Key takeaways
- Waterproof hiking boots with grip soles handle wet boardwalks and rocky terrain around the waterfall and puffin colony safely.
- A windproof, water-resistant jacket is essential. Spray from Gufufoss and coastal exposure demand protection even on dry-looking days.
- Start with a thermal base layer, add a fleece mid-layer, and top with your shell. Icelandic summer weather shifts fast; layers let you adapt.
- Pack your own water and snacks. The 5-hour tour includes no meals, and remote stops offer limited options for refueling.
- Bring a waterproof camera bag and a telephoto lens or zoom to photograph puffins safely from distance without disturbing colonies.
Footwear for wet rock and spray zones
Hafnarholmi, the puffin headland, sits exposed to Atlantic wind and ocean spray. The rocks underfoot are uneven volcanic stone, often slick even on dry days. Standard hiking boots will slip; trainers will offer no ankle support on the uneven ground. Choose waterproof walking shoes with deep tread patterns and sticky rubber soles designed for wet terrain. Merrell, Salomon and Scarpa all make models rated for exactly this environment. Avoid leather, which absorbs moisture and takes hours to dry in the Icelandic wind.
Gufufoss waterfall throws spray across its viewing platform for the final 200 metres of the approach. Your feet will be wet. Waterproof gaiters, worn over your boots and lower trousers, stop water channelling into your socks. Pack a second pair of thick wool socks in your day bag; changing them at the bus before the final climb back takes two minutes and prevents blisters on the remaining journey.
Layering for wind on the northeastern coast
July in Seydisfjordur brings mild temperatures, typically 10 to 14 degrees Celsius, but the wind across Hafnarholmi can strip warmth fast. A single waterproof jacket is not enough. Wear a base layer of merino wool or synthetic material against your skin; cotton absorbs sweat and then clings as you cool. Add a fleece or thin wool mid-layer that you can remove if the sun breaks through. Your waterproof outer jacket must be windproof as well, with a high collar that closes fully and sleeves long enough to cover your wrists.
Bring a second mid-layer in your rucksack even if the forecast shows sun. Weather changes within 30 minutes on this coast. A knit hat that covers your ears is essential; you lose 40 per cent of body heat through your head, and the wind at the puffin colony is relentless. Gloves that grip wet stone are worth the pack space; neoprene or leather with textured palms work best. Thermal leggings under your trousers are worth considering if you run cold, but avoid tight waistbands that restrict movement on rocky terrain.
Mist and spray rise where water meets rock at Gufufoss
Optics and close-range puffin photography
Binoculars become essential when puffins are active but distant. The birds range across the burrow field at Hafnarholmi, and many sit 15 to 30 metres away. Compact binoculars (8x32 or 10x32 magnification) are light enough to carry all day and will not fog in spray if they have multi-coated lenses. Leave heavy 10x50 binoculars at home; the weight accumulates over five hours. If you wear glasses, look for binoculars with long eye relief so you can view comfortably through both.
For cameras, a 70 to 200 millimetre lens is the minimum useful focal length at Hafnarholmi. Puffins tolerate approach to about 5 metres before launching, but a longer lens lets you stay back and capture natural behaviour. Protect your camera body and lens from salt spray and wind-driven rain by keeping them in a waterproof bag until the moment you shoot. Use a UV filter on your lens; it is cheaper to replace than to clean salt spray off your front element. Pack a microfibre cloth and lens pen; salt residue scratches optical glass.
Food and water on a 5-hour tour without included meals
No meals are provided on this tour. The five-hour duration spans a full morning or afternoon, and hunger will set in around hour three. Bring water and snacks from Seydisfjordur before boarding; the stops at Lindarbakki and Northeastern Region towns are brief and may not have shops open or food to purchase. Fill a water bottle or hydration pack with at least 1.5 litres of fresh water. The walk to Gufufoss waterfall involves 800 metres of climbing with no shade; dehydration happens fast on windy exposed ground even when the temperature feels cool.
Pack energy bars, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate. Avoid anything that crumbles in your bag or melts in warm fabric. A banana and a sandwich wrap keep well and provide sustained energy. Eating at Hafnarholmi while watching puffins is part of the experience; bring extra because the wind will be cold and calories burned fast. If you take hot drinks from your hotel, use an insulated flask; cold hands make photography difficult and reduce your enjoyment of the headland wildlife.
40
East Iceland's exposed headlands can see wind gusts exceeding 40 mph, making a quality shell jacket essential even in calm-looking conditions.
Cash, payment methods and connectivity
Iceland is almost entirely cashless. Seydisfjordur and the smaller villages on this tour run on card payments. Bring a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees if possible; Icelandic retailers rarely accept notes from other countries. Mobile phone signal is reliable in Seydisfjordur port and along the main route to Hafnarholmi and Gufufoss. Check your roaming agreement with your provider before departure; Iceland uses 4G networks compatible with most international phones, but data charges can be steep. Free WiFi is included on the coach, so you can upload photos and send messages during the journey.
Wind-resistant bags and gear protection
Your day rucksack must have a waterproof rain cover or be lined with a waterproof bag. Spray and sudden showers can soak conventional fabric in minutes. A 25 to 30 litre pack is the right size for five hours; large bags tire your shoulders and catch wind on the exposed headland. Shoulder straps with a chest strap and waist belt distribute weight properly and stop the bag swinging as you climb to the waterfall. Dark colours absorb slightly more heat than bright ones, which matters when you are stationary watching puffins.
Secure all small items: a phone dropped on volcanic rock is destroyed. Zips should be robust and bags should have internal pockets for items like your lens cloth, snacks and spare socks. Avoid bags with external pockets where items can shift in wind. Tuck any loose straps inside so they don't catch on rocks or flap in gusts that can unbalance you on steep terrain.
Preparing skin and eyes for coastal exposure
Five hours of wind and spray will chap exposed skin. Bring a lip balm with SPF; the sun reflects off water and rock even on cloudy days. A small tube of moisturiser protects your face; wind in Iceland dries skin faster than in temperate climates. Sunglasses are essential. The glare off Hafnarholmi's wet rock can cause temporary eye strain, and sun reflecting off water is intense even when the air feels cool. Polarised lenses reduce glare and make puffins easier to spot against bright water. A sports strap keeps glasses secure in wind; losing them on a headland means the rest of the tour is compromised.
If you take prescription glasses, bring a spare pair or contacts with solution. The salt air and wind make contact lenses uncomfortable for extended wear. A small first-aid kit is sensible; cuts on sharp volcanic rock can sting and swell. Carry plasters, antiseptic cream and pain relief. The guide carries basic first aid, but having your own supplies means minor injuries do not slow your group.
