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. We arrived at Hafnarholmi hill around 11:15. 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). Another easy and short hike is the one to reach Tvsongur, a sound sculpture built in 2012 by German artist Lukas Khne. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. We stopped overlooking a small bay where we spotted several Humpback whales swimming out to sea. Their growling sounds like a muffled chainsaw! 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. Here you can find more information on the best time to visit Iceland. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. 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. All the mountains seemed to have a particular Icelandic style; the dramatic rocky mountain top, and a long, sloping grassy base, as if sculpted by thousands of years of wind. What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. support@getlocal.is. Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. LungA also schedules workshops, some of them for children, to learn and experiment with different forms of creativity. Here you can find more information on camping in Iceland. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. All throughout the year it schedules temporary exhibitions focusing on visual contemporary arts. Wandering around the streets it's like walking in a surrealist painting. As with any serious mission, you'll need a special map, available at the information centre. We knew that Seydisfjordur is home to one of the most Instagrammable spots in Iceland. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is good to know that the Borgarfjordur puffin site is quite small, so be respectful to other visitors and puffins, of course. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Don't worry, we won't spam you. If you . 88 , Yeah they were cool! When looking at the mountains around you, you can notice avalanche protection walls almost everywhere. The apartments at top floor are for artists in residency. We knew that Puffins go hunting to the sea, but they're also exceptional divers, something we would not have guessed. 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. The observation platform will afford you an excellent view of nesting puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes; the latter being loud gulls named for their nasal "ki-ti-waak" callnotes. The road to see the puffin colonies on the east coast of Iceland is a winding mountain drive. 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. Strandartindur. Icelands third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to a lake monster, the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm). Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. Mid-range | Hotel Aldan - The Post Office - This hotel offers a central location, clean and nicely decorated rooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. Home of 100 people and 1000 elves. 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. Iceland is a famous road trip destination. Keep your eyes open for Icelandic sheep and puffins in Seydisfjordur. The best way to get to get to Borgarfjordur Eystri is by car as it allows you to stop as often as you want. When abroad she badly misses harfiskur, srmjlk and hot tubs! 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. Enjoy this 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Seyisfjrur, Eastern. 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 . Our travel guide includes what to expect from visiting Seydisfjordur and tips on the best things to see and do while there. Many boats stop here during the summer months, and the townserves as a gateway to Iceland for many tourists. This one is more a gathering and a meeting place for professionals interested in traditional jobs and skills. 110 110 . Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike. We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. And turf roofed houses, the home Husavik Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall We recommend a boat trip from town Stykkishlmur to islands rishlmur and Steinaklettar. 3,5 Hours, Garatorg 5, 210 Garabr, Iceland The sea was lapping below. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). You'll get astonished by the amount of forgotten objects you'll see. We have opted for visiting Iceland in the summer, therefore, for birdwatching. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. But no worries. Seydisfjordur, Iceland Features animals Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. On Google Maps, you can find the birdwatching spot under several names, such as Hafnarholmi Marina or Borgarfjardarhofn. The way was steep and winding, and it was cold enough that the snow at altitude didnt melt. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a charming fishing village situated on a grassy valley along a short wide fjord of the same name. 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. haha. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson. Enough to fill your camera's space and wonder where on Earth there could be more. Though, most of thewaterfalls in Icelandare, to be honest. See the world famous erupting geyser & hot springs, experience the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, as you walk down the lava canyon in ingvellir, $ The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. We recommend you make a reservation well in advance because the puffin season coincides with the high season in Iceland. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? It is very possible to climb the island unless you're afraid of heights. One of the landmarks of Seyisfjrur is The Blue Church / Blakirkja. Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. * Breiafjrur Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! The huge windows, bright colours of walls and the simple wood decorations give visitors a true sense of simplicity and calm. Do you have a question or want something customised? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. 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. 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! 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. A beautiful tour to one of Icelands most scenic and remote fjords with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and a WWII shipwreck. When we returned, we were delighted that we decided to incorporate Seydisfjordur in ourEast Fjords itinerary, which you should definitely check out too. 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. Puffins are even more common, and you can expect to see hundreds of them nesting among the huge colony of seabirds at Sklene cliff. Go Campers 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. 3,5 Hours. You can experience a Norwegian town without leaving Iceland! Young students from different countries arrive in town to live together for 12 weeks, developing art projects and learning new skills. We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. 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. 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. Aldan is the most famous and oldest hotel, open all year and hosting guests in different buildings. Around 11 am we arrived in the small village of Borgarfjordur Eystri for a restroom stop. In 2017 there were 3000 people for the final night, with groups of friends travelling from Reykjavik to enjoy music and dancing under the bright clear sky of the Icelandic midnight sun. From this point, you must descend everything you've just ascended. Egilsstadir | Hotel Valaskjalf - Egilsstadir can easily be your base for visiting some of the stunning places in Iceland and starting off point for exploring East Fjords or the Northern part of the country. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. Therefore, we've put together the top places to see puffins in Iceland that are well-accessible. Save. It had been like this on the drive to Seyisfjrur, too. Thankfully, the inside of the cafe was warm. Dimmuborgir, near Lake Myvatn, is an areaof lava fields, volcanic caves and rock formations that can be explored by signposted hiking trails. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. Sitting at the very end of the fjord of same name, Seyisfjrur is a visual feast of colour. The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. Another great alternative is Viator. Photos (9) Directions. 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. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . Nestled between Mt. Only you can answer this question. At the peak of the summer season there is a very special event in Seydisfjordur. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. Otherwise, you will need some patience as it's the most popular place in Seydisfjordur. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. The area is famous for hiking and surrounded by a great deal of myth. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. It is also one of the reasons why the village sits only on one side of the fjord. Text about each place below the map, clockwise from Kollafjrur bay, West Iceland. Other activities that you can book include boat trips, kayak tours, rent a bicycle, or for a real challenge try paragliding. 88 This wonderful private nature reserve showcases incredible flora, fauna, and settlement history. 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. 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. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the absolute best RIB-safari tour in Iceland! Part 3 of our Road Trip along Iceland's Ring Road brought us to the town of Egilsstadir. 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. To fully understand why this day was the best, check back tomorrow for my recap of Seydisfjordur. She performed a wide variety of songs from current hits to opera. Last year there were boys from Poland and two energetic and very creative girls from South Africa in charge of building from second-hand materials the set for the festival, enclosing a working yellow lighthouse. Upon arriving in Egilsstair, I am greeted by Magnfrur lf Ptursdttir, better known as Magga, who promises to take me on a tour to discover elves, puffins and perhaps even some reindeer that are hiding in the area. It was a crazy day of driving but it was all in the name of adventure! Items in your cart Since we are not that active on social media, this was not the reason to put the town on our list. And I can only praise the grilled cod, stuffed aubergine and the tuscan-style basket of bread served with herbs and olive oil. 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 first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. The highest (1085m) is the majestic and monumental Bjlfur. The views from the winding road between the mountains and amidst steep cliffs are spectacular. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. Landmannalaugar is a fascinating geological wonder, a geothermal oasis on the Highlands of Iceland, surrounded by multicolored mountains and steaming lava fields. Unless you arrive and leave the town by boat, you will need to tackle the wonderful stretch of the road between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur by car. * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland In fact, the town gets busy, especially in the summer season. $ This website is property of Civitatis Tours SL. There are many trails on both sides of the fjord. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. Well, the weather was pleasant, so watching the birds was quite entertaining, and the time just flew by. St. Johns (Post #22), France in the North Atlantic St. Pierre (Post #23), The Invasion of the Towel Animals (Post #24), The Mountain and The Mansion Bar Harbor (Post #26), Itinerary, Menus, When & Where and Entertainers, Puffins and Elves -Seydisfjordur (Post #14). After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. 113 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! Vigds puts in shapes of trees, crows and elves a dark and gothic tone with black humor. With minimal music, movies and art installation, it was so mesmerising and exciting! A simple hat or umbrella will keep you safe. Easy to walk to center of town. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Wildlife, scenery and cave exploring tour! For a bargain go there for lunch. Despite there only being around 300 houses in Seyisfjrur, finding a place to stay is simple and easy. Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. 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. 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. One of Iceland's existing law even protects birds during the breeding season, because they were in the past hunted for eggs and meat. 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. 9,5 Hours, $ The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. 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. 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. Admire the unique and colorful Norwegian-style homes in Seydisfjordur. About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. Small group tour with a local guide. There are workshops and demonstration for blacksmithing, knife-making, metal casting. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. 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. The combination of colors and the church at the end of the street is pretty photogenic, and if you want to enjoy the sight just by yourself, your timing must be perfect. The harbor is very photogenic, so snap a few photos before you excitedly run to see the puffins. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. 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. Less than 700 inhabitants live in Seydisfjordur (Seyisfjrur), but the town is no longer a hidden gem that no one knows about. The road is winding, and if the weather is clear, amazing views start to open up. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. It is either in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM and then in the afternoon, between 6 PM and 10 PM. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. The musical connection goes further though as inside there is a pipe organ. Read more. 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. It's also possible to go fishing, and outside town Hagavollur is a nine-hole golf course with a club house, where you can hire equipment. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. There are also other Art Galleries in town for local talents, and my favourite is Galler Vigds. That's why there are quite many nice hotels in the town, at least when we take into account the size of the town. 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. The way there was route 94, a long, gravelly, spine-shaking off road highway. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. We saw puffins in Iceland!!! A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. We've hand-selected the three best hotels in Seydisfjordur for every budget and every type of traveler. All this on Rnargata, the tiny street leading to Blue Church paved with stones painted in rainbow colours. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. Between 12 and 3pm there's usually a 2 for 1 deal, a good one to try whatever you like without worrying about the bill! Bjolfur and Mt. And there's no one here. You will see art and handicrafts in almost every garden and virtually every house when you walk around. Located in Vatnajkull National Park, Dettifoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; I feel so lucky to see it. 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. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. Once you reach the coastline, it is only a short drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri. Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. Visit with us Borgarfjordur, a small village famous for wonderful scenery and nesting Atlantic Puffins. This is a mission indeed, and the prize is to earn the official document crowning you as a Seyisfjrur Mountain Viking". Once you arrive at the information centre you'll appreciate it being warm and cosy, with sofas and free coffee and tea for visitors. Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. We believe it is quite easy to spend a peaceful couple of hours or even a full day in Seydisfjordur. Our good weather streak was looking like it might end this morning when I checked out the forecast on my phone. 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. Just east of Seydisfjordur is the remote farm of Skalanes. 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. A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . Remember, that if you do not want to pay that much for a night or the town is booked up, you can look for accommodation in Egilsstadir, which is only thirty minutes' drive away. Here you can find various restaurants and shops with local goods. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. It's also one of the best places to see wild reindeer in Iceland. Other than being a stop for cruises departing during the summer bound for America & Greenland, all year round the port is connected once a week to Denmark by Smyril Line. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The steamy Gufufoss waterfall The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. Gardens are decorated with strange and sometimes funny statues while creatures made up from woods, iron or recycled materials roam free. 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. Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. We traveled to Iceland at the end of June, which is the summer season. 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. 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. If your schedule allows it, check out the hiking trails in the village's surroundings. 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. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port After a while, we returned to the car and continued the descent to the valley along the Fjadrara River. 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. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, whale watching tour, collaboration, boat trip, North Iceland, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Southeast Iceland, how to choose the best campervan for Iceland, Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The Iceberg Lake in Southeast Iceland, Golden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide, A Complete Guide to Iceland's South Coast, 21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Iceland, A Guide to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. Sail into Faxafloi bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins and harbor porpoises. Another great alternative is Viator. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords is Seydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. There is no need to have 4WD in the summer. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. In winter season Stafdalur Ski Area is open on Fjardarheidi heath, located 9km on the road to Egilsstair. Its goal is to nurture and exhibit visual art, the main emphasis being on contemporary art. Ltrabjarg bird-cliff in the Westfjords of Iceland is the largest seabird cliff in Iceland and one of Europe's biggest seabird cliffs. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. We start the tour by driving over the mountain pass to Egilsstadir. That is one of the things we appreciated here the most. Seydisfjordur is no exception.
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