THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A compact shore excursion from Seyðisfjörður that brings you to Borgarfjörður Eystri for close-up views of puffins from a purpose-built platform, plus village culture, elf folklore, and dramatic Eastfjords scenery. Ideal for cruise passengers who want wildlife and photography with minimal walking.
A compact shore excursion from Seyðisfjörður that brings you to Borgarfjörður Eystri for close-up views of puffins from a purpose-built platform, plus village culture, elf folklore, and dramatic Eastfjords scenery. Ideal for cruise passengers who want wildlife and photography with minimal walking.
You step off the ship into the cool, salty air of Seyðisfjörður and the road pushes you inland — fjords folding away to reveal a mountain pass that opens onto a splash of color: Bakkagerði. The village sits at the mouth of Borgarfjörður Eystri, its wooden houses bright against basalt ridgelines, while the Atlantic below dares you to look closer.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Your Friend In Reykjavik · Bakkagerði, Eastern Region
You step off the ship into the cool, salty air of Seyðisfjörður and the road pushes you inland — fjords folding away to reveal a mountain pass that opens onto a splash of color: Bakkagerði. The village sits at the mouth of Borgarfjörður Eystri, its wooden houses bright against basalt ridgelines, while the Atlantic below dares you to look closer.
The geology here is blunt and honest: volcanic bedrock carved by glaciers, cliffs worn into sheer faces where seabirds stake their claims. Puffins arrive each spring to burrow in grassy ledges at Hafnarhólmi; from a purpose-built viewing platform you can watch their clumsy landings and freighted flights without disturbing nests. The village carries older layers of culture — turf houses like Lindarbakki and local tales of Álfaborg, the Elf Rock, that speak to a living folklore woven into daily life.
This 5‑hour shore excursion is relaxed by design: minimal walking, flexible photo stops, and wheelchair-accessible viewpoints. Expect binoculars, layered clothing for wind and spray, and crisp coastal light that changes fast.
Practical notes: puffins are seasonal—May to August is peak; outside that window birds are absent. Guides maintain respectful distances; do not attempt to handle wildlife. Plan for short, uneven surfaces near viewpoints and bring a waterproof jacket and closed shoes. If time allows, try local coffee and a sweet at the village café to round out the visit. The excursion trades strenuous effort for close wildlife viewing and cultural context, making it well suited to cruise travelers who want a compact, high-reward Iceland experience.
easy.
5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking and no steep hikes required
Puffins nest on the cliffs from late April through August, with peak activity and chick‑feeding typically in June and July.
No strenuous hiking is required — the platform at Hafnarhólmi is accessible via short, gentle paths and the excursion is advertised as suitable for all fitness levels.
Yes; the tour and viewing platform are designed to be wheelchair accessible, but check with the operator about transfer arrangements from the ship if you need assistance.
Yes; the village has a small café and basic facilities, though options are limited—carry small cash or card and plan restroom stops accordingly.
Borgarfjörður Eystri developed as a small fishing and farming community; turf houses and oral folklore about elves reflect centuries of rural East Iceland life.
The puffin colony is protected through regulated viewing and paths; visitors are asked to avoid off-trail access and to follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Your Friend In Reykjavik operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the ship into the cool, salty air of Seyðisfjörður and the road pushes you inland — fjords folding away to reveal a mountain pass that opens onto a splash of color: Bakkagerði. The village sits at the mouth of Borgarfjörður Eystri, its wooden houses bright against basalt ridgelines, while the Atlantic below dares you to look closer.
You step off the ship into the cool, salty air of Seyðisfjörður and the road pushes you inland — fjords folding away to reveal a mountain pass that opens onto a splash of color: Bakkagerði. The village sits at the mouth of Borgarfjörður Eystri, its wooden houses bright against basalt ridgelines, while the Atlantic below dares you to look closer.
The geology here is blunt and honest: volcanic bedrock carved by glaciers, cliffs worn into sheer faces where seabirds stake their claims. Puffins arrive each spring to burrow in grassy ledges at Hafnarhólmi; from a purpose-built viewing platform you can watch their clumsy landings and freighted flights without disturbing nests. The village carries older layers of culture — turf houses like Lindarbakki and local tales of Álfaborg, the Elf Rock, that speak to a living folklore woven into daily life.
This 5‑hour shore excursion is relaxed by design: minimal walking, flexible photo stops, and wheelchair-accessible viewpoints. Expect binoculars, layered clothing for wind and spray, and crisp coastal light that changes fast.
Practical notes: puffins are seasonal—May to August is peak; outside that window birds are absent. Guides maintain respectful distances; do not attempt to handle wildlife. Plan for short, uneven surfaces near viewpoints and bring a waterproof jacket and closed shoes. If time allows, try local coffee and a sweet at the village café to round out the visit. The excursion trades strenuous effort for close wildlife viewing and cultural context, making it well suited to cruise travelers who want a compact, high-reward Iceland experience.