Puffins & Elves

We start the tour by driving over the mountain pass to Egilsstadir. A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for the Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. Iceland’s third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm) lake monster.
The road descending from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley.

We continue north crossing another mountain pass to Borgarfjordur Eystri, best known as the home of elves and puffins. The views from the winding road amidst mountains and steep cliffs are spectacular.

At the end of the road ahead of the village are a picturesque little harbour and the Hafnarholmi hill. Well sheltered from the ocean, the islet is one of the best places for viewing puffins in Iceland.
A staircase, viewing platform and wooden walkways make it easy to get closer to birds whilst remaining safe.
Apart from puffins, there are various other seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and eiders.

We then head back to the beautiful village of Bakkagerdi. Home to 100 people, it is one of the smallest in Iceland but there is plenty to choose from – history, folklore, a short hike or a taste of local cuisine.
It is possible to visit the red painted Lindarbakki turf roofed house, one of the few remaining inhabited turf houses in Iceland and an important landmark of the village.
If you’re interested, you will have time to take the easy hike up the Alfaborg. The hill is believed be the home of the Elf Queen and she enjoys panoramic views over the town and fjord.
The rustic Alfa Cafe is an interesting place to taste some local specialities like waffles and fish soup.

On the way back, we can stop briefly at the Gufufoss waterfall to enjoy beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the South Coast, but with far fewer crowds.

The Borgarfjordur Eystri area is well known for hiking trails. If you would like something more active, it is possible to include some hiking as part of a private tour.