Eastern Elegance: A Tour of Borgarfjörður Eystri´s Scenic Beauty
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Port
Seydisfjordur, Iceland
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$389.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Leaving Seyðisfjörður, you'll take the winding road over the mountain pass of Fjarðarheiði heath, which features several beautiful waterfalls.
The Borgarfjörður Estuary lies in an isolated valley, and you'll reach it by way of a panoramic drive across the Fljotsdalsherad Plain. The high point of the road is at Vatnsskard Pass, some 1,200 feet above sea level. From here, there is a splendid view down into the neighboring Njardvik Bay.
Take photos at the Njarðvíkurskriður (Njardvik Screes) -- in the old days, these raveling gravel slopes were notoriously difficult to cross, giving rise to all manner of folk stories about badly-behaved rock monsters.
On the edge of a small headland jutting into the sea, you will come to the little fishing village of Bakkagerdi. With a population of only 100 'real' people, it is reputedly the home of some of the largest colonies of 'hidden people' in Iceland. Icelandic folklore is quite focused on elven communities. Miniature doors and windows are painted on rocks throughout the country to give the hidden people access to their equally hidden homes. Indeed, a nearby looming rocky hill is called Álfaborg (the City of Elves) -- this offers quite an insight into this aspect of Iceland's social fabric.
Stop at the local church to see its remarkable altarpiece painted in 1914 by renowned and much-loved Icelandic artist Kjarval, born here.
Another of Bakkagerdi's most popular attractions is a small, well-kept turf house called Lindarbakki, dating from 1899 -- photogenic, brightly colored and fun.
Next, head to Hafnarhólmi, where members of Iceland's prolific population of seabirds, including the rather comical puffin, fulmars and kittiwakes nest, hunt and take flight. The rugged surrounding mountains, along with avian life, deliver an excellent photo opportunity.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll drive back to Seyðisfjörður. A brief stop en route in Egilsstaðir -- the small commercial hub of eastern Iceland -- allows you to browse at a local souvenir shop.
Notes:
Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Most birds start migrating away around mid-August. This is an extremely remote area; any dietary requirements must be requested well in advance, at least 72 hours before the tour and are not guaranteed to be met. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability before booking, as the walk is uphill, over unpaved, rough walking tracks with many steps. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Tour includes walking distances, uneven terrain, and climbing steep steps. Parents traveling with children under the age of 3 must rent a child's car seat from the tour operator; please see the Shore Excursions team on board. You cannot use your child's car seat from home in Iceland.