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Puffins and Peaks: Explore the Borgarfjörður Eystri

5.01 review

  • 5 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

This 5-hour shore excursion is designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving in Seyðisfjörður, offering a rare opportunity to see puffins in their natural habitat—with no hiking required. Journey with us to the tiny village of Borgarfjörður Eystri (Bakkagerði), nestled in the colorful mountains of Iceland’s remote Eastfjords and home to one of the most accessible puffin colonies in the country. Departing from your ship, we travel through stunning fjords and over a scenic mountain pass toward Borgarfjörður, a place steeped in both natural beauty and elf folklore. At Hafnarhólmi, a specially built viewing platform lets you get incredibly close to thousands of puffins—perfect for photos and quiet observation. The area is also home to other seabirds. You’ll also explore the charming village of Bakkagerði and hear local tales of the elf queen who is said to reside in nearby Álfaborg (the Elf Rock). Time-permitting, we can stop for coffee and Icelandic treats at a cozy local café.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Observe puffins up close at Hafnarhólmi during nesting season
  • Optional visit to Lindarbakki turf house (time-permitting)
  • Visit the mystical Elf Rock and learn about local folklore
  • Enjoy dramatic East Iceland landscapes on a mountain drive
  • Relaxed pacing with flexible stops for photography and short walks

What's not

  • Tip or gratuity

Itinerary

  1. Explore this remote and colorful village nestled between rugged peaks, learn about the area’s rich folklore, especially stories of elves and hidden people.

    30 min

  2. Visit one of Iceland’s most accessible puffin colonies to enjoy close-up views of thousands of puffins from a safe and well-designed viewing platform. Also spot other seabirds like kittiwakes and fulmars.

    30 min

  3. Hear stories of the elf queen, explore the surroundings, and take in the mystical atmosphere.

    30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 51
  • 40
  • 30
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  • 10

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Pickup
Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Your Friend In Reykjavik
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Iceland, outside the cities

  • Its from-price is 651% above the median of the 130 experiences we list in Iceland, outside the cities.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 81 of 130.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

Special offers in Iceland, outside the cities

Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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