Borgarfjörður Eystri East Fjords - Image 1
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Borgarfjörður Eystri East Fjords

4.9
·290 reviews·Bakkagerði, Iceland

Borgarfjörður Eystri: Iceland's premier spot for incredibly close puffin encounters amidst stunning East Fjords scenery.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-April to Mid-August

Puffin breeding season

CrowdMedium
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Borgarfjörður Eystri East Fjords - Image 1

Borgarfjörður Eystri East Fjords

Best Time

Mid-April to Mid-August

Puffin breeding season

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Borgarfjörður Eystri: Iceland's premier spot for incredibly close puffin encounters amidst stunning East Fjords scenery.

4.9
(290 reviews)

"This is 'THE PLACE' for puffin watching. We can see them up close."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hafnarhólmi Puffin Viewing

Hafnarhólmi Puffin Viewing

Hafnarhólmi Marina

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

Instagram+1
Close-Up Puffin Encounters

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.

InstagramReddit
Scenic East Fjords Drive

Scenic East Fjords Drive

East Iceland

The journey to Borgarfjörður Eystri is as stunning as the destination, with dramatic fjords and coastal views.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Puffin Season is Key

Visit between mid-April and mid-August for the best chance to see puffins. They are most active in the early morning and late evening, so plan your visit accordingly to witness their charming routines. Instagram

Getting to Borgarfjörður Eystri

This remote gem in the East Fjords requires a scenic drive. Be prepared for gravel roads and potentially challenging conditions, especially outside of peak summer. Consider a 4x4 vehicle for a smoother journey. Instagram

Best Times

When
Mid-April to Mid-August
Why
Puffin breeding season
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning or late evening
Why
Puffins are most active
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We road-tripped across Iceland for one reason… puffins! 🐧💙 📍 Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland — and it was so worth the drive from Reykjavík! ✨ Puffin season runs from mid-April to mid-August ✨ Around 10,000 puffins nest here every summer ✨ Hafnarhólmi Marina has incredible puffin viewing platforms ✨ Also great for spotting kittiwakes, fulm...
herjoliejourney
652 likes • 13.6K views

🎯 Puffin Viewing Etiquette

Observe from designated platforms and keep a respectful distance. Help preserve their habitat. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚗 Road Conditions

Be prepared for gravel roads leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. A 4x4 is recommended for comfort. Instagram :car:

One of the best places in Iceland to watch puffins is Borgarfjörður Eystri in the East fjords. Here you can get to these cuties as close as you possibly can! Other places where you can spot puffins are: 📍Dyrhólaey 📍Látrabjarg 📍Grímsey You can also join a puffin watching tour from Reykjavik! #iceland #puffins #traveliceland #kvosin_recommends
kvosinhotel
391 likes • 8.7K views
If you are planning to visit Iceland, be sure to save this video! 🇮🇸😍✨ Iceland | things to do | East Fjords | puffins | Borgarfjörður eystri #iceland #todo #thingstodo #thingstodoiceland #icelandtrip #borgafjordureystri #eastfjords
fjordbikes
24 likes • 1.1K views

💰 Donation for Conservation

Consider donating to support conservation efforts. Parking fees may apply. Reddit :moneywithwings:

☕ Cafe & Facilities

A cafe and clean restrooms are available near the puffin viewing area. Reddit :coffee:

It's time for next adventure📍Blabjorg, borgarfjordur eystri which is the northernmost of Iceland's East fjords, .. #blabjorgguesthouse #borgarfjörður #northiceland #icelandadventure #fjord #icelandtrip #somewhereonearth #earthoutdoors #discoverearth #salar #prabas #reelsinstagram #jeep4xe #travelphotography #arcticcircle #vanlife
ganesh.sourya
14 likes • 278 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Puffin Viewing Etiquette

Observe from designated platforms and keep a respectful distance. Help preserve their habitat. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚗 Road Conditions

Be prepared for gravel roads leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. A 4x4 is recommended for comfort. Instagram :car:

💰 Donation for Conservation

Consider donating to support conservation efforts. Parking fees may apply. Reddit :moneywithwings:

☕ Cafe & Facilities

A cafe and clean restrooms are available near the puffin viewing area. Reddit :coffee:

⏰ Evening Puffins

Puffins may return to nests by 9:45 PM, so aim for earlier evening visits. Reddit :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(290 reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Incredible close-up puffin views
Well-maintained viewing platforms
Scenic East Fjords drive

What People Dislike

Remote location
Gravel road access

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for wind, rain, and changing light conditions. Waterproof camera gear and protective covers are advisable. Instagram

🎫 🦤 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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Borgarfjörður Eystri offers a fantastic and accessible wildlife experience for families. The Hafnarhólmi Puffin Viewing area is ideal, with safe platforms that allow children to see puffins up close without getting too near. The short walk from the parking lot and the well-maintained paths make it manageable for little legs. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Wildlife Enthusiasts

For photographers, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a dream destination. The close proximity to puffins at Hafnarhólmi provides unparalleled opportunities for capturing stunning wildlife shots. A telephoto lens is a must to get detailed images of the puffins in their natural habitat. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Adventure Seekers

The journey to Borgarfjörður Eystri is an adventure in itself, perfect for those on an Iceland road trip. The scenic drive through the East Fjords is filled with dramatic coastal views and rugged landscapes. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony

Hafnarhólmi, located in Borgarfjörður Eystri, is arguably one of the most accessible and rewarding places in Iceland to witness puffins up close. The site features well-constructed viewing platforms that allow visitors to observe the birds without disturbing their natural habitat. Around 10,000 pairs of puffins nest here during the breeding season, creating a bustling and captivating spectacle. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the East Fjords to Borgarfjörður Eystri

The journey to Borgarfjörður Eystri is an integral part of the East Iceland experience. This region is known for its dramatic fjords, steep mountains, and charming fishing villages. The drive itself is a visual feast, with winding roads offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram