Nordic's menu uses local ingredients as lamb and cod but with a modern twist, playing with traditional dishes from italian, french, spanish and british cuisine. * Westman Islands As we make our way to the town, we will stop at some of the most picturesque spots, including hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Views of the mystical Lake Lagarfljot. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". It is a low intensity hike, where you also get the opportunity to see Iceland's oldest operational power plant called Fjardarselsvirkjun. However, having a proper telephoto lens will help you keep the safest possible distance between you and them. Age 8+. This place is BEAUTIFUL. Long gone are days when locals made a living out of fishing. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Inside the space you'll find all the most incredible objects, all made by Vigds Helga Jnsdttir and her husband Sigurur Hauksson. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. Foll. Driving on the Ring Road, you justhave to turn off on Route 93 at Egilsstadir and enjoy thebeautiful, winding road for about half an hour. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. Only you can answer this question. It's also expensive, but it is worth to try their Nordic Restaurant and their sushi bar, where they serve fresh local fish japanese style. 4 years ago. It's also one of the best places to see wild reindeer in Iceland. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. 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. Seyisfjrur is the heart of We saw the poster advertising this bus route in the campground we stayed in, but it is better to ask to know the exact departure times. The last weekend of July is the date for The Blacksmith Festival, organised by The Technical Museum of East Iceland on Hafnargata. Cautiously, I slowed to about 30km/h. 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. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. 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. 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). If you're well exercised why do not try the Seven Peaks mission? The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. And when all seems quiet, from October to December, LungA people in Seydisfjordur take care of an international school. We also share practical information that will help you get the most out of the trip to this town nestled between Mt. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). We just couldn't get enough of the views. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. 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. As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. At the southern end of the fjord, 17km from Seyisfjrur, flourishes the natural reserve of Sklanes. The small towns center is known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and picturesque setting around the lagoon. The road to Borgarfjordur is paved in places, while some sections are still unpaved. Just outside of town are the Tvisongur song sculptures where you can experiment with sounds and unleash your inner singer. 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. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. If you have time to take a diversion from your ring road adventure, then there are so many things to see and to do that it really deserves at least a couple of days of your time. During the days of the Festival there's free entry to The Technical Museum of East Iceland, established in 1984. However, it is still possible to drive from or to Egilsstadir in case there is no hotel available. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; 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. 88 Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. On other side of the street there is Kaffi Lra - El Grill Bar, another good place to hang out. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. These cute birds are also fast, reaching speeds of 80kmh (50mph). News from Iceland, What to do and see, local travel tips and expertise. Located in Vatnajkull National Park, Dettifoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. 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. Dont miss out on the biggest music festival of the year: Iceland Airwaves 2018, A classic tour of the Golden Circle. 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? Borgarfjordur Eystri. Large puffin colonies on the island of Hafnarhlmi, and the chance to get up-close-and-personal with the birds. 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. 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. A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. They might not have a bank or a hospital but theyll have a swimming pool! Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. 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. There is one thing you should know. The female usually lays a single egg and keeps it warm (together with a male partner) for the next 42 days. 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. Eat, drink, buy stuff and be merry. Gufufoss Waterfall was our final stop and we spent about 10 minutes here before moving on. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. It is possible to visit the red painted Lindarbakki turf roofed house, one of the few remaining inhabited turf houses in Iceland and an important landmark of the village. 3,5 Hours. Drive slowly. 89 helpful votes. I feel so lucky to see it. They're not crazy and evil, but they have nests they want to protect. The islandViguris the largest of three islands in the fjord, and a good place to see puffins. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. 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. Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you plan on seeing the puffins straightaway, you need to drive past the village until you reach the very end of the road. 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. Sitting at the very end of the fjord of same name, Seyisfjrur is a visual feast of colour. We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. Secondly, Seydisfjordur feels quite remote, especially when you take into account that the road ends here. The weather made Seyisfjrur an eerie place, almost as if something from a horror movie. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Young students from different countries arrive in town to live together for 12 weeks, developing art projects and learning new skills. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. Home / Tours / Seydisfjordur / Puffins, Elves & more, Puffins and other sea birds at the Hafnarholmi islet Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that fishing and hunting were the primary sources of living here back in the day. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It can host 6 emerging artists at same time, living and working in a 350 square meters space. $ Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. The main road led us directly to a small parking lot right next to the church. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Inglfshfi South of rfajkull glacier, Reynisfjall near Vk Mrdal, and Dyrhlaey (also en route to Vk) are puffin colonies on the South Coast. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. After a while, we returned to the car and continued the descent to the valley along the Fjadrara River. Ltrabjarg is also one of the westernmost parts of Europe (2432'3" west). Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. Eventually, we decided to give it a go, and it turned out to be a great decision. The long road from Hfn to the ghost town of Seyisfjrur had looked like something from a Jaguar commercial. We recommend you make a reservation well in advance because the puffin season coincides with the high season in Iceland. We've hand-selected the three best hotels in Seydisfjordur for every budget and every type of traveler. You'll stop a lot, so allocate at least an hour each way. Still, it is hard to resist the combination of a town surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering a tranquil atmosphere and the traditional Icelandic architecture of colorful houses. As pretty much everywhere in Iceland, the hotels in Seydisfjordur are not exactly cheap. If your schedule allows it, check out the hiking trails in the village's surroundings. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Gardens are decorated with strange and sometimes funny statues while creatures made up from woods, iron or recycled materials roam free. The musical connection goes further though as inside there is a pipe organ. 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. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. There are many activities available for both nature and adventure lovers in the fjord. Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. We knew that Puffins go hunting to the sea, but they're also exceptional divers, something we would not have guessed. 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. Borgarfjordur puffin nesting site can get pretty windy, and the conditions can be quite harsh when it rains. While the harbor is new, the puffin colony is not and it is easier than ever to access the grassy mounds where they like to build their nests. The harbor is very photogenic, so snap a few photos before you excitedly run to see the puffins. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. For colder days, ask for a table in the back room, with view on the bay. It draped low in front of the mountains, so low as if swallowing the road ahead. Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. 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. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. Iceland is a famous road trip destination. Egilsstadir is not only a good starting point for puffins but also for visiting a picturesque Seydisfjordur town and Hengifoss Waterfall. There is no need to have 4WD in the summer. There are actually two art residencies in town. Another possibility is to hike along the river to the Vestdalsfossar Cascade, and the real adventurers can climb the highest mountain in the area, Bjolfur. 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. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. 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. Once you reach the coastline, it is only a short drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri. First of all, the Gufufoss is only a few meters from the parking lot, which is just off the main road. As Egilsstadir is Iceland's transport hub, you should not have a problem getting to your next destination from here. If I were to imagine a heaven on Earth, I couldn't imagine a different place than this. The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. Despite there only being around 300 houses in Seyisfjrur, finding a place to stay is simple and easy. Moreover, Seydisfjordur sits in the valley, and when it rains, many new waterfalls appear and flow down the steep walls. We walked at over to take a look after a brief stop in the cruise terminal where we bought a few key chains. 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. Seyisfjrur is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). I went to one in an abandoned fish warehouse early September 2017. Capital of Elves, Puffins and Hiking It's yours to explore. The Atlantic Puffin is not a rare species, but it's still one of the most stunning and beautiful birds in the world. Many boats stop here during the summer months, and the townserves as a gateway to Iceland for many tourists. 1 day. There are icelandic sweaters, and many sorts of decoration objects such as: candles, mirrors, statues and paintings. The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. 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. Part 3 of our Road Trip along Iceland's Ring Road brought us to the town of Egilsstadir. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. * South Coast . What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. 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. House walls are all in different colours, many of which feature drawings and naf paintings. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. 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 ? World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. haha. This wonderful private nature reserve showcases incredible flora, fauna, and settlement history. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. 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. The apartments at top floor are for artists in residency. Do you have a question or want something customised? A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Go Campers The big part of the road is unpaved but without holes, and there is ongoing construction to improve road conditions. , Yeah they were cool! About 10 after 1 PM we headed back to Seydisfjordur. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. From this point, you must descend everything you've just ascended. Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. 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. Sometimes forgetting that many countries do in fact also have their own south coasts. On Google Maps, you can find the birdwatching spot under several names, such as Hafnarholmi Marina or Borgarfjardarhofn. The southern coast of Iceland is by far one of the most popular destinations that Iceland has to offer.