Puffin Watching and Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur
Description
Our Puffin and Waterfall Shore Excursion from Seyðisfjörður highlights both the wildlife and the natural beauty of this remote eastern region. Enjoy an up-close encounter with nesting Atlantic Puffins, explore quaint Icelandic fishing villages, and witness the stark beauty of Gúfufoss waterfall. All in just 5 hours. Borgarfjörður-Eystri is a remote coastal village. Life here centers around the harbour and see. Hafnarhólmi is a small and easily accessible islet connected to the mainland by a man made harbour. Its cliffs are widely held to be one of the worlds premier puffin-watching paradises. Next explore the charms of this cute little village. Lindarbakki turf house is an example of how Icelanders lived as late as the early 20th century. In pristine condition, one sees how Icelanders used thick turf walls to insulate their homes from the harsh climate. Finally we visit Gufufoss, a remote waterfall whose waters cascade down a rugged cliffside, filling the air with a fine mist.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Hafnarhólmi is a small islet by the harbour of the small fishing village, Borgarfjordur-Eystri. This rocky outcrop is home to one of the world´d biggest Altantic Puffin colonies. Every summer, nesting couple return here to raise their pufflings. Hafnarhólmi, is very accessible, allowing everyone to get an up close glimpse of this wondeful species.
While visiting the quaint village of Bakkagerði in Borgarfjordur-Eystri, you can find this pristine example of the classic Icelandic turf house. The thick turf walls, and grass lined roof provided essential insulation against the elements in times past. Many Icelanders continued to live in house like this into the early 20th century.
For those that wish to do an easy hike while in the village of Bakkagerði could hike Alfaborg, or elf rock, which is a monument on a hill overlooking Borgarfjordur-Eystri. This stop was held to be the home of the elf-queen of Iceland. Learn more about Icelandic folklore and beliefs. Even if you don´t hold much stock with folkloric tales, one can´t help but admire the dramatic views oen can enjoy from this hillside viewing point.
Gufufoss is a small waterfall which cascades gently down a rugged cliffside. Due to it´s appearance, it is sometimes compared to its larger cousin in the south, Skógafoss. The falls throws off a gentle mist, which accounts for its name - Gufu means steams in Icelandic.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour duration of 5 hours includes driving time
Reviews(62)
The puffins are so close. It is easy to see many of them! The facilities are good - with plenty of options during the trip. Our guide Saga did a fantastic job as did the driver Alberto. Make note as you drive to Gufufoss you will see multiple waterfalls that feed Gufufoss. So cool to see.
Wear layers, weather can change quickly on the coast. Book early to make sure you get a spot. Great excursion for Cruise port visitors. Tour guide broke up the trip with quick stops for a stretch and amazing views and experiences in Iceland.
Tanya knew many of the stories that are part of Iceland's history and tied them to the things we saw. She had done her homework and was very informative. I saw a tear in her eye as we returned to the ship. She is a keeper.
Tayra and Jon were fantastic. Tayra made it so interesting and she is so nice.
Trip was on time and made many stops. Tanya our guide was very friendly and personable. Bus had great WiFi. The puffin colony did not disappoint. It was very active and we got lots of great photos.
Something very strange happened. About 2 weeks before this tour I was informed that this tour was cancelled and replace by a different tour. This I accepted. On the day of the hour I arrived for tour #2 and was registered on the group list. We took the tour and it was excellent. In the meantime I was never removed from the original tour and the guide was trying to contact me as to why I hadn't shown up. There was some mix up at your end and I hope I wasn't charged twice.
We are glad you enjoyed the tour you joined. However, the original booking was cancelled and replaced in our system, which is why the guide contacted you. We understand this caused confusion and are sorry the booking status was not clearer.
Saga & Hero (Driver) were absolutely amazing. We did everything listed in the itinerary and having Saga as the Guide just made everything that much more special and interesting.
It was a fairly long drive to get to the location, however, the views were amazing and our tour guide was fantastic! Once we made it to see the puffins, it was an incredible experience. Definitely something I will always remember. There were so many of them, and they were so close to us. We even had time to grab a bowl of local food – goulash and homemade bread.
Bus transportation was wonderful and Puffin sightseeing was fantastic. I really enjoyed watching and learning about this bird ... very new to me.
We came for the puffins and we were not disappointed.
