Only a thirty-minute drive from theRing Roadand the prosperous transportation hub Egilsstadir lies one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, Seydisfjordur. The last weekend of July is the date for The Blacksmith Festival, organised by The Technical Museum of East Iceland on Hafnargata. 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. She fell in love with Iceland a few years ago - of course through music! 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. 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. 88 Cars would appear from the mist suddenly, their dim headlights ethereal as they rolled past. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. When we returned, we were delighted that we decided to incorporate Seydisfjordur in ourEast Fjords itinerary, which you should definitely check out too. Seydisfjordur is no exception. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town and the port in a complete silence and tranquillity, perfect for meditation and relaxing. haha. The goal is to climb, in 24 hours, all the seven mountains surrounding the town and fjord. It's more pub style, serving big burgers with vegetarian choices, grilled meat and fish and an interesting choice of local and international beers, both draught and bottled. 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. The designated boardwalks lead through the puffins' colony, yet they are still far enough to avoid disturbance and not to destroy vegetation. As we've already mentioned, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland's cultural centers boasting a vibrant atmosphere. 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. As we make our way to the town, we will stop at some of the most picturesque spots, including hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. 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. Our bus was a 20-passenger minibus. 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! A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. 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. 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. We know that many travelers leave after twenty or thirty minutes, so plan your visit according to yourtravel style. One of the country's foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. 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. Do you have a question or want something customised? Warmer seasons offer some spectacular options for avid hikers! So when should you arrive in Borgarfjordur to see puffins? The view of Seyisfjrur as you are driving down the road from Egilsstair is definitely unforgettable. Connected by one mountain road, Seydisfjordur is a remote treasure. Back on the tender pier, they were passing out small paper cups with hot chocolate. During the nesting season, Borgarfjordur is home to about 10 000 pairs of puffins. 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. Performances, concerts, dancing, theatre, poetry reading, comedy, visual exhibitions take place in every corner of the town, culminating in a two night music festival showcasing old and new talents from all over Iceland and abroad. But they were great. The town is tiny, so you do not have to worry you will miss it. Seydisfjordur, Iceland Features animals Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. We start the tour by driving over the mountain pass to Egilsstadir. We have to admit that Road 93 was one of our favorite scenic drives in Iceland. If I were to imagine a heaven on Earth, I couldn't imagine a different place than this. Another easy and short hike is the one to reach Tvsongur, a sound sculpture built in 2012 by German artist Lukas Khne. You can experience a Norwegian town without leaving Iceland! That is one of the things we appreciated here the most. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Seyisfjrur, on the far east coast of Iceland, was a ghost town. Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. Protect Puffins; 360 VR tour; slenska; Search. If what you have been reading has inspired you to spend one or more days in Seydisfjordur, there's plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. . Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins. The Blue church was open for visitors when we arrived, but we learned it was closed for most of the morning. Step by step you'll see the fjord turning into open ocean, you'll meet sheep and Icelandic horses and you can also visit a real Viking archaeology site. 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! 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? The history of Seyisfjrur dates back to the Vikings age. 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. Therefore, your chances of seeing puffins here are very high because birds have everything they like - grassy areas and slopes above cliffs very close to the water. Viking was moored alongside the cruise terminal, and she had her own tour buses meeting her passengers. This is a mission indeed, and the prize is to earn the official document crowning you as a Seyisfjrur Mountain Viking". Egilsstadir is the youngest town in Iceland, established in 1947. Capital of Elves, Puffins and Hiking It's yours to explore. A few minutes later we made another brief stop at the home of Icelandic painter Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval. Photos (9) Directions. Enough to fill your camera's space and wonder where on Earth there could be more. Right after the parking area, if you're visiting early summer, be careful of the arctic ferns! Once you reach the coastline, it is only a short drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri. I feel so lucky to see it. We did not spend a night there, did not do any longer hike in the area, yet, the drive and the town itself were super-photogenic and worth the trip. We passed through it, just a few seconds of whiteness, and then we commenced the mountain climb. Mid-range | Blabjorg Guesthouse - Wonderful, newly refurbished guesthouse offers equipped kitchen, and there are even a sauna and hot tub. The huge windows, bright colours of walls and the simple wood decorations give visitors a true sense of simplicity and calm. 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. Landmannalaugar is a fascinating geological wonder, a geothermal oasis on the Highlands of Iceland, surrounded by multicolored mountains and steaming lava fields. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. There are many trails on both sides of the fjord. The musical connection goes further though as inside there is a pipe organ. It is a low intensity hike, where you also get the opportunity to see Iceland's oldest operational power plant called Fjardarselsvirkjun. 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? Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. There are actually two art residencies in town. Try fishing or kayaking in the long fjord that leads to Seydisfjordur. First of all, the Gufufoss is only a few meters from the parking lot, which is just off the main road. Inside the space you'll find all the most incredible objects, all made by Vigds Helga Jnsdttir and her husband Sigurur Hauksson. The highest chance to enjoy sunny weather in Seydisfjordur is during the summer, usually from June to August. I slowed down and gripped the wheel a little bit tighter. Despite the lack of puffins at the puffin colony, I am all smiles. Old phones and typewriters, the very first computers, cinema projectors, and even an old medical studio. Seyisfjrur was used as a base for British/American forces during World War II and remnants of this activity are visible throughout the fjord, including a landing strip no longer in use and an oil tanker SS El Grillo that was bombed and sunk. When the breeding season comes, puffins seek places such as Borgarfjordur, where they find protection on the cliffs covered with grass above the sea. Age 8+. 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 prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. We've hand-selected the three best hotels in Seydisfjordur for every budget and every type of traveler. Whales spend the winter in the fjord, when water is warmer there, then move to open sea for the summer. 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. 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. 4 years ago. 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 The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. Travel in the summer season and see puffins, or arrive a bit later, in the autumn or winter, and spot the Northern Lights. We head east on a scenic road across a . The church was rebuilt in a different location, but even this was not the end of its journey. The island of Skrur is home to the biggest cave on the East Coast of Iceland, as well as a popular puffin colony. Do you have a question or want something customised?Send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. They looked like cartoons, with big heads, sad eyes, and oversized beaks stuffed with fish. 98 reviews. At first, we were not sure whether it was worth visiting Seydisfjordur. Time permitting; we can drive around the town of Seydisfjordur before you need to get back to your ship. The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley. A very varied day in the East Fjords taking in puffins and isolated hamlets at Borgarfjordur Eystri, then a strapping 17km . Seydisfjordur is a harbor for boats from Denmark or Faroe Islands, the same as for cruise ships. 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. An unsettling thought. I've been very lucky to have spent the summer of 2017 living and working in Seyisfjrur, on Iceland's North East Coast. From Egilsstadir, we abruptly climbed to the mountain pass. Another reason was that ourIceland itinerarywas packed. So when planning your trip and creating your perfect Iceland itinerary, you must solve a dilemma. Therefore, it is possible to visit the town even without a car. 88 Expect to find the typical tourist list of the best things to see and do here. The area is a breeding ground for black-legged kittiwakes, a coastal bird that nests on steep cliffs. The apartments at top floor are for artists in residency. Welcome to our Village. Bjolfur and Mt. The ideal plan when visit Seydisfjordur is to take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding mountains and fjord. While there is not much to do in this town, it's worth a visit to witness real Eastern Icelandic local life. It's only about 20 minute climbing, but it's best to wear waterproof shoes because there are small streams of water to cross. If you travel in a campervan as we did, the cheapest place to stay in Borgarfjordur is the campsite. 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. Embark on a mystical journey to the land of puffins and elves in Borgarfjordur Eystri, where nature and magic come together in harmony. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road. 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. 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 ? The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like their waffles and fish soup. Only 700 people inhabit this quirky destination in the Eastfjords, home to a technology museum, an arts center, Atlantic puffins, reindeer, eider ducks and the popular LungA festival. After a while, we returned to the car and continued the descent to the valley along the Fjadrara River. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. This friendly team nurture the Festival with positive energies and the healing powers of arts and culture. 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. Gufufoss Waterfall was our final stop and we spent about 10 minutes here before moving on. . 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. Therefore, the town is a great place to buy an authentic souvenirs for your family or yourself. The long road from Hfn to the ghost town of Seyisfjrur had looked like something from a Jaguar commercial. Welcome to Borgarfjrur eystri. 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. There is a grocery store at the end of the street and we browsed the aisles and bought some chocolate. Foll. 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. About 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer in Borgarfjrur. The sea was lapping below. Here you can find more information on camping in Iceland. 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. May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Prepare yourself for a specific bird smell and the funny noises puffins make. We saw some people hiking to the top, but we took a pass. Here you pay extra for the remoteness and privilege to stay in one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. We shared a steaming hot cheese and ham pizza, and hot soup. 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 . We also offer a group tour Puffins & Elves. Duration 2 hrs . Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. The most famous one is The Waterfall Lane, which starts nearby the swimming pool. 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. 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. We would return here later for lunch after viewing the Puffins. Print/PDF map. A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. Fall in love with the charming and vibrant town of Seydisfjordur. 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. You can visit Seydisfjordur year-round, but the conditions from late autumn to early spring are more challenging. support@getlocal.is. Also, have snow chains ready because the road is potentially dangerous when the conditions are icy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The steamy Gufufoss waterfall They're not crazy and evil, but they have nests they want to protect. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. Once we climbed high enough, the scenery suddenly changed, and it looked like we were visiting Iceland in the winter. 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. After driving to Seydisfjordur, we can say that journey was the destination. The fisherman puffins dive-bombed the sea. You will find it behind the Blue Church mentioned in an above section, and with the outside walls painted with cartoons you cannot miss it! One of the landmarks of Seyisfjrur is The Blue Church / Blakirkja. To fully understand why this day was the best, check back tomorrow for my recap of Seydisfjordur. If your response is positive, you should start looking for the best hotel in Seydisfjordur. There's a special hideout viewing location near the harbour of the town which allows visitors to view a wide variety of unique bird species native to the area. Other activities that you can book include boat trips, kayak tours, rent a bicycle, or for a real challenge try paragliding. And when all seems quiet, from October to December, LungA people in Seydisfjordur take care of an international school. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhlmi, a birdwatcher's paradise. Loading your cart Despite being difficult to access, it's well worth a visit. 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. The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord. 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. 9,5 Hours, $ Today, the town continues to live off fishing, tourism and handicrafts, having been established as one of the main stops on cruises around Iceland. 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. The weather made Seyisfjrur an eerie place, almost as if something from a horror movie. There are icelandic sweaters, and many sorts of decoration objects such as: candles, mirrors, statues and paintings. Make a donation to help me to keep producing great hand-drawn content. There is one thing you should know. We really love our swimming pools band we have strict rules you need to know about! 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. 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. 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. Secondly, Seydisfjordur feels quite remote, especially when you take into account that the road ends here. Seydisfjordur is a very small village, so you'll need approximately thirty to sixty minutes to walk around the tourist area. Seydisfjordur indeed needs protection as avalanches often occur, especially in winter and spring. Iceland is of course renowned for them, but here you can see, one after another, the grand amount of 25 waterfalls! Read more:The puffin population of Iceland is flying back to shore. And turf roofed houses, the home Husavik Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall It was a long, terrifying, white-knuckled drive to get here and see the puffins. The Blue Church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm until 1882, and then it was moved to Vestdalseyri. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. 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. Keep your eyes open for Icelandic sheep and puffins in Seydisfjordur. Would you like to know what we did do at Borgarfjordur for two hours? The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and puffins. Oh well, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we hoped that a few Puffins might still be in the area. On one side, there are puffins which from time to time fly out to the sea and then return with fish in their beaks. In Seyisfjrur you will find hostels, hotels, guesthouses as well as a camping ground and caravan site. The town is located in the fjord, so we are not exaggerating when we say that the surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking. 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. Or you can use the simple trick, that I tried myself, to collect a lupin flower and wave it above your head! A top three location for spotting puffins in Iceland. A low fog had settled on the streets, whiting out the backdrop and limiting visibility to just the few houses around us. 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). 2. Easy to walk to center of town. The cliffs, the other cars, it had been almost impossible to see the dangers. All around there are sightseeing points to observe the birds and wildlife. Though, most of thewaterfalls in Icelandare, to be honest. The views from the winding road between the mountains and amidst steep cliffs are spectacular. 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. We found the puffins nesting and fishing at the end of a small peninsula, high atop an outcrop of sea rocks. The road to Borgarfjordur is paved in places, while some sections are still unpaved. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds. There is however, another way to reach Seyisfjrur (WEB cam). rachel khoo flatbread with yogurt, susan lancaster daughter of burt,

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