Borgarfjörður Eystri Puffins
East Iceland's puffin capital, offering unparalleled close-up views of these charming birds from accessible boardwalks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peak puffin activity
Borgarfjörður Eystri Puffins
Best Time
Peak puffin activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
East Iceland's puffin capital, offering unparalleled close-up views of these charming birds from accessible boardwalks.
"This site was the BEST of them all! Well worth the time, and highly recommended!"
🎯 Puffin Season Window
Visit between April and August for puffin sightings.
⏰ Best Viewing Hours
Early morning or late evening offers the most puffin activity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hafnarhólmi Marina Puffin Colony
Borgarfjörður Eystri
Witness thousands of puffins nesting and returning with fish. Elevated boardwalks offer safe, close-up viewing.
+1Puffin Burrows and Cliffside Views
Borgarfjörður Eystri cliffs
Observe puffins in their natural nesting grounds. The dramatic coastal scenery adds to the experience.
Coastal Bird Diversity
Borgarfjörður Eystri
Beyond puffins, spot various other coastal birds in this scenic fjord.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Puffin Season is Key
Best Viewing Times & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Puffin Season Window
Visit between April and August for puffin sightings.
⏰ Best Viewing Hours
Early morning or late evening offers the most puffin activity.
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Maintain a quiet presence to avoid disturbing the puffins.
🚗 Scenic Drive In
Enjoy the beautiful mountain road with viewpoints on the way.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Puffin Season Window
Visit between April and August for puffin sightings.
⏰ Best Viewing Hours
Early morning or late evening offers the most puffin activity.
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Maintain a quiet presence to avoid disturbing the puffins.
🚗 Scenic Drive In
Enjoy the beautiful mountain road with viewpoints on the way.
🅿️ Parking Fee
Expect a small parking fee (around 1000 ISK).
📸 Patience for Photos
Wait for puffins to enter/leave nests for best photo ops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Borgarfjörður Eystri as an exceptional place to see puffins up close in their natural habitat, often calling it the best puffin viewing spot in Iceland. The scenic drive and the well-designed viewing platforms are frequently praised, though some note the puffin season's end in mid-August.
"Adorable. There's a walkway up and the puffins land there; apparently the best time is early in the morning and then in the evening. We went between 18-19:30 and saw lots. You have to be very quiet there so as not to scare them. A must visit! Parking costs 1000 krona. The drive into the village is a very well spaced mountain road with viewpoints om the way"
Nadia
"It's a rare & wonderful opportunity to see puffins close up in Summer. The elevated boardwalk takes you up through their cliffside nesting burrows. It's best to be patient & wait for them to enter & leave the nest to take good pictures or videos. There are also an array of coastal birds that are worth spotting too. The sea and mountain views are spectacular."
Mark Auchincloss
"We reached Borgarfjarðarhöfn at around 4:30 in the morning, and the soft light made everything feel calm and dreamlike. The drive in was lovely, though we had to slow down a lot, birds were waking up and standing right in the middle of the road.
The puffins are the main highlight here, and there are tons of them. You can get pretty close without bothering them, which is great. We saw them walking around with their bright orange feet, making these low, funny sounds. Some had their beaks stuffed with fish, probably heading back to their nests. They really are some of the cutest birds out there. If you want to see puffins up close without much effort, this is a great place."
Paulomi Roy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Borgarfjörður Eystri is located in East Iceland and is accessible by car. The drive from the Ring Road involves a scenic, winding mountain road. Many visitors drive from Seyðisfjörður or Egilsstaðir.
The road is generally well-maintained, though it can be winding and steep in parts. It's considered accessible for most vehicles, but caution is advised, especially in adverse weather.
Public transportation options to Borgarfjörður Eystri are very limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and to fully enjoy the scenic drive and explore the area at your own pace.
Borgarfjörður Eystri is quite a distance from Reykjavik, approximately a 6-7 hour drive. Many visitors break up the journey by staying overnight in other towns along the Ring Road.
While many visitors drive themselves, some local tour operators in East Iceland may offer excursions to Borgarfjörður Eystri. However, it's often more accessible and flexible to visit independently with a rental car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to see the puffins. Access to the viewing areas at Hafnarhólmi Marina is generally free, though there is a parking fee.
The main attraction, Hafnarhólmi Marina, has a parking fee of approximately 1000 Icelandic Krona. The natural landscape and puffin viewing itself are free to enjoy.
The puffins are wild animals and are visible during daylight hours. The viewing platforms at Hafnarhólmi are accessible at any time, but puffin activity varies.
Puffins typically leave Borgarfjörður Eystri by mid-August. While some may be seen later, it's best to visit earlier in the season for the highest chance of sightings.
Yes, there are guesthouses and small hotels in and around Borgarfjörður Eystri, such as the Blábjörg Resort. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors report seeing the most puffins in the early morning before 11 AM or in the late evening after 6 PM. This is when they are most active, returning to their nests with food.
The viewing platforms at Hafnarhólmi Marina allow for very close and safe viewing without disturbing the puffins. It's important to stay on the designated paths.
Dress in layers as Icelandic weather can change quickly. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are recommended, along with sturdy walking shoes.
Yes, there are clean washrooms and a small coffee shop available at Hafnarhólmi Marina, offering basic amenities for visitors.
It's generally not recommended to bring pets to puffin viewing areas, as they can disturb the wildlife. Always check local regulations and guidelines.
📸 📸 Photography
Be patient and wait for puffins to enter or leave their burrows for the best shots. Early morning and late evening light is often ideal. Use a telephoto lens if possible to capture details without getting too close.
Photographing puffins in flight can be challenging due to their speed and erratic movements. Practice your timing and consider using a faster shutter speed.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (e.g., 70-300mm) is ideal. A tripod can be helpful for stability, especially in low light.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of not disturbing the birds or other visitors. Avoid using flash photography, as it can startle them.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide soft, warm light that is excellent for photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The sheer number of puffins and their comical behavior are sure to captivate young minds. Tips for families: Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Dress children in warm, waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Explain the importance of being quiet and respectful around the birds to foster a sense of environmental responsibility. The drive itself, with its scenic views, can also be an engaging part of the adventure for kids.
📸 Photographers
Photography advice: Aim for the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset for the best light. A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture detailed shots without disturbing the birds. Be patient; waiting for puffins to return with fish or emerge from their burrows will yield the most rewarding images.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
+1 It's a chance to escape the Ring Road crowds and discover a more remote and rugged side of Iceland. Road trip tips: Allow ample time for the drive, as you'll want to stop frequently to admire the views and take photos. Consider staying overnight in the area to fully appreciate the tranquility and maximize your puffin viewing opportunities. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for mountain roads, especially if traveling outside of peak summer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Borgarfjörður Eystri
+1 The area is known for its serene beauty and a sense of remoteness, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers. Beyond the puffins, the region offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique geological formations. The village itself is small and charming, offering a glimpse into traditional Icelandic life. Visitors often praise the tranquility and the opportunity to connect with nature away from the more crowded tourist routes.
Key attractions in the area include the aforementioned Hafnarhólmi Marina for puffin viewing, but also the surrounding hiking trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints and offer chances to spot other wildlife. The Borgarfjörður Eystri Nature Reserve is a testament to the area's natural beauty and biodiversity.
Puffin Viewing Etiquette and Best Practices
Patience is key for both observing and photographing puffins. They are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, often returning to their burrows with fish for their young.
Respecting their space ensures that these colonies can thrive for future generations. Avoid touching the puffins or their burrows, and never feed them. The goal is to witness them in their natural habitat, and responsible behavior guarantees a positive experience for both visitors and the puffins.
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