Private Puffin and Elves Tour in Borgarfjörður Eystri
Where Iceland's seabirds and ancient folklore share the same remote fjord
This private puffin tour in Borgarfjörður Eystri takes small groups through one of East Iceland's most compelling corners, combining close-up encounters with Atlantic puffins and a living tradition of elf lore that shapes daily life in this quiet village. The five-hour journey is unhurried, intimate, and rich with local character.
Departing from Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður, your private guide navigates mountain roads that open onto dramatic coastal views, sharing stories about the landscape, its history, and the people who have called this fjord home for generations. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Borgarfjörður Eystri is home to roughly one hundred residents and, according to deep-rooted local belief, the queen of Iceland's elves, said to dwell at Álfaborg — a grassy natural formation at the center of the village. Whether you approach the legend with curiosity or skepticism, the place carries an atmosphere that is genuinely difficult to dismiss.
The tour is designed for travelers who prefer depth over distance — a single fjord explored properly, with time to observe, listen, and absorb rather than simply check a box on a highlight reel.
Tour Highlights
Walk wooden boardwalks at Hafnarhólmi and observe Atlantic puffins nesting just meters from the path during the May–August season.
Travel a dramatic mountain route connecting the departure towns to the fjord, with scenic viewpoints and storytelling along the way.
Visit Álfaborg, the legendary Elves' Castle at the heart of Borgarfjörður Eystri, tied to centuries of Icelandic hidden-people tradition.
Enjoy a fully private experience for one to seven passengers, with a dedicated local guide focused entirely on your group.
Stop at a local village café where homemade fish soup and a calm fjord-facing setting offer a genuine taste of remote Icelandic community life.
Spot kittiwakes and other seabirds alongside puffins at Hafnarhólmi, one of the most accessible birdwatching sites in the country.
Explore a village with a distinct identity shaped by remoteness, folklore, and a close relationship with the surrounding natural environment.
Itinerary
Your guide meets you at the agreed pickup point and introduces the route ahead. The journey east into the mountains begins as soon as the group is ready.
The approximately 90-minute drive follows a remote highland road with striking views. Your guide shares local history, folklore, and points of interest throughout the journey.
You arrive at the village and visit Álfaborg, the rocky mound at its center said to be the residence of the queen of Icelandic elves. Your guide provides context on how this belief system remains part of everyday conversation in Iceland.
At the harbor outside the village, wooden walkways bring you within a few meters of nesting puffins and seabirds. This is the central natural highlight of the tour, best experienced during the May–August breeding season.
If the local café is open, a short break is recommended for coffee, fish soup, or a light snack. Café costs are not included in the tour price.
The return route may include additional viewpoint stops depending on weather and timing. You are returned to your original pickup location with time for any final questions or conversation.
What Is Included
Included
- Private guide for the full duration
- Private vehicle with pickup and dropoff
- Guided access to Hafnarhólmi birdwatching area
- Guided walk and explanation at Álfaborg
- Scenic mountain route with storytelling
Not Included
- Food and beverages at the café
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Any expenses of a personal nature
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Spaces on this private tour are limited to seven passengers, ensuring a personal experience with full attention from your guide. Secure your preferred date before availability closes.
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