seydisfjordur puffins

A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). You'll get astonished by the amount of forgotten objects you'll see. The road to Borgarfjordur is paved in places, while some sections are still unpaved. What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. Items in your cart HOME OF THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN. 110 They might not have a bank or a hospital but theyll have a swimming pool! Borgarfjordur Eystri (Borgarfjrur) is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland in the summer. 110 This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road. Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. Another reason was that ourIceland itinerarywas packed. It was cold, mid 40s, but the predicted rain was yet to materialize. 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. Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. We think it is impossible to travel around Iceland and not see at least one incredibly beautiful waterfall per day. A boom in herring fishing meant that Seydisfjordur later became the most prosperous town in eastern Iceland. No spam, just fun! Text about each place below the map, clockwise from Kollafjrur bay, West Iceland. A lonely sailboat waiting for the cruise ships to, Husavik has one of the prettiest harbours in Icela, Is Iceland on your cruise bucket list ? * safjarardjp, the Westfjords We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. Iceland is a famous road trip destination. This wonderful private nature reserve showcases incredible flora, fauna, and settlement history. Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. 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. So visiting it does not require any effort. A staircase, viewing platform and wooden walkways make it easy to get closer to birds whilst remaining safe. 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! 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? When we reached the pass and started the descent to the other side of the valley, we pulled the car over and went for a short walk, following the sheep trail. Go Campers We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. It is a low intensity hike, where you also get the opportunity to see Iceland's oldest operational power plant called Fjardarselsvirkjun. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. When you see a 90% chance of rain all day, it usually doesnt bode well for a nice day. Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! During the days of the Festival there's free entry to The Technical Museum of East Iceland, established in 1984. 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. Rainbow path to the Blue Church in Seydisfjordur. Landmannalaugar, The geothermal paradise tourists never hear about, The South Coast of Iceland - the ultimate guide. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. . The clouds were misbehaving here, lying lower than usual. The Borgarfjordur Eystri area is well known for hiking trails. You'll stop a lot, so allocate at least an hour each way. Dimmuborgir, near Lake Myvatn, is an areaof lava fields, volcanic caves and rock formations that can be explored by signposted hiking trails. An unsettling thought. 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. 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! 13 Day Cruises from 18,478.89 per adult Idfjoll Raid Adventure Tours from 1,66,310.00 per adult The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Nestled between Mt. 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. Skaftfell Art Centre is an institution, not only for Seydisfjordur but for whole Iceland. Small group tour with a local guide. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. We arrived back in Seydisfjordur around 3 PM. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. We recommend you make a reservation well in advance because the puffin season coincides with the high season in Iceland. It had been a hell of a drive getting in obscured by fog, the mountain road had been almost invisible. $ We saw puffins in Iceland!!! Also, make sure you wear something warm such as a down jacket (that's what we wore that day). . I drove with headlights and hazard lights. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. There are many trails on both sides of the fjord. 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. Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. 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. Length 2.0 miElevation gain 1,515 ftRoute type Out & back. The card costs three times more than we are used to paying in the Czech Republic, so we recommend you one thing. 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). 98 reviews. Sometimes Heima also organises special events to showcase the work in progress of artists in residencies. 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. Exploring Borgarfjrur Eystri: Where Elves And Puffins Play Hide And Seek. Somewhere skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders. $ Located in Vatnajkull National Park, Dettifoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Admire the unique and colorful Norwegian-style homes in Seydisfjordur. Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. Save. Once you reach the coastline, it is only a short drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri. Decades later, after having served as a base for the American and British armies, Seydisfjordur entered an economic depression following the gradual recession of the herring industry. You will see art and handicrafts in almost every garden and virtually every house when you walk around. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. The way there was route 94, a long, gravelly, spine-shaking off road highway. 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. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. 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. She performed a wide variety of songs from current hits to opera. 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 church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. 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. Therefore, you do not need to be worried that there is nothing to do at Borgarfjordur except watch puffins. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. Despite being difficult to access, it's well worth a visit. 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. Connected by one mountain road, Seydisfjordur is a remote treasure. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . This one is more a gathering and a meeting place for professionals interested in traditional jobs and skills. On one side, there are puffins which from time to time fly out to the sea and then return with fish in their beaks. There are icelandic sweaters, and many sorts of decoration objects such as: candles, mirrors, statues and paintings. A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. Every summer, a bus runs between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur, but you should check out the timetable before you go. 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. Once we climbed high enough, the scenery suddenly changed, and it looked like we were visiting Iceland in the winter. 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. Moreover, the midnight sun on the way back made for spectacular views of the whole fjord. 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. 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. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. The road is sneaking around the snow-capped mountains, and you will very soon see the sea views. Get a 5% discount on 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. The southern coast of Iceland is by far one of the most popular destinations that Iceland has to offer. Duration 2 hrs . The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. We found the puffins nesting and fishing at the end of a small peninsula, high atop an outcrop of sea rocks. Spend a day exploring the stunning southern coastline of Iceland on our South Coast Tour from Reykjavik. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. Even though seeing puffins in Borgarfjordur is completely free, you can donate some money if you want to support this site. Thankfully, the inside of the cafe was warm. We traveled to Iceland at the end of June, which is the summer season. One of the main attractions in town is the Blue Church and Rainbow street. It draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. It was a crazy day of driving but it was all in the name of adventure! We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. Less than 700 inhabitants live in Seydisfjordur (Seyisfjrur), but the town is no longer a hidden gem that no one knows about. That's why the best time to visit Seydisfjordur might be during the shoulder season, either April and May or September and October. Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. 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. News from Iceland, What to do and see, local travel tips and expertise. The main road led us directly to a small parking lot right next to the church. The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. 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. support@getlocal.is. Egilsstadir is not only a good starting point for puffins but also for visiting a picturesque Seydisfjordur town and Hengifoss Waterfall. The nucleus of the town as we see it now was built by Norwegian fishermen starting from 1848. Required fields are marked *. If you plan on seeing the puffins straightaway, you need to drive past the village until you reach the very end of the road. 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. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. 88 There are actually two art residencies in town. The most famous one is The Waterfall Lane, which starts nearby the swimming pool. We also made tea at the parking lot to fill up a water bottle to enjoy a hot beverage while staying warm and enjoying the wonderful summer evening in Iceland. As the name suggest, this two hour walk will take you along the river Fjardarsel, crossing small rivers and forests in the search of waterfalls. Home / Tours / Seydisfjordur / Puffins, Elves & more, Puffins and other sea birds at the Hafnarholmi islet Today, the town continues to live off fishing, tourism and handicrafts, having been established as one of the main stops on cruises around Iceland. The area here is completely devoted to wildlife, with seals, whales, reindeers and 47 species of birds. . 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. 89 helpful votes. Volunteers fly from all over the world and give their contributions towards the decorating, planning, cooking and even.cleaning! The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. Seyisfjrur was used as a base for British/American forces during World War II and remnants of this activity are visible throughout the fjord, including a landing strip no longer in use and an oil tanker SS El Grillo that was bombed and sunk. Here you can find more information on camping in Iceland. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. 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. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Seydisfjordur is a town ringed by a rainbow of tin houses and dramatic snowcapped peaks. Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. Some rooms have a sea view - go for it if it is still available. The steamy Gufufoss waterfall We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. Go Campers Its easy to access and many breathtaking sights to see. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. We could write essays about the town's location beauty, but even the journey there is an experience on its own. * Westman Islands Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. 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. Since we are not that active on social media, this was not the reason to put the town on our list. Gufa means steam, and once you get closer to the water, you will understand that the name is very fitting. 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! Gufufoss Waterfall was our final stop and we spent about 10 minutes here before moving on. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! When on top you'll find the 5 concrete domes of Tvisongur, the smallest being 2 meters tall, the tallest being 4 meters tall. Monica fell in love with music as teenager, and has been writing for magazines and blogs europewide. If you travel in a campervan as we did, the cheapest place to stay in Borgarfjordur is the campsite. We arrived in Borgarfjordur after 9 PM, and the timing possibly could not be better because of the number of birds and the soft light. Part 6 of the My Iceland Project. As Egilsstadir is Iceland's transport hub, you should not have a problem getting to your next destination from here. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. If you . Old phones and typewriters, the very first computers, cinema projectors, and even an old medical studio. Eat, drink, buy stuff and be merry. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the absolute best RIB-safari tour in Iceland! Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. Quite a fascinating history for such a little church. Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. Bjolfur and Mt. It, too, was mostly hidden by fog. Don't worry, we won't spam you. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. The town stretches along the south side of the fjord, but along the shoreline, you can find access to the sea, rocky beaches, a puffin colony and ruins of former activity. Young students from different countries arrive in town to live together for 12 weeks, developing art projects and learning new skills. Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. I loved seeing all these puffins! Camping | If you plan on camping in Iceland, you will find campsites in Seydisfjordur or Egilsstadir. Seydisfjordur is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful wooden buildings, cafes, handicrafts, mountainous scenery, and hard-to-beat location. After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. With minimal music, movies and art installation, it was so mesmerising and exciting! Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. Your cart is empty And leaving the main road to visit Seyisfjrur will both enchant you and leave you with a number of happy memories. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. All this on Rnargata, the tiny street leading to Blue Church paved with stones painted in rainbow colours. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a small lovely village with not that many accommodation options. 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. 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. Aldan is the most famous and oldest hotel, open all year and hosting guests in different buildings. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The weather made Seyisfjrur an eerie place, almost as if something from a horror movie. 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. 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. A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. - or to go by bike. 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 main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. The parking is less than 4 kilometers from Seydisfjordur. Welcome to our Village. Our bus was a 20-passenger minibus. 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. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! I went to one in an abandoned fish warehouse early September 2017. As with any serious mission, you'll need a special map, available at the information centre. About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. We also share practical information that will help you get the most out of the trip to this town nestled between Mt. Others flapped past in short bursts of flight, their short wings beating furiously as they circled their nests. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? 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 . At the southern end of the fjord, 17km from Seyisfjrur, flourishes the natural reserve of Sklanes. Another great alternative is Viator. Just a short drive from the town is Gufufoss Waterfall, another gorgeous waterfall you should not miss. 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 Whale watching is always a solid option and in the May of 2017 I was lucky enough to see whales jumping right in front of my room's window, only 1 km from the town centre! Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Seyisfjrur is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. 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. On other side of the street there is Kaffi Lra - El Grill Bar, another good place to hang out. 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. Somewhere near the top of the range, I noticed the sheer drop alongside the road. However, it is still possible to drive from or to Egilsstadir in case there is no hotel available. 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. We just couldn't get enough of the views. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. This is one of those places where having a proper telephoto lens will make a big difference. Sail into Faxafloi bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins and harbor porpoises. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. As pretty much everywhere in Iceland, the hotels in Seydisfjordur are not exactly cheap. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. 7,5 Hours, $ At the tourist information point you can book tours and find maps for local hiking trails. So, later on, we had to buy an extra memory card for a camera inAkureyri. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. The pretty Lindarbakki red turf roofed house 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. From here we went to hike at Hengifoss,. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For a bargain go there for lunch. We head east on a scenic road across a . Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. On the other side is the harbor, and when you continue straight, you'll get to a viewing platform with another view of a cliff and hundreds of birds flying around. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. This friendly team nurture the Festival with positive energies and the healing powers of arts and culture. 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. We've hand-selected the three best hotels in Seydisfjordur for every budget and every type of traveler.

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