Puffin Tour from Seyðisfjörður & Gufufoss
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Description
This five-hour East Iceland shore excursion is built around one of the country's best summer puffin sites. From Seyðisfjörður Harbour, travel through the Eastfjords to Borgarfjörður Eystri and Hafnarhólmi, where viewing platforms bring you close to Atlantic puffins in their natural nesting habitat.
The journey also brings together the character of Borgarfjörður Eystri: colourful village scenery, the red turf-roofed Lindarbakki house and the folklore of Álfaborg. On the return drive, Gufufoss adds a final waterfall stop before the coach reaches Seyðisfjörður Harbour.
The route is planned with cruise schedules in mind and is equally suitable for travellers staying in Seyðisfjörður or elsewhere in the Eastfjords.
Itinerary
Seyðisfjörður Harbour
Cruise-terminal pickup
Meet your guide at Seyðisfjörður Harbour Parking beside the cruise ship terminal. Departure times are planned around the ship schedule shown for your booking.
Eastfjords drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Fjords, mountains and remote coastal scenery
Travel north by coach through East Iceland towards Borgarfjörður Eystri. The journey introduces the area's steep mountains, quiet fjords and small coastal communities before the main puffin stop.
Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony
Atlantic puffins and viewing platforms
Visit Hafnarhólmi, one of Iceland's most accessible summer puffin colonies. Maintained paths and platforms offer close views of nesting birds, the fishing harbour and the dramatic coastline. There are a few short stair sections, but no long hike.
Álfaborg
Elf folklore and village views
Stop at the legendary Elf Rock, traditionally said to be the home of Iceland's Elf Queen. The short visit adds local folklore and wide views across Borgarfjörður Eystri and the surrounding mountains.
Lindarbakki and Borgarfjörður Eystri
Turf house and village character
See the picturesque red Lindarbakki turf house and enjoy the atmosphere of Borgarfjörður Eystri. When timing allows, there may be time for a short village stroll or café stop before the return journey.
Gufufoss Waterfall
Final East Iceland photo stop
On the way back to Seyðisfjörður, stop at Gufufoss, where a broad curtain of water drops over dark cliffs into a misty river valley. It is the final major scenic stop of the tour.
Return to Seyðisfjörður Harbour
Cruise-friendly return
Finish at the same harbour meeting point. The tour team plans the approximately five-hour tour around the expected cruise schedule, while the exact order and timing of stops may vary.
What is included
- Return coach transfer from Seyðisfjörður Harbour Parking
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Drop-off and pick-up at the Hafnarhólmi puffin colony parking area
- Free WiFi on the coach
What do I need to bring
- Warm, windproof and waterproof outer layers
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Water and a snack
- Camera or phone
Good to know
Meeting point: Seyðisfjörður Harbour Parking
Beside the Cruise Ship Terminal, Ferjuleira, 710 Seyðisfjörður.
- The tour lasts about five hours and is run in the summer season, generally from May to September.
- Hafnarhólmi has maintained viewing paths and a few short steps; this is not a hiking tour.
- Puffins are wild birds. Hafnarhólmi is a reliable summer site, but sightings can never be guaranteed.
- Food and drinks are not included, so bring a small snack and water.
- Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and follow your guide's instructions at the cliffs.
Meeting point: Seyðisfjörður Harbour Parking
Meet beside the cruise ship terminal at the confirmed harbour parking area. Your voucher gives the exact departure time.
Highlights
- Atlantic puffin viewing at Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður Eystri
- Easy five-hour East Iceland shore excursion from Seyðisfjörður Harbour
- Álfaborg folklore, Lindarbakki Turf House and village scenery
- Gufufoss waterfall on the return journey
Puffin Tour from Seyðisfjörður and Gufufoss - Frequently Asked Questions
Pickup and drop-off are at Seyðisfjörður Harbour Parking beside the cruise ship terminal at Ferjuleira, 710 Seyðisfjörður. Look for the tour coach displaying the tour name.