Solo Adventure in Seydisfjordur, Iceland

A Day of East Iceland's Wonders

Today was a day of contrasts and incredible sights, a true feast for the senses as I continued my solo journey through the Eastfjords. From the vibrant birdlife to the stunning mountain views and the impressive feats of engineering, every moment was a reminder of the raw beauty and resilience of this region.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at the Hafaldan HI Hostel, Harbour building. The simple meal of skyr and rye bread was the perfect fuel for the adventures that lay ahead. I savored the quiet morning atmosphere, watching the harbor come to life, before setting off towards Borgarfjörður Eystri.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and outdoor adventures of Borgarfjörður Eystri, a hidden gem in Iceland's East Fjords.

It was a beautiful start to the day, and I was excited to see what awaited me.

The drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri was nothing short of spectacular. The road wound through narrow fjords and volcanic valleys, revealing some of East Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. I couldn't resist stopping several times to capture the breathtaking views with my camera. The rugged mountains, the shimmering fjords, and the vast open skies created a sense of awe and wonder. I was so happy to be experiencing this journey on my own, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of the surroundings.

Finally, I arrived in Borgarfjörður Eystri, a charming village known for its elfin folklore and, more importantly, its puffin colony. As a bird enthusiast, I had been eagerly anticipating this visit, and it did not disappoint. The village itself was picturesque, with colorful houses and a tranquil harbor. I took a moment to explore the harbor, snapping photos of the turf-roofed houses and keeping an eye out for seals or seabirds.

Then, it was time to visit Hafnarhólmi, the renowned puffin colony just outside the village. This is one of Iceland's best puffin-watching spots, and I was thrilled to see thousands of puffin pairs nesting there. The wooden paths and platforms made it easy to observe these adorable birds up close without disturbing their fragile burrows. I spent hours watching them waddle around, take flight, and dive into the sea. Their colorful beaks and clumsy movements were endlessly entertaining. It was a truly magical experience.

The puffins of Borgarfjörður Eystri, the hike up Heavier Mountain, and the avalanche barriers of Bjólkur Mountain are all testaments to the beauty and resilience of Iceland.

After leaving the puffins, I headed back towards Seydisfjordur, but not before stopping for lunch at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar.


Discover the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar in Seyðisfjörður – where local cuisine meets unique craft beers.

I enjoyed a delicious bowl of traditional Icelandic soup, which warmed me from the inside out. The cozy atmosphere of the café was a welcome respite, and I chatted with some locals about their lives in this remote corner of the world.

With renewed energy, I set my sights on Heavier Mountain. I had read about the hiking trails that offered panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and valleys, and I was eager to experience it myself. I parked near the Seydisfjordur Church and began my ascent. The trail was well-defined, and I made steady progress, stopping frequently to catch my breath and admire the scenery.

As I climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular. The town of Seydisfjordur looked like a miniature village from above, and the fjord stretched out before me, glistening in the afternoon sun. The fresh mountain air invigorated me, and I felt a sense of accomplishment with each step. Reaching the summit was a moment of pure joy. I sat there for a long time, simply soaking in the breathtaking panorama.

The descent was just as enjoyable, and I arrived back in Seydisfjordur feeling tired but exhilarated. I decided to treat myself to a drink at Skaftfell Bistro.


Discover the culinary delights of Skaftfell Bistro in Seyðisfjörður, where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Iceland.

Sipping on a cold beer, I reflected on the incredible day I had just had. The puffins, the hike, and the stunning landscapes had all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

Before heading back to Hótel Snæfell for dinner, I made one final stop at the Bjólkur Mountain Avalanche Barriers.


Explore the stunning Bjólkur Mountain Avalanche Barriers in Seydisfjordur, Iceland – a perfect blend of nature, beauty, and engineering marvel.

These impressive structures are designed to protect the town from avalanches, and I was fascinated by the engineering behind them. I learned that these barriers are securely anchored in the rock to divert the immense shear forces that can occur during an avalanche.

Standing there, I was struck by the ingenuity and determination of the people who live in this region. They have found ways to coexist with nature, even in the face of its most destructive forces. It was a humbling and inspiring sight.

I returned to Hótel Snæfell for a delicious dinner, savoring the flavors of Icelandic cuisine. The cozy atmosphere of the hotel was the perfect way to end the day, and I fell asleep quickly, dreaming of puffins, mountains, and protective barriers.

As I prepare for my final day in Seydisfjordur, I am already feeling a sense of melancholy. This solo adventure has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful for every moment. Tomorrow, I plan to visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum, explore more of Seyðisfjörður, and perhaps even take a trip to Haífoss, weather permitting. I am determined to make the most of my last day in this magical place.

This trip has reinforced my belief in the power of travel to transform and inspire. It has reminded me of the importance of connecting with nature, embracing new experiences, and appreciating the beauty of the world around us. I am excited to share my stories and photos with Maximilian and Astrid, and I hope to return to Iceland with them someday soon. Until then, I will carry the memories of this solo adventure in my heart, a reminder of the resilience, beauty, and wonder of the Eastfjords.

I am also reminded of how much I miss Maximilian and Astrid, and I am looking forward to seeing them again soon. I know Astrid would have loved watching the puffins, and Maximilian would have appreciated the engineering behind the avalanche barriers. Perhaps we can plan a family trip to Iceland in the future. I think they would both love it as much as I do. I am also grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for travel blogging. It is a creative outlet that allows me to connect with others who share my love for discovering new places. I am excited to continue sharing my experiences and inspiring others to embark on their own adventures.

Before I drift off to sleep, I make a note to buy a portable phone charger when I get back to Bamberg. It would have been useful today.

I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!