
Borgarfjörður Eystri East Fjords
Borgarfjörður Eystri: Iceland's premier spot for incredibly close puffin encounters amidst stunning East Fjords scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Puffin breeding season

Borgarfjörður Eystri East Fjords
Best Time
Puffin breeding season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Borgarfjörður Eystri: Iceland's premier spot for incredibly close puffin encounters amidst stunning East Fjords scenery.
"This is 'THE PLACE' for puffin watching. We can see them up close."

🎯 Puffin Viewing Etiquette
Observe from designated platforms and keep a respectful distance. Help preserve their habitat. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Road Conditions
Be prepared for gravel roads leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. A 4x4 is recommended for comfort. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hafnarhólmi Puffin Viewing
Hafnarhólmi Marina
Get incredibly close to thousands of puffins nesting and going about their day. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Close-Up Puffin Encounters
Borgarfjörður Eystri
Witness puffins up close as they nest, groom, and return with fish. A bucket-list experience for many visitors.

Scenic East Fjords Drive
East Iceland
The journey to Borgarfjörður Eystri is as stunning as the destination, with dramatic fjords and coastal views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Puffin Season is Key
Getting to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Puffin Viewing Etiquette
Observe from designated platforms and keep a respectful distance. Help preserve their habitat. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Road Conditions
Be prepared for gravel roads leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. A 4x4 is recommended for comfort. :car:
💰 Donation for Conservation
Consider donating to support conservation efforts. Parking fees may apply. :moneywithwings:
☕ Cafe & Facilities
A cafe and clean restrooms are available near the puffin viewing area. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Puffin Viewing Etiquette
Observe from designated platforms and keep a respectful distance. Help preserve their habitat. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Road Conditions
Be prepared for gravel roads leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. A 4x4 is recommended for comfort. :car:
💰 Donation for Conservation
Consider donating to support conservation efforts. Parking fees may apply. :moneywithwings:
☕ Cafe & Facilities
A cafe and clean restrooms are available near the puffin viewing area. :coffee:
⏰ Evening Puffins
Puffins may return to nests by 9:45 PM, so aim for earlier evening visits. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Borgarfjörður Eystri as the ultimate destination for seeing puffins up close, praising the accessible viewing platforms and the sheer number of birds. The scenic drive and the charming atmosphere of the East Fjords also receive high marks, though some note the remote location and gravel roads.
"Puffins ! Finally, they are so lovely, and we can see them in an extremely close view, there's enough space and the emplacement is amazing, we were really happy to experience that, they are such lovely creatures, and nearby, there's a small building where you can take a small break, some snacks, and also toilets. Great experience as always, Iceland never disappoints, see you back in summer little puffins !"
Savanah Mangeard
"This is “THE PLACE” for puffin watching. We can see them up close. From the parking lot it’s a short walk until the base of a hill. Then you climb a staircase…. and puffins are on your left and right. It was a sunny July day and we were there after noon. Still, we could see puffins going around their routines- fighting for nests, grooming, flying to the water and coming back with fishes in their mouths. I completely lost track of time. This was a bucket list wish for me. So grateful.
This is a conservation effort- please consider donating. Parking was free. We also bought a hand painted wooden magnet from a local. A cozy coffee shop is there right across the hill. Restrooms were clean and free to use."
Shilpa Sen
"Amazing and THE place to be if you want to see puffins.
We went there in the morning, before noon and lots of puffins were there. Not too crowded yet, but definitely more arrived when we left. Parking was free (for now) and easy to get to.
There is a cafe and multiple toilets at the parking lot. Also, donate something (doesn’t matter if it is little) to preserve what is there. 🥹"
Thomas Martens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Borgarfjörður Eystri is located in the East Fjords of Iceland. The drive from Egilsstaðir, the nearest town with an airport, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The final stretch of the road (Road 94) is unpaved and can be challenging, especially in poor weather. Many visitors recommend a 4x4 vehicle for a more comfortable journey.
The road is generally open year-round, but it can be subject to closures due to snow and ice during winter months. It's always advisable to check road conditions before you travel, especially outside of the summer season.
For puffin viewing in East Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a prime location. The drive itself is part of the adventure, showcasing the dramatic East Fjords landscape.
While direct tours specifically to Borgarfjörður Eystri might be less common than to other puffin sites, many Iceland road trip itineraries include this region. You can also find local operators in the East Fjords offering guided tours that might incorporate this area.
The East Fjords offer stunning scenery but can involve winding roads, some of which are unpaved. Drive cautiously, be aware of potential sheep on the road, and enjoy the breathtaking views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking at Hafnarhólmi is often free, but there might be a small fee (around ISK 1,000) for parking, especially during peak season. It's recommended to check on-site for the most current pricing.
No, tickets are generally not required for puffin viewing at Borgarfjörður Eystri. It's a natural habitat, and access to the viewing platforms is usually free or involves a small parking fee.
The puffin viewing areas are natural habitats and are accessible during daylight hours. However, puffins are most active during specific times of the day, typically early morning and late evening.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support the conservation efforts for the puffin colony. This helps maintain the viewing platforms and protect the birds' habitat.
At Hafnarhólmi, you'll find clean restrooms and a small cafe offering snacks and drinks. These facilities are convenient for visitors spending time watching the puffins.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late evening – offer the best light for photography. Puffins are also most active during these times, providing great opportunities for capturing their behavior.
A telephoto lens (200mm or longer) is highly recommended to get close-up shots of the puffins without disturbing them. A tripod can also be helpful for stability, especially in lower light conditions.
Be patient and observe the puffins' behavior. They often return to their nests with fish, which makes for fantastic action shots. Remember to respect their space and avoid using flash photography.
Yes, Borgarfjörður Eystri is renowned for allowing visitors to get very close to the puffins, often within a few meters, thanks to the well-designed viewing platforms.
Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for wind, rain, and changing light conditions. Waterproof camera gear and protective covers are advisable.
🎫 🦤 Wildlife Encounters
The puffin season runs from mid-April to mid-August. For the most active sightings, aim for early mornings or late evenings when they are returning from sea with food.
Borgarfjörður Eystri is famous for its close-up puffin viewing opportunities. The viewing platforms are designed to allow you to observe them from a very short distance without disturbing their nests.
During the breeding season, puffins are busy with nesting, courtship rituals, and feeding their young. You'll see them flying to and from the sea with fish, interacting with each other, and tending to their burrows.
While puffins are the main draw, the surrounding areas of the East Fjords are rich in birdlife and offer opportunities to spot seals along the coast. The dramatic landscapes themselves are a significant natural attraction.
If you find a puffin on the ground, especially on a road, it might be disoriented. Gently try to guide it towards the sea or a safe open area. If it appears injured, contact local wildlife authorities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring binoculars for an even closer look, and pack snacks and drinks to enjoy at the designated areas. The presence of a cafe and restrooms adds convenience for families. Emphasize the importance of respecting the puffins' space and not making loud noises to ensure a positive experience for both the children and the birds.
📸 Photographers & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Be prepared for varying light conditions and weather. The early morning and late evening offer the best light and the most active puffin behavior. Remember to be patient, observe their routines, and always prioritize the birds' well-being. The scenic drive through the East Fjords also offers numerous landscape photography opportunities.
🚗 Road Trippers & Adventure Seekers
While the gravel roads require careful driving, they lead to a less-traveled and incredibly rewarding destination. Consider a 4x4 for added comfort and capability. This area offers a chance to experience Iceland's wilder side, away from the more frequented Golden Circle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony
Visitors often describe the experience as 'unforgettable' and a 'bucket list' moment. The close proximity allows for incredible photography opportunities and a chance to observe the puffins' charming behaviors, such as their comical waddle, their dives into the sea for fish, and their interactions within the colony. The platforms are designed to offer excellent vantage points, making it easy to see puffins on the cliffs and in the air.
Beyond the puffins, the area around Hafnarhólmi offers stunning coastal scenery characteristic of the East Fjords. There are also amenities like a cafe and restrooms available, making it a comfortable spot to spend a few hours. Remember that this is a protected area, and donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain the site and ensure the puffins' continued presence.
Navigating the East Fjords to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Road 94, which leads to Borgarfjörður Eystri, is a gravel road for a significant portion. While manageable for most vehicles during summer, it can be rough and challenging in other conditions. Travelers often recommend a 4x4 vehicle to navigate these roads more comfortably and safely. Be prepared for potential encounters with sheep on the road, a common sight in rural Iceland.
As you approach Borgarfjörður Eystri, the landscape becomes even more rugged and remote, adding to the sense of adventure. This isolation is part of its charm, offering a tranquil escape from more crowded tourist spots. The drive is a perfect opportunity to stop at various viewpoints and soak in the raw beauty of Iceland's eastern coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit