There are actually two art residencies in town. 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. Eventually, we decided to give it a go, and it turned out to be a great decision. Whales spend the winter in the fjord, when water is warmer there, then move to open sea for the summer. 4 years ago. The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. Another easy and short hike is the one to reach Tvsongur, a sound sculpture built in 2012 by German artist Lukas Khne. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. As pretty much everywhere in Iceland, the hotels in Seydisfjordur are not exactly cheap. 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. The card costs three times more than we are used to paying in the Czech Republic, so we recommend you one thing. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. On one side, there are puffins which from time to time fly out to the sea and then return with fish in their beaks. After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. 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. 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 Atlantic Puffin is not a rare species, but it's still one of the most stunning and beautiful birds in the world. Hosting has been a passion for locals throughout the years and is visible through the wide selection of accommodation. There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. , Yeah they were cool! There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). Enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, known as the Secret Lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. The main road to reach the fjord is the one from Egilsstair, the town that's the crossroad of the North East. As Egilsstadir is Iceland's transport hub, you should not have a problem getting to your next destination from here. Whatever your budget you can find the perfect spot for you. We've hand-selected the three best hotels in Seydisfjordur for every budget and every type of traveler. Despite being difficult to access, it's well worth a visit. 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 pretty interesting that the distinctive orange bill appears only during the nesting season, and later in the year, the color fades to dull shades. Here you can find more information on camping in Iceland. It had been a hell of a drive getting in obscured by fog, the mountain road had been almost invisible. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. 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. So we already know the best season to see puffins, but what is the best time of the day to watch puffins at Borgarfjordur Eystri? 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 . While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. Dont miss out on the biggest music festival of the year: Iceland Airwaves 2018, A classic tour of the Golden Circle. Because they tend to nest on rocky cliffs close to water, seeing puffins in their natural habitat is sometimes tricky. It's a 3 hours hike but not difficult at all. The street is also lined with many bars and cafes, and it is one of the liveliest parts of Seydisfjordur, where people like to chill out after a tiring day on the road. You should rent a 4WD car in the winter, although that applies for the entire Iceland trip, not just Seydisfjordur. In the lucky event you have more time my advice is to walk from Seyisfjrur that's what I did! The musical connection goes further though as inside there is a pipe organ. To fully understand why this day was the best, check back tomorrow for my recap of Seydisfjordur. When looking at the mountains around you, you can notice avalanche protection walls almost everywhere. Puffin Tours In Seydisfjordur Iceland | Reykjavik Tourism Office Seydisfjordur (Seyisfjrur) is a small township in the East of Iceland located on the southern tip of a fjord of the same name. And there's no one here. Your cart is empty Re: Cruise port. We also share practical information that will help you get the most out of the trip to this town nestled between Mt. I feel so lucky to see it. Our geothermal energy makes this possible of course and provides hot water for our little paradise getaways. After a while, we returned to the car and continued the descent to the valley along the Fjadrara River. Save. Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. Availability 4. 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. If you answered that these were all highlights of the east of Iceland then you would be right! Duration 2 hrs . Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. The Museum is worth a visit anyway, and in other periods you won't regret paying a few kronas for two floors of exhibition focusing on the influx of modern times on local way of life from 1880 to 1960. 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. 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. As we've already mentioned, the site is quite small, but there were so many puffins that we spent there approximately two hours. We found the puffins nesting and fishing at the end of a small peninsula, high atop an outcrop of sea rocks. Wild Westfjords / Shore Excursions / Categories / Seydisfjordur Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. Get a 5% discount on Somewhere skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.. It's unmarked and tiny (it's just a pull-off area), and we have to admit that we missed it on the way down. Spending 10 hrs of quality time in Seydisfjordur is extremely difficult , Maybe one of reasons tour prices are so high- they have a captive audience. 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 Every summer, a bus runs between Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur, but you should check out the timetable before you go. From here we went to hike at Hengifoss,. Seydisfjordur, Iceland In The Footsteps of the Elves Excursion 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. The female usually lays a single egg and keeps it warm (together with a male partner) for the next 42 days. Its also possible that Artic Shorex filled their tour with passengers from both ships. The best way to get to get to Borgarfjordur Eystri is by car as it allows you to stop as often as you want. Seyisfjrur is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. puffins | Borgarfjrur eystri 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. Where to visit puffins in Iceland - StickyMangoRice But they were great. Along the Rainbow street are a few shops selling clothes and locally made items along with a caf. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. Borgarfjordur Eystri (Borgarfjrur) is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland in the summer. The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Borgarfjordur puffin nesting site can get pretty windy, and the conditions can be quite harsh when it rains. by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". During the days of the Festival there's free entry to The Technical Museum of East Iceland, established in 1984. Other activities that you can book include boat trips, kayak tours, rent a bicycle, or for a real challenge try paragliding. The drive should take you around 30 minutes, but heads up. So it is good to know there is a wooden observation shack for photographers (you can sit here quietly and open windows for better photos) where you can hide for a while. The Blue church was open for visitors when we arrived, but we learned it was closed for most of the morning. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. 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. 10,5 Hours, $ The day of our visit was sunny, yet we could feel the cold winds blowing out of the sea, so make sure you dress in layers even if you do not plan on walking for hours. The long road from Hfn to the ghost town of Seyisfjrur had looked like something from a Jaguar commercial. Landmannalaugar, The geothermal paradise tourists never hear about, The South Coast of Iceland - the ultimate guide. Places to Visit in Seydisfjordur - Tripadvisor Our bus was a 20-passenger minibus. After lunch, we walked over to the red-painted Lindarbakki turf-roofed house and peered into the windows. They shared their home with noisy seagulls, screeching and complaining noisily in their cliffside nests. Seydisfjordur is also home to an annual culture festival called LungA, which takes place every July. Foll. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. The brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. 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. 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. The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. At the end of the road ahead of the town are a picturesque little harbour and the Hafnarholmi hill. screen printing, crafting tools for agriculture, printing analogue photographs in a dark room. This is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland. 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. Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. A Guide to Seydisfjordur in Iceland LAIDBACK TRIP The way was steep and winding, and it was cold enough that the snow at altitude didnt melt. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. 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. Even though Borgarfjordur Eystri in East Fjords is quite a remote spot and a detour off the well-traveled Ring Road, it is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland.. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland. Another way to get to Seydisfjordur is on a cruise around Iceland. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. A boom in herring fishing meant that Seydisfjordur later became the most prosperous town in eastern Iceland. Budget | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Old Hospital Building - This place is one of the nicest hostels we've ever seen. As with any serious mission, you'll need a special map, available at the information centre. Don't worry, we won't spam you. Puffin Tours | Day Tours Iceland | Arctic Adventures Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. There are many trails on both sides of the fjord. Seyisfjrur, the secret gem of the East : GetLocal Finally, it was moved to Seydisfjordur in 1920. Aldan is the most famous and oldest hotel, open all year and hosting guests in different buildings. 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. 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. Sign up for our newsletter! We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour. 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. support@getlocal.is. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; A popular puffin spot is Borgarhlmi which you can reach by car and on foot. One of the things to know about Iceland is that it's a very expensive country - see our Iceland Travel Budget. You can experience a Norwegian town without leaving Iceland! 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. Another reason was that ourIceland itinerarywas packed. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. Camping | If you plan on camping in Iceland, you will find campsites in Seydisfjordur or Egilsstadir. It is one of Iceland 's supreme hiking areas with magnificent colorful mountains, beautiful rocks and rare stones.. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. 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. However, there are plenty of hiking trails near Seydisfjordur in case you hear the calling of the wild. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a small lovely village with not that many accommodation options. Egilsstadir | Gistihusid - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. Its easy to access and many breathtaking sights to see. 9,5 Hours, $ Even if you spend a few hours there, the sense of freedom and true wilderness won't disappoint. Sail into Faxafloi bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins and harbor porpoises. . She fell in love with Iceland a few years ago - of course through music! Strandartindur. $ * Fskrsfjrur, East Iceland Its goal is to nurture and exhibit visual art, the main emphasis being on contemporary art. 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. Do you have a question or want something customised? 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. Admire the unique and colorful Norwegian-style homes in Seydisfjordur. Artists whose applications are accepted can live for a small fee in studios where they can use all available equipment and tools. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. The main road led us directly to a small parking lot right next to the church. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords isSeydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. And turf roofed houses, the home Husavik Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall The chances are that you will drive this road twice in case you still want to return to the Ring Road and don't want to settle down in Seydisfjordur. * Breiafjrur Bjolfur and Mt. Similar to the road toSeydisfjordur, the route to Borgarfjordur is so scenic that we recommend you drive it even outside the birdwatching season. 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. 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. * Breiafjrur 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. 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. 1, Pickup and dropoff from the port The goal is to climb, in 24 hours, all the seven mountains surrounding the town and fjord. The small towns center is known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and picturesque setting around the lagoon. Back on the tender pier, they were passing out small paper cups with hot chocolate. You might have noticed when you travel around Iceland that almost every town, no matter how big or small has a swimming pool. The Bjargtangar part of Ltrabjarg is often called the westernmost point if you skip the mid-Atlantic archipelago of Azores. 100% refund if your ship does not dock The location of this nesting site is absolutely fabulous. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. Sometimes Heima also organises special events to showcase the work in progress of artists in residencies. 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. Borgarfjrur eystri - CAPITAL of the Puffins Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. Before we reached the highest point on this route, we had emerged into a snowy wonderland that we had not expected to find here. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Cruises to Seydisfjordur, Iceland | Royal Caribbean Cruises Carefully designated boardwalks in Hafnarholmi Marina (often nicknamed Puffin Marina) and the location are perfect for birdwatching. A great option is the stunning Innra-Hvannagil gorge, unique due to its rhyolite colours. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can even opt for a bus or boat. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. The view of Seyisfjrur as you are driving down the road from Egilsstair is definitely unforgettable. Another great alternative is Viator. HOME OF THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN. One of Iceland's existing law even protects birds during the breeding season, because they were in the past hunted for eggs and meat. 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. We rented a campervan, and could not be happier with this choice as we could stop anywhere we wanted. Seydisfjordur is a remote village that you visit intentionally as the road from Egilsstadir ends here. Therefore, we've put together the top places to see puffins in Iceland that are well-accessible. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Skaftfell Art Centre is an institution, not only for Seydisfjordur but for whole Iceland. The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. There is also a shop, where you can find souvenirs, art books and prints. Still, the puffins are for sure the highlight of this area. This friendly team nurture the Festival with positive energies and the healing powers of arts and culture. Well, if we had to make our pick, it would be detouring to the fjord towns of Seydisfjordur and Borgarfjordur Eystri in the north east corner of the country. Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. 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. The weather made Seyisfjrur an eerie place, almost as if something from a horror movie. It is newly refurbished, and guests can choose from dormitories and private rooms. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. You can either fly to the Island or take a ferry. . Twenty minutes later, we stopped at an overlook for a photo-op of Egilsstadir, which was below us in the valley. Large puffin colonies on the island of Hafnarhlmi, and the chance to get up-close-and-personal with the birds. Since we are not that active on social media, this was not the reason to put the town on our list. Well, the weather was pleasant, so watching the birds was quite entertaining, and the time just flew by. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. At first, we were not sure whether it was worth visiting Seydisfjordur. Cruise port - Seydisfjordur Forum - Tripadvisor You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Your email address will not be published. This is one of the best places to view the Puffins and there are several platforms and stairs which allow you to climb the small hill and get close to the Puffins and their burrows. You can also consider using a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a bird-eye autofocus function to capture the best images possible. Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. That's why there are quite many nice hotels in the town, at least when we take into account the size of the town. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. There is no need to have 4WD in the summer. 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. $ 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. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. Two islands,Akureyand Lunday are homes to tens of thousands of puffins. This is one of those places where having a proper telephoto lens will make a big difference. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! Hard 4 (12) Seyisfjrur, Eastern, Iceland. It is very possible to climb the island unless you're afraid of heights. Parking in Seydisfjordur is plentiful and free of charge. Sitting at the very end of the fjord of same name, Seyisfjrur is a visual feast of colour. The huge windows, bright colours of walls and the simple wood decorations give visitors a true sense of simplicity and calm. Cruises To Seydisfjordur | Europe Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line Even though the architecture and a blueish pastel color are charming, it would probably not be such a recognizable landmark without its trademark rainbow pavement leading down the street to it. Secondly, Seydisfjordur feels quite remote, especially when you take into account that the road ends here. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. Small group tour with a local guide. The parking is less than 4 kilometers from Seydisfjordur. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. Although the winter scenery looks gorgeous in pictures, you must realize that getting from Egilsstadir to Seydisfjordur in winter is no fun due to ice and snow. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. 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.