Borgarnes

Borgarnes bubbles with life, packed into a picturesque promontory overlooking the broad waters of Borgarfjörður, the “City Fjord”.

It’s one of the busiest towns in West Iceland, a focal point for fishing, culture and commerce for a thousand years. But you can still feel its Viking roots wherever you look!

You’ll discover that it has a cheerful small-town vibe that makes it a delight to explore. So take a walk around its pretty streets and rocky shoreline, and enjoy the stunning views across the fjord to Hafnarfjall!

Previous image

Next image

We usually arrive there around 5-6 pm, crossing the fjord over the second-longest bridge in Iceland, with stunning views to enjoy on both sides of the waters.

Hlíðartúnshúsin

Travel back in time with a visit to these traditional turf houses!

Tucked away into the cliffs, you can explore Hlíðartúnshúsin, several turf houses that were first built more than a hundred years ago. These houses were typical of those constructed here by farmers who had moved to Borgarnes from the surrounding countryside. In addition, you’ll see a sheep barn, a cowshed, and even a hut used to store potatoes! Recently restored, you’ll be impressed by the beauty of these turf-roofed buildings in their original setting, which tells the tale of Icelandic farming life over the centuries.

Borgarneskirkja

Take a look at the most prominent building in Borgarnes!

Most Icelandic towns are decorated with beautiful churches, and Borgarnes is no exception. As you explore its streets, you’ll see an impressive church rising high into the sky on a hill. This is Borgarneskirkja, the most prominent building in Borgarnes, a white-walled concrete church with a dark-green roof and a single spire. It was built in the 1950s, seats as many as 200 people, and was consecrated in 1959. If you have time to explore inside, you’ll discover a 13-pipe organ and a grand piano!

Swimming Pool

Make a splash at Borgarnes swimming pool!

Take a dip at Sundlaug Borgarnesi, the town’s stunning leisure complex, featuring a 25-meter outdoor pool which enjoys fabulous views across Borgarfjörður. With an indoor pool, several hot pots, steam saunas, a children’s pool and three water slides, there’s something for all the family to enjoy! So relax and enjoy the warming waters, with different temperature options, all fed by Europe’s most powerful hot spring at Deildartunguhver. The admission charge is around 1000 ISK (adult), and there are accessible changing rooms.

Skallagrímsgarður

Walk in Viking footsteps in a tree-filled park

The “local hero” in Borgarnes is a larger-than-life Viking warrior-poet called Egill Skallagrímsson. His fascinating story is told in the excellent Settlement Center museum, which includes exhibitions on Iceland’s first settlers from medieval times. Skallagrímsgarður is a tree-filled park that pays tribute to his father, Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, whose burial mound can be found here. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the park and the uninterrupted views across the fjord.

Shore Walks

Enjoy the best views in Borgarnes

After exploring the park, take a walk along the rocky shoreline of Borgarnes, with fantastic views of the second-longest bridge in Iceland. On the other side of Borgarfjörður, the majestic Hafnarfjall (Harbor Mountain) rises high into the sky. Look out for a stack of rocks tied together with chains, which is a tribute to Egill’s nanny, who was drowned here by Egill’s father when she intervened in a family argument. The little island of Brakarey is named in her memory.

Dining options

Treat yourself to fine food options from a great selection of cafés and restaurants

Many visitors to Borgarnes stock up on roadhouse burgers, pizzas and snacks at the big N1 and Olis gas stations. The “old town” has much more to offer if you’re looking for a fine meal or a cool café to relax in. The Settlement Center has an excellent restaurant with fish stews, meat soups and vegetarian options. Kaffi Kyrrd offers a beautiful sundeck, comfortable armchairs and delicious cakes. Geirabakari is another popular spot after being featured in the Ben Stiller film, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”.

Tours and Packages including stay in Borgarnes

5-Day Summer Package | Golden Circle, South and West Coast of Iceland (Standard w/Glacier Hike)

Visit the three main national parks of Iceland, go on a glacier hike, lava caving and take a boat ride on the ice strewn Glacier Lagoon

From: kr.179.900,0

Duration

5 days

May-Oct