord, when water is warmer there, then move to open sea for the summer. The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavk - Viator It draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. The view of Seyisfjrur as you are driving down the road from Egilsstair is definitely unforgettable. The road gets more exciting once the path turns right and you start climbing to the mountain pass. 13 Day Cruises from 18,478.89 per adult Idfjoll Raid Adventure Tours from 1,66,310.00 per adult I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. The seas and winds were calm so tendering was easy and fast. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. 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. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! Its actually such a big deal over here that we tend to refer to it exclusively as The South Coast. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. Age 8+. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. The highest (1085m) is the majestic and monumental Bjlfur. 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. The area is popular for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. One was dead ahead. 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. There are also other Art Galleries in town for local talents, and my favourite is Galler Vigds. Budget | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building - This place is one of the nicest hostels we've ever seen. While puffins look like miniature versions of penguins with colorful beaks, the sound they make doesn't resemble any other animal. The Atlantic Puffin is not a rare species, but it's still one of the most stunning and beautiful birds in the world. The last weekend of July is the date for The Blacksmith Festival, organised by The Technical Museum of East Iceland on Hafnargata. Print/PDF map. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). Borgarfjordur Eystri is a charming fishing village situated on a grassy valley along a short wide fjord of the same name. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Twenty minutes later, we stopped at an overlook for a photo-op of Egilsstadir, which was below us in the valley. Seydisfjordur - What to see and do in the town - Introducing Iceland We anchored about 1 mile offshore. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. It had been a hell of a drive getting in obscured by fog, the mountain road had been almost invisible. This website is property of Civitatis Tours SL. Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. We rented a campervan, and could not be happier with this choice as we could stop anywhere we wanted. * safjarardjp, the Westfjords Home | Visit Seyisfjrur - Visit Seydisfjordur 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. The nucleus of the town as we see it now was built by Norwegian fishermen starting from 1848. Landmannalaugar, The geothermal paradise tourists never hear about, The South Coast of Iceland - the ultimate guide. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. Its easy to access and many breathtaking sights to see. Each dome has its own resonance that corresponds to a tone in the Icelandic musical tradition of five-tone harmony and you can experiment with it using your voice. Up to half of the entire puffin population in Iceland nests in the islands. It is right in the middle of the village, only a couple of kilometers from the nesting place, and it has everything you need a shared kitchen, toilets, and showers. Though, most of thewaterfalls in Icelandare, to be honest. 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. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. Views of the mystical Lake Lagarfljot. 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. All rights reserved. As Egilsstadir is Iceland's transport hub, you should not have a problem getting to your next destination from here. There is also a shop, where you can find souvenirs, art books and prints. You can experience a Norwegian town without leaving Iceland! Promise! Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. Around 11 am we arrived in the small village of Borgarfjordur Eystri for a restroom stop. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. Availability 4. Your cart is empty Yes, visiting Seydisfjordur is a detour off the Ring Road. Spotting puffins: here is our map showing the best places around Puffins in ICELAND! Ring Road Part 3 | Hengifoss, Seydisfjordur screen printing, crafting tools for agriculture, printing analogue photographs in a dark room. We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. We arrived back in Seydisfjordur around 3 PM. . Somewhere near the top of the range, I noticed the sheer drop alongside the road. Less than 700 inhabitants live in Seydisfjordur (Seyisfjrur), but the town is no longer a hidden gem that no one knows about. The road to Borgarfjordur is paved in places, while some sections are still unpaved. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. Our Seydisfjordur travel guide includes tips on the best things to see and do, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go. We recommend you book a room with a balcony overlooking the fjord if available. Read more. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. The best way to get to get to Borgarfjordur Eystri is by car as it allows you to stop as often as you want. You can either fly to the Island or take a ferry. While plenty of puffins will be super close, you might still consider bringing binoculars to observe their hunting habits, if you're not a photo enthusiast. A Guide to Seydisfjordur in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. 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. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to see both phenomena at the same time because puffins' bill loses its trademark orange color outside the nesting season, but more about it later. The road led across snowy plains, vast ice patches, and icy lakes formed by melted snow, and we could see white mountain tops in the distance. The road is winding, and if the weather is clear, amazing views start to open up. 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. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). Expect to find the typical tourist list of the best things to see and do here. About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. Despite there only being around 300 houses in Seyisfjrur, finding a place to stay is simple and easy. Skaftfell also organizes various seminars, in collaboration with the Icelandic Academy of the Arts. Just outside of town are the Tvisongur song sculptures where you can experiment with sounds and unleash your inner singer. Seydisfjordur is a town ringed by a rainbow of tin houses and dramatic snowcapped peaks. Artists whose applications are accepted can live for a small fee in studios where they can use all available equipment and tools. I drove with headlights and hazard lights. This is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland. Their nachos with fresh creamy local cheese are tasty and perfect. It was really cool despite of the big detour in a super dangerous mountain road! The only thing we regretted during our two-week trip around Iceland was we did not have enough time for hiking. The nesting season of puffins in Iceland lasts from mid-April to mid-August, so to increase your chances to see those wonderful birds, plan your visit between May and the beginning of August. Do you have a question or want something customised? Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. The drive should take you around 30 minutes, but heads up. Go Campers Aldan is the most famous and oldest hotel, open all year and hosting guests in different buildings. The sudden view of the port, the harbour, the multi coloured houses and the surrounding mountains, all covered in the blue of lupins during the summer, will leave you breathless. Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP Even though Borgarfjordur Eystri inEast Fjordsis quite a remote spot and a detour off the well-traveled Ring Road, it is one of thebest places to see puffins in Iceland. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. 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. After lunch, we walked over to the red-painted Lindarbakki turf-roofed house and peered into the windows. 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 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. We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Seydisfjordur is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful wooden buildings, cafes, handicrafts, mountainous scenery, and hard-to-beat location. A staircase, viewing platform and wooden walkways make it easy to get closer to birds whilst remaining safe. 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. As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. 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. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. Wild Westfjords / Shore Excursions / Categories / Seydisfjordur Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. From time to time, we retraced our steps to find a new group of puffins and observed their hunting and nesting habits. Cruise port - Seydisfjordur Forum - Tripadvisor Drive slowly. Seydisfjordur, Iceland Shore Excursions | Norwegian Cruise Line Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. It's a 3 hours hike but not difficult at all. After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Once you reach the pass, there is a new viewing platform where you can take a break. That's why the best time to visit Seydisfjordur might be during the shoulder season, either April and May or September and October. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL HIKING TRAILS. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. 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. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. Old phones and typewriters, the very first computers, cinema projectors, and even an old medical studio. Nestled between Mt. Private Puffin and Elves from East Iceland - Iceland Highlights The mountainous pass between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur is accountable for two things. All this on Rnargata, the tiny street leading to Blue Church paved with stones painted in rainbow colours. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". Don't forget to bring a rain jacket to stay dry and a down jacket to keep your body warm, even in the summer. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Even though seeing puffins in Borgarfjordur is completely free, you can donate some money if you want to support this site. Where to Spot Wild Reindeer in Iceland - We Seek Travel Blog The chances are that you will drive this road twice in case you still want to return to the Ring Road and don't want to settle down in Seydisfjordur. 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. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; Egilsstadir is not only a good starting point for puffins but also for visiting a picturesque Seydisfjordur town and Hengifoss Waterfall. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike - AllTrails.com And when all seems quiet, from October to December, LungA people in Seydisfjordur take care of an international school.
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