Seydisfjordur: Puffin Watching & Gufufoss Waterfall Day Trip

Summary

Puffins, turf houses & wild waterfalls from Seydisfjordur

You’ll feel the Atlantic wind at Hafnarhólmi as puffins dart overhead, then wander through Borgarfjörður-Eystri’s turf-roofed houses and listen for elf stories near Alfaborg hill. End your day at Gufufoss waterfall with its gentle mist—this trip from Seyðisfjörður leaves you with salty hair and a quieter mind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puffins, village, and waterfall visit

• Visit Hafnarhólmi puffin islet
• Explore Bakkagerði turf house
• Hike to Alfaborg elf rock viewpoint
• See Gufufoss waterfall

Top questions

How long is the puffin watching & waterfall tour from Seydisfjordur?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours including driving time.

Is pickup included in this day trip from Seydisfjordur?

Yes, pickup from Seydisfjordur is included in the tour.

Can I see puffins up close on this tour?

Yes, Hafnarhólmi islet offers easy access to view nesting Atlantic Puffins closely.

Is lunch included during this tour?

No lunch is included; however, there may be stops in villages where you can buy snacks.

Are there any easy hikes during this trip?

You can do an easy hike to Alfaborg hill in Bakkagerði village if you wish.

What’s special about Gufufoss waterfall?

Gufufoss is known for its gentle mist and rugged cliffside setting; it’s less crowded than larger falls.

Will we visit any traditional Icelandic houses?

Yes, you’ll see Lindarbakki turf house in Bakkagerði village as part of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels with only light walking required.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Seyðisfjörður, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, all entry fees and taxes covered—and a local guide who knows every sheep by name (almost). Expect a few laughs along with plenty of fresh air before heading back after five hours exploring Iceland’s east coast.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the bus—turns out Icelandic time is a little more precise than I am before coffee. Our guide, Jónas, just grinned and waved me aboard. The drive out of Seyðisfjörður was quiet except for the low hum of the heater (June still feels like early spring here). We passed these shaggy green hills and tiny sheep everywhere—Jónas said they’re basically national treasures.

At Borgarfjörður-Eystri, you can actually smell the sea before you see it. We walked out on this wooden path to Hafnarhólmi, where the puffins nest. I’d seen photos but being that close—like, you could hear their little feet scratching on the rocks—was something else. There were maybe a dozen other people there but it felt peaceful, not crowded. Jónas pointed out which ones were “old married couples,” which made us laugh (apparently puffins mate for life). I tried to get a photo but mostly just ended up watching them bob around.

After that we wandered through Bakkagerði village—a couple of painted houses, one bright red turf house with grass growing wild on the roof. The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. Jónas told us about elves living in Alfaborg hill; I’m not sure if he was joking or not. Either way, it made me look at those mossy rocks differently.

Last stop was Gufufoss waterfall. It’s smaller than some others I’ve seen in Iceland but honestly? That made it better somehow. You could walk right up to where the spray hits your face (which is freezing by the way), and everything goes quiet except for water pounding down. I stood there longer than I meant to—still think about that sound sometimes when things are too loud back home.