The card costs three times more than we are used to paying in the Czech Republic, so we recommend you one thing. All rights reserved. You do not have to go far to figure out that this place has a lot to offer. Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. However, there are plenty of hiking trails near Seydisfjordur in case you hear the calling of the wild. Small group tour with a local guide. On each mountain's top you'll find a container with a guest book to sign and a hole puncher, with a different pattern for every mountain, that you must use to punch your map in the stated place. Nestled between Mt. less. Visit with us Borgarfjordur, a small village famous for wonderful scenery and nesting Atlantic Puffins. Around 11 am we arrived in the small village of Borgarfjordur Eystri for a restroom stop. Somewhere near the top of the range, I noticed the sheer drop alongside the road. Easy to walk to center of town. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. The way there was route 94, a long, gravelly, spine-shaking off road highway. Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. Vikings tales, mountains, waterfalls, whales, puffins, bohemian vibes, art festivals and tasty food. Foll. Step by step you'll see the fjord turning into open ocean, you'll meet sheep and Icelandic horses and you can also visit a real Viking archaeology site. Well sheltered from the ocean, the islet is one of the best places for viewing puffins in Iceland. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. You should rent a 4WD car in the winter, although that applies for the entire Iceland trip, not just Seydisfjordur. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. There are many activities available for both nature and adventure lovers in the fjord. Egilsstadir | Gistihusid - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to KnowJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The Iceberg Lake in Southeast IcelandGolden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide. When you see a 90% chance of rain all day, it usually doesnt bode well for a nice day. 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. In this travel guide, we share with you tips on how to get to Borgarfjordur Eystri, when is the best time to see puffins, where to stay, and what to expect from birdwatching in Hafnarholmi Marina. You'll stop a lot, so allocate at least an hour each way. The more important reason why to stop here is that Gufufoss is so beautiful. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. We rented a campervan, and could not be happier with this choice as we could stop anywhere we wanted. Its goal is to nurture and exhibit visual art, the main emphasis being on contemporary art. The most famous one is The Waterfall Lane, which starts nearby the swimming pool. Seydisfjordur is only 27 kilometers off Ring Road. 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. It's more pub style, serving big burgers with vegetarian choices, grilled meat and fish and an interesting choice of local and international beers, both draught and bottled. At first, we were not sure whether it was worth visiting Seydisfjordur. 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. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . * Westman Islands There are many trails on both sides of the fjord. Skaftfell also organizes various seminars, in collaboration with the Icelandic Academy of the Arts. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. Long gone are days when locals made a living out of fishing. But they were great. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. 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. Once you have taken enough photos of the church, walk around the lake, head to the harbor, enjoy the superb views, and admire the traditional architecture. Here you can find various restaurants and shops with local goods. 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. There are several places in Iceland to see puffins, we saw three of them, includingDyrholaey PeninsulaandLatrabjarg, but Borgarfjordur, specifically Hafnarholmi Marina, was undoubtedly the best. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson. 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! by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. A black and white movie will teach you how life was in the village when fish processing was main activity for local economy. For bird lovers, the stunningly beautiful coastal cliffs are home to a mind-boggling array of seabirds, including eider ducks and Iceland 's famous puffins. The clouds were misbehaving here, lying lower than usual. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. $ 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). Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders. We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. I drove with headlights and hazard lights. 2. The town of Egilsstadir was on the way, and we spent about 15 minutes driving thru with our driver providing some commentary. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? 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. A three hour whale watching adventure departing from the old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. This place is BEAUTIFUL. Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. There were puffins nearby, and we were waiting for a break in the weather to reach them. 88 As pretty much everywhere in Iceland, the hotels in Seydisfjordur are not exactly cheap. In Seyisfjrur you will find hostels, hotels, guesthouses as well as a camping ground and caravan site. HOME OF THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN. Seyisfjrur is the heart of We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. Their growling sounds like a muffled chainsaw! Seydisfjordur, Iceland. 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. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. The first part of the drive is a flat, mostly unpaved road, and you have the views on the right-hand side; this is where the mountains and plains with horses are. I could only see one or two road markings in front of me. I went to one in an abandoned fish warehouse early September 2017. These cute birds are also fast, reaching speeds of 80kmh (50mph). In fact, the town gets busy, especially in the summer season. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. 3,5 Hours, Garatorg 5, 210 Garabr, Iceland You'll get astonished by the amount of forgotten objects you'll see. Many boats stop here during the summer months, and the townserves as a gateway to Iceland for many tourists. We saw some people hiking to the top, but we took a pass. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. 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. And btw, it was Borgarfjordur Eystri!!! 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. 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. 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. Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. 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. Proudly made in Reykjavk City. We recommend you book a room with a balcony overlooking the fjord if available. The southern coast of Iceland is by far one of the most popular destinations that Iceland has to offer. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. 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. When the breeding season comes, puffins seek places such as Borgarfjordur, where they find protection on the cliffs covered with grass above the sea. Skaftfell was founded in 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts, and it's dedicated to the memory of the Swiss artist Dieter Roth who lived and worked in Seydisfjordur during the last decade of his life. The nucleus of the town as we see it now was built by Norwegian fishermen starting from 1848. Landmannalaugar is a fascinating geological wonder, a geothermal oasis on the Highlands of Iceland, surrounded by multicolored mountains and steaming lava fields. Welcome to our Village. 98 reviews. 1 day. Of course there's the fun side, with music, dancing, and home-made food served at the old pier in the harbour for affordable prices. This is quite an impressive number, which makes the village one of the most accessible and safest spots to see puffins in Iceland. During the summer is great to dine on the tables outside, smiling at people and enjoying the sun. Mid-range | Hotel Aldan - The Post Office - This hotel offers a central location, clean and nicely decorated rooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. This is a mission indeed, and the prize is to earn the official document crowning you as a Seyisfjrur Mountain Viking". That's why there are quite many nice hotels in the town, at least when we take into account the size of the town. . support@getlocal.is. 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. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. One of the landmarks of Seyisfjrur is The Blue Church / Blakirkja. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. House walls are all in different colours, many of which feature drawings and naf paintings. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. Alfaborg, the home of the elf queen The area is popular for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. 88 One can clearly recognise the Scandinavian style in the many wood buildings still existing in the village. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. 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. It is also a period when the town attracts crowds and prices are high. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. It was a crazy day of driving but it was all in the name of adventure! This wonderful private nature reserve showcases incredible flora, fauna, and settlement history. Seydisfjordur (Seyisfjrur) is a small township in the East of Iceland located on the southern tip of a fjord of the same name. . Singer Jamila was the featured entertainer on the World Stage. Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. 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. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. 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. Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Seydisfjordur is a very small village, so you'll need approximately thirty to sixty minutes to walk around the tourist area. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It was cold, mid 40s, but the predicted rain was yet to materialize. It is either in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM and then in the afternoon, between 6 PM and 10 PM. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. For more tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. That is one of the things we appreciated here the most. 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. It draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. The brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. Your cart is empty When the conditions are icy and snowy, it is essential to have 4WD and snow chains in the car trunk. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; But the truth is puffins spend most of the time during the day hunting out on the sea, and those birds who protect their eggs are usually hidden in the nest. I loved seeing all these puffins! A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. 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. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. 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. 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. Sitting at the very end of the fjord of same name, Seyisfjrur is a visual feast of colour. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. The price for Borgarfjordur Campground is 1200 ISK per person, plus 400 ISK per hot shower. 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. This is one of those places where having a proper telephoto lens will make a big difference. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. 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. We saw puffins in Iceland!!! On one side, there are puffins which from time to time fly out to the sea and then return with fish in their beaks. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. 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. 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. Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. A boom in herring fishing meant that Seydisfjordur later became the most prosperous town in eastern Iceland. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. 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. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. Do you have a question or want something customised? And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. Landmannalaugar, The geothermal paradise tourists never hear about, The South Coast of Iceland - the ultimate guide. Whales spend the winter in the fjord, when water is warmer there, then move to open sea for the summer. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. There are workshops and demonstration for blacksmithing, knife-making, metal casting. Another easy and short hike is the one to reach Tvsongur, a sound sculpture built in 2012 by German artist Lukas Khne. 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.
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