Borgarfjordur Eystri - Hiking and Puffins
Location and Overview: Borgarfjörður Eystri is a charming and remote fjord located in the Eastfjords of Iceland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged landscapes, picturesque fjords, and vibrant puffin colonies. Borgarfjörður Eystri offers a serene and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers looking to explore the quieter side of Iceland.
Visitor Fee: There was typically no specific visitor fee to access Borgarfjörður Eystri itself. It is often freely accessible to the public. However, some guided tours or activities in the area may have associated fees. Please check for any updates regarding fees.
Transportation: Getting to Borgarfjörður Eystri can be a bit more challenging due to its remote location:
- Self-Drive: Many visitors rent a car in Reykjavik or other major towns and embark on a scenic drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri. The journey offers stunning views but requires careful planning, especially in winter.
- Public Transportation: Limited public bus services may be available, but schedules can be infrequent, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
Things to Do:
- Puffin Watching: Borgarfjörður Eystri is famous for its puffin colonies, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. Puffins can often be seen nesting on the cliffs from mid-April to August.
- Hiking: The area offers numerous hiking trails, including routes that lead to beautiful viewpoints, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
- Photography: The scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife provide fantastic opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
- Relaxation: Borgarfjörður Eystri’s serene environment makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of Icelandic nature.
Why People Enjoy Coming Here:
- Puffin Colonies: Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to Borgarfjörður Eystri to witness puffins in their natural habitat.
- Scenic Beauty: The remote location offers unspoiled natural beauty, including dramatic fjords and mountainous landscapes, making it a peaceful escape from more crowded tourist areas.
Age of the Place: Borgarfjörður Eystri’s geological features and landscapes are shaped by Iceland’s ongoing geological processes, which have been occurring for millions of years. The specific age of the fjord would be related to geological timescales.
List of Activities:
- Puffin watching and birdwatching.
- Hiking on various trails with stunning views.
- Photography to capture the natural beauty and wildlife.
- Enjoying the peaceful and remote atmosphere.
Additional Nearby Attractions:
- Seydisfjordur: A picturesque village with colorful houses and a scenic harbor, Seydisfjordur is not far from Borgarfjörður Eystri and is worth a visit.
- Hengifoss Waterfall: Located in the vicinity, Hengifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, known for its striking red rock layers.
- Reyðarfjörður: This nearby fjord town offers opportunities for cultural exploration and outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing.