Borgarfjörður Eystri

Overview

Borgarfjörður Eystri stands as Iceland's premier puffin-watching destination, home to one of the country's largest and most accessible Atlantic puffin colonies. Located on the Eastfjords' rugged coastline, this remote fishing village of fewer than 100 residents transforms each summer into a wildlife spectacle, as thousands of puffins return to breed on the sea cliffs and offshore islands, particularly at Hafnarhólmi promontory.

The settlement, also known locally as Bakkagerði, occupies a dramatic setting beneath towering rhyolite mountains streaked with vibrant mineral colours. What sets Borgarfjörður Eystri apart from other puffin colonies in Iceland is the remarkable proximity visitors can achieve to these charismatic seabirds. At Hafnarhólmi, puffins nest mere metres from marked viewing areas, allowing for exceptional photography and observation opportunities without disturbing the birds or risking dangerous cliff edges.

Beyond puffins, the area supports significant populations of Arctic terns, fulmars, and guillemots, whilst the surrounding highlands harbour reindeer herds and serve as important nesting grounds for pink-footed geese. The combination of accessible wildlife viewing, stunning geological formations, and authentic fishing village atmosphere makes this one of Iceland's most rewarding wildlife destinations for those willing to make the journey.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 65.5167°N, 13.8000°W

**Entry Fee:** Free access

**Best Time to Visit:** June to mid-August (puffin season)

**Access Level:** Easy walking from village centre

**Nearest Major Town:** Egilsstaðir (71km)

**Population:** Approximately 85 residents

**Elevation:** Sea level to 20m at viewing points

**Peak Puffin Numbers:** 10,000+ breeding pairs

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 east for 470km to Egilsstaðir (approximately 5.5 hours). From Egilsstaðir, follow Route 94 north for 71km, a journey of 1 hour 15 minutes on a well-maintained sealed road that winds through spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. The route passes through Eiðar village after 19km before continuing along Borgarfjörður fjord's eastern shore. Road conditions are excellent, suitable for all vehicle types, though watch for sheep on the roadway.

Alternative access via Seyðisfjörður adds only 10km to the total journey but offers the scenic Route 93 mountain pass option.

Parking

Free parking is available at multiple locations throughout the small village. The main car park near the community centre accommodates approximately 30 vehicles. Additional roadside parking exists near the harbour and along the approach to Hafnarhólmi. During peak season (July), arrive early morning or late evening for guaranteed spaces.

Access

Hafnarhólmi lies 800m from the village centre via a well-marked coastal footpath. The route follows level terrain initially, then climbs gently over grassy slopes to reach viewing areas 15-20m above sea level. Walking time is 10-15 minutes each way. Paths are clearly defined but can be muddy after rain.

What to See and Do

**Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony** represents the primary attraction, where thousands of Atlantic puffins nest from late May through August. The promontory's grassy clifftops provide ideal burrow sites, and designated viewing areas allow observation from as close as 3-5 metres. Early morning and evening offer the most active puffin behaviour as adults return from fishing trips with beaks full of sand eels.

**Arctic Tern Colony** shares the same coastal area, creating a dynamic environment where visitors can observe inter-species interactions. Terns are highly aggressive during nesting season and will dive-bomb perceived threats, adding excitement to the wildlife experience.

**Geological Features** include striking rhyolite formations with distinctive red, green, and purple mineral staining. The area's volcanic history is clearly visible in sea stacks, coastal arches, and exposed cliff faces. Hafnarhólmi itself is a fascinating example of coastal erosion and marine terrace formation.

**Village Exploration** reveals authentic Icelandic fishing culture, with traditional turf houses, a small harbour, and the distinctive Álfaborg rock formation believed in local folklore to be an elf stronghold. The community centre often displays local artwork and historical exhibits.

**Photography Opportunities** are exceptional, particularly for close-up puffin portraits and dramatic landscape compositions combining seabirds with mountain backdrops. The midnight sun period (June-July) provides extended shooting hours.

Best Time to Visit

**May:** Puffins begin arriving but numbers remain low. Weather unpredictable with possible snow.

**June:** Colony reaches full strength by month's end. Excellent for photography with peak midnight sun. Fewer tourists.

**July:** Optimal viewing period with maximum puffin activity and warmest weather. Peak tourist season requires early arrival for parking.

**August:** Puffin numbers decline rapidly after mid-month as birds return to sea. Young fledglings provide interesting behavioural observations early in the month.

**September-April:** Puffins absent. Village becomes extremely quiet but offers authentic local experience and potential Northern Lights viewing.

Weather remains cool even in summer, with temperatures ranging 8-15°C. Rain gear essential year-round.

Safety

**Cliff Edges:** Stay within marked viewing areas at Hafnarhólmi. Unmarked sections feature unstable ground and significant drop-offs onto rocks below.

**Aggressive Birds:** Arctic terns will attack if they perceive threats to nests. Wear head protection and avoid sudden movements during June-July nesting period.

**Weather Exposure:** Coastal location experiences sudden weather changes. Strong winds common, particularly dangerous near cliff edges. Fog can develop rapidly, obscuring hazards.

**Remote Location:** Limited mobile phone coverage and medical facilities. Carry emergency supplies and inform others of your plans.

**Road Conditions:** Route 94 crosses exposed terrain subject to sudden weather changes. Check conditions at road.is before travelling.

Nearby Places

**Stórurð Boulder Field** (32km south): Spectacular glacial boulder landscape in Dyrfjöll mountains requiring 3-hour return hike from parking area.

**Seyðisfjörður** (27km southwest): Historic Norwegian-influenced town with colourful wooden buildings, art galleries, and ferry connections to Europe.

**Dyrfjöll Mountains** (25km southwest): Dramatic hiking area with distinctive horn-shaped peaks and alpine flora. Multiple trail options from easy walks to challenging climbs.

**Víti Crater** (45km west): Accessible geothermal crater lake near Kverkfjöll, requiring 4WD vehicle for final approach.

**Snæfell** (38km southwest): Iceland's highest peak outside Vatnajökull, popular with experienced hikers seeking challenging summit attempts.

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