You do not have to go far to figure out that this place has a lot to offer. Its actually such a big deal over here that we tend to refer to it exclusively as The South Coast. Alfaborg hill, believed to be the home of the Elf Queen, was nearby. While puffin colonies are located all around Iceland, there are a few places where your chances of catching the bird are more likely than others, as shown on the map. The Blue church was open for visitors when we arrived, but we learned it was closed for most of the morning. Iceland is all about nature, and the possibilities are endless pretty much anywhere you go. Volunteers fly from all over the world and give their contributions towards the decorating, planning, cooking and even.cleaning! 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. Therefore, the town is a great place to buy an authentic souvenirs for your family or yourself. There are actually two art residencies in town. The brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. 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. Adult from: $ 449.00 USD; Its also possible that Artic Shorex filled their tour with passengers from both ships. It should go without saying that it is forbidden to touch the birds or feed them. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. Small group tour with a local guide. The Borgarfjordur Eystri area is well known for hiking trails. - or to go by bike. Capital of Elves, Puffins and Hiking It's yours to explore. This hotel is modernly decorated, and the location could not be better. Somewhere skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.. 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. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. Seydisfjordur Puffins, Elves & more A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. Keep your eyes open for Icelandic sheep and puffins in Seydisfjordur. Prepare to be blown away by the impressive basalt columns and the bright blue glacial river on this tour to the Studlagil Canyon. Despite there only being around 300 houses in Seyisfjrur, finding a place to stay is simple and easy. I feel so lucky to see it. Exploring the world from The Inside Cabin. We head east on a scenic road across a . Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This option might be a perfect alternative for those who travel aroundIceland on a budget, especially if you don't mind combining it with hitchhiking. 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. The sun dips behind the clouds as I head back south to Egilsstadir and then east to camp in Seydisfjordur. Once you arrive at the information centre you'll appreciate it being warm and cosy, with sofas and free coffee and tea for visitors. Some rooms have a sea view - go for it if it is still available. . 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. Of course there's the fun side, with music, dancing, and home-made food served at the old pier in the harbour for affordable prices. 9,5 Hours, $ This website is property of Civitatis Tours SL. We left the car there and covered the rest of the distance on foot. Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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 parking is less than 4 kilometers from Seydisfjordur. 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. All rights reserved. The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. History of Seydisfjordur by using our unique promo code: "laidbacktrip". 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. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. 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. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. We wanted to drive to Bakkageri, to see wild puffins. 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. Mid-range | Hotel Aldan - The Post Office - This hotel offers a central location, clean and nicely decorated rooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. 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! Of all the places I've visited in Iceland, this small village with its 700 inhabitants will always have a special place in my heart. The Viking Mars was in port and moored to the cruise terminal. The area is popular for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Nestled between Mt. There is no need to have 4WD in the summer. Gardens are decorated with strange and sometimes funny statues while creatures made up from woods, iron or recycled materials roam free. Tvisongur is on the mountainside in front of the old fish factory on Hafnargata, where there are clear signs showing the direction. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. At ground floor a delicious bistro, serving international dishes like pizza and soups reinvented with local ingredients like blueberries and reindeer's meat. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. Description This hike used to be a loop, but the western portion is closed and it can now only be completed as an out and back. Icelands third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to a lake monster, the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm). Duration 2 hrs . You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. Let us know! The first settler was Bjlfur, who gave the name to the highest of the mountains surrounding the fjord. Its easy to access and many breathtaking sights to see. Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders. She also shared a little bad news and said that all the Puffins were gone as they tend to migrate in mid-August. You can experience a Norwegian town without leaving Iceland! Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. Ltrabjarg bird-cliff in the Westfjords of Iceland is the largest seabird cliff in Iceland and one of Europe's biggest seabird cliffs. It is either in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM and then in the afternoon, between 6 PM and 10 PM. Only you can answer this question. She also makes jewels from weird and unusual materials, like horse's hair, fish bones and seaweeds. 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 newly refurbished, and guests can choose from dormitories and private rooms. A few minutes later we made another brief stop at the home of Icelandic painter Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval. 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! We saw puffins in Iceland!!! His wingspan is around 47-65 cm. $ What to do in Seydisfjordur, Iceland Cruise Port The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. 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. Nestled between Mt. The area is a breeding ground for black-legged kittiwakes, a coastal bird that nests on steep cliffs. The best thing about LungA is that it is a community festival. Seydisfjordur South Mountain Wall Hike. 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. Without any further ado, here's our pick of activities and things to see and do in Seydisfjordur. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. See some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, with beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanoes. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a small lovely village with not that many accommodation options. There were puffins nearby, and we were waiting for a break in the weather to reach them. 110 Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Another site you cannot miss in Seydisfjordur is the iconic Blue Church (Seyisfjararkirkja). Seydisfjordur, Iceland Features animals Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The musical connection goes further though as inside there is a pipe organ. Several of the foot-high birds stood guard, turning their distinctive red, cream and black beaks to inspect everything that moved. And when all seems quiet, from October to December, LungA people in Seydisfjordur take care of an international school. There is also a shop, where you can find souvenirs, art books and prints. I warmed my hands on my coffee cup and looked out the window. Strandartindur. When you see a 90% chance of rain all day, it usually doesnt bode well for a nice day. 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. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. Getting to Seydisfjordur by car or campervan is the easiest and most rewarding way to enjoy your trip. The Blue Church was actually moved several times, from Dvergasteinn farm to the hill overlooking Vestdalseyri, and many times was damaged or destroyed by fire, before finding its final home in 1920. Even if you plan on traveling further and do not plan on spending the night in Seydisfjordur, you should allow yourself some time to walk around the village. Would you like to know what we did do at Borgarfjordur for two hours? 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. Length 2.0 miElevation gain 1,515 ftRoute type Out & back. culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson. We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. It is very possible to climb the island unless you're afraid of heights. The harbor is very photogenic, so snap a few photos before you excitedly run to see the puffins. The main reason probably was that Iceland is so scenic that all puffin colonies were located at beautiful spots. Mind to wear proper hiking boots and to bring sticks, because some parts are a little difficult. 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. We rented a campervan, and could not be happier with this choice as we could stop anywhere we wanted. Spend a day exploring the stunning southern coastline of Iceland on our South Coast Tour from Reykjavik. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL HIKING TRAILS. Read more. It does not mean you won't see a single bird when you arrive outside these time frames. Nestled between dramatic mountains and one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords isSeydisfjordur, a tiny but beautiful town that embodies traditional Icelandic style. Our travel guide includes what to expect from visiting Seydisfjordur and tips on the best things to see and do while there. Seydisfjordur is a town ringed by a rainbow of tin houses and dramatic snowcapped peaks. You need 4 x 100 ISK in coins to take a shower, but a lady at the front desk offered us change automatically. We think it is impossible to travel around Iceland and not see at least one incredibly beautiful waterfall per day. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 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. I loved seeing all these puffins! Iceland is a famous road trip destination. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. 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. That's why there are quite many nice hotels in the town, at least when we take into account the size of the town. 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. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. But no worries. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! Drive slowly. LungA Art Festival which in 2018 will be from 12th to 22nd of July - transforms the village into a stage for a wide selection of artistic expression. 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. 88 We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. When the conditions are icy and snowy, it is essential to have 4WD and snow chains in the car trunk. The road is paved, and a 2WD car is absolutely fine for this type of road. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. Moreover, the midnight sun on the way back made for spectacular views of the whole fjord. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Promise! We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. If you happen to be in the town when the church is open (opening hours vary), do not hesitate and go inside. We couldnt see much more than their backs as they glided through the water. The southern coast of Iceland is by far one of the most popular destinations that Iceland has to offer. 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. It is paved andsuitable for any type of vehicle. 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. That is one of the things we appreciated here the most. 89 helpful votes. If you . Ltrabjarg is also one of the westernmost parts of Europe (2432'3" west). 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The big part of the road is unpaved but without holes, and there is ongoing construction to improve road conditions. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Our bus was a 20-passenger minibus. 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. Hehe damn, I got the place name wrong , Pfff you can actually remember the name of Icelandic places? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It's only about 20 minute climbing, but it's best to wear waterproof shoes because there are small streams of water to cross. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. 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. haha. 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. And in our opinion, Borgarfjordur Eystri is definitely worth the trip. The highest (1085m) is the majestic and monumental Bjlfur. 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. Puffin tours from Reykjavk - Iceland CLASSIC PREMIUM & MORE Classic Puffin Watching Tour . Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. Egilsstadir | Gistihusid - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. 2. And btw, it was Borgarfjordur Eystri!!! Get a 5% discount on Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. At the peak of the summer season there is a very special event in Seydisfjordur. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. There are icelandic sweaters, and many sorts of decoration objects such as: candles, mirrors, statues and paintings. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. Luxury | Vid Lonid Guesthouse - Set in a wooden house and decorated in Scandinavian minimalist design, this guesthouse truly deserves to be one of the best hotels in Seydisfjordur. The Atlantic Puffin is not a rare species, but it's still one of the most stunning and beautiful birds in the world.