This small Icelandic town sits on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður. It's known for its Settlement Center museum and as a gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Borgarnes, a town of 2,000 residents in western Iceland, sits on a peninsula jutting into Borgarfjörður fjord. Located 75 km from Reykjavík, it's a convenient stop on the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and northern Iceland. The town has roots in Viking history, with connections to the famous Egil's Saga. In Borgarnes, you can explore the Settlement Center, relax in a geothermal swimming pool, taste local pastries at Geirabakari, and use the town as a base to visit nearby natural wonders like Hraunfossar waterfall and Deildartunguhver hot spring.
Natural Wonders Near Borgarnes
Borgarnes is well-positioned for exploring West Iceland's landscape. A 30-minute drive takes you to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Here, you'll see steam rising from the ground and hear the sound of boiling water. About 45 minutes from town, you'll find Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. At Hraunfossar, countless rivulets stream out from under a lava field, creating an unusual sight.
Local Flavors and The Bakery from the Movies
For a taste of local specialties, visit Geirabakari, a bakery that appeared in the film "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Try their signature pastry, the ástarpungur - a sweet, doughnut-like treat. Several restaurants in town serve fresh Icelandic seafood and lamb dishes. The Settlement Center also has a restaurant where you can taste traditional Icelandic cuisine with modern interpretations.
Swimming and Hiking in Borgarnes
You can swim and socialize with locals at the town's geothermal pool, which has hot tubs, water slides, and a steam bath. For a hike, head to nearby Hafnarfjall mountain. The trails provide wide views of the fjord and surrounding landscape. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and its glacier-capped volcano.
Viking History and the Settlement Center
Borgarnes has strong ties to the Viking Age and appears in Egil's Saga - one of Iceland's most famous medieval stories. The saga tells the life of poet-warrior Egill Skallagrímsson, whose family settled in the area over 1,000 years ago. Learn about this history at the Settlement Center, located in two of the town's oldest buildings. The museum has two main exhibitions: one on Iceland's settlement era and another on Egil's Saga. Interactive displays and audio guides make the experience engaging for visitors of all ages.
Getting to Borgarnes
To reach Borgarnes from Reykjavík, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) north for about an hour. You'll drive through a 6-kilometer underwater tunnel and cross Iceland's second-longest bridge before arriving in town. For a more scenic route, take Road 47 around Hvalfjörður fjord. This adds about an hour to the journey but gives you coastal views and the chance to stop at Glymur, Iceland's second-highest waterfall.
Where to Stay
Borgarnes has several places to stay for different budgets. Icelandair Hotel Hamar provides a comfortable hotel experience and has an 18-hole golf course. If you're on a budget, try the Borgarnes HI Hostel, which has both dorm beds and private rooms. For a more local experience, stay at one of the town's guesthouses, such as Egils Guesthouse or Blómasetrið, which also has a flower shop and café.
