Borgarnes Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Borgarnes in West Iceland with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Borgarnes

Borgarnes is a small town located in the West of Iceland. It is best known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural history, and outdoor adventures. The town is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Borgarfjörður Bay, providing visitors with stunning views of the coastline and mountains.

List of Places to Visit in Borgarnes

To help you plan your trip to Borgarnes, we have compiled a list of the top places to visit when you’re in town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Settlement Center: This museum showcases the history of Iceland’s settlement era, providing visitors with an in-depth look at how Iceland was first populated.
  • Landnámssetur Íslands: This museum is dedicated to the history of settlement in Iceland, featuring exhibitions on archaeology, geography, and history.

Natural Attractions of Borgarnes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hvítárvatn Lake: This scenic lake is located just outside of Borgarnes and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and hiking.
  • Hraunfossar Waterfalls: A must-visit location for Instagram-worthy photos, the Hraunfossar Waterfalls are a series of cascading waterfalls that flow out of the Hallmundarhraun Lava Field.
  • Glanni Waterfall: Located near Bifrost University, this waterfall is a hidden gem that not many tourists know about. It’s a great location for a peaceful picnic or hike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Borgarnes

Borgarnes is surrounded by nature and offers plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.

  • Eldborg Crater: This hike to the top of Eldborg Crater provides a challenging ascent that rewards visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Grábrók Crater: A less strenuous option, Grábrók Crater provides a gentle hike to the top of the volcanic crater, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the area.
  • Vatnshorn Mountain: For experienced hikers, a trek up Vatnshorn Mountain provides breathtaking views of the area from the top.

Best Things to Do in Borgarnes: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking, there are plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy in Borgarnes.

  • Horseback Riding: A popular activity in Iceland, horseback riding in Borgarnes provides an opportunity to explore the area on horseback.
  • Glacier Tours: Visitors can book a glacier tour to experience firsthand Iceland’s stunning glaciers and ice formations.
  • Snowmobiling: For those looking for an adrenaline rush, snowmobiling on the top of nearby Langjökull glacier is a must-try activity.

Week-Long Itinerary for Borgarnes

For those planning to spend a week in Borgarnes, here is a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time in town.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Settlement Center and Landnámssetur Íslands
2 Hike Eldborg Crater
3 Spend the day exploring the nearby Hraunfossar Waterfalls and Glanni Waterfall
4 Horseback riding in Borgarnes
5 Visit Hvítárvatn Lake and Grábrók Crater
6 Book a glacier tour for the day
7 Snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier

Food and Drink Scene of Borgarnes

No trip to Borgarnes is complete without sampling some of Iceland’s famous cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to indulge in during your stay.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Plokkfiskur: This traditional Icelandic fish stew is a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
  • Lamb Fillet: Iceland is famous for its high-quality lamb, and Borgarnes is no exception. Try a succulent lamb fillet dish for a taste of local flavor.
  • Skyr: This Icelandic dairy product is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy and tasty choice for breakfast or a snack.

Local Beverages

  • Brennivín: This traditional Icelandic schnapps is made from fermented potato mash and flavored with caraway seeds.
  • Viking Classic Beer: This is a classic Icelandic beer that’s brewed with water from nearby Hvítárvatn Lake and locally harvested hops.

Where to Stay in Borgarnes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options available in Borgarnes, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Icelandair Hotel Hamar: This upscale hotel is located just outside of Borgarnes and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
  • Borgarnes Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as a communal kitchen for guests to use.
  • Eddas Farmhouse: For a unique experience, this guesthouse provides visitors with an opportunity to stay on a traditional Icelandic farm and learn about farming life firsthand.

What to Buy in Borgarnes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip to Borgarnes is complete without purchasing some local souvenirs and products to bring home with you. Here are some unique items to look out for:

  • Icelandic Wool Sweaters: Borgarnes is known for producing high-quality wool products, including cozy sweaters and blankets.
  • Lava Rock Jewelry: Many local artisans craft jewelry from Icelandic lava rocks, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
  • Brennivín Schnapps: Bring home a bottle of Iceland’s favorite schnapps to enjoy or give as a gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Borgarnes

Icelandic culture is unique and fascinating, and Borgarnes is no exception. Visitors should be aware of a few customs and traditions when traveling in Iceland.

  • Tipping: Tipping is not generally expected in Iceland, as service charges are typically already included in the bill.
  • Punctuality: Icelanders value punctuality, so be sure to arrive on time for any appointments or scheduled activities.
  • Respect for Nature: Iceland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes, and visitors should take care to respect them by not littering or damaging the environment.

Best Time to Visit Borgarnes

The best time to visit Borgarnes depends on what activities you’re interested in. For outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing, the summer months from May to August are the best. For those hoping to see the Northern Lights, the winter months from October to March provide dark skies and a greater chance of viewing this natural phenomenon.

Do’s and Don’ts of Borgarnes

To make the most of your time in Borgarnes, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

  • Bring warm clothing and waterproof layers, as the weather in Iceland can change quickly.
  • Take advantage of the local cuisine and try traditional Icelandic dishes.
  • Be respectful of Iceland’s unique culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Assume that Icelanders speak English fluently – although many do, it’s always polite to learn a few basic phrases of Icelandic.
  • Leave valuables unattended in public areas.

Safety and Health

Iceland is generally a safe country to travel to, but visitors should still take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy while in Borgarnes.

Safety in Borgarnes

  • Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when traveling alone at night.
  • Wear appropriate gear and take necessary precautions when participating in outdoor activities.
  • Be mindful of the weather and road conditions at all times.

Health in Borgarnes

  • The tap water in Iceland is safe to drink, so there’s no need to purchase bottled water.
  • Iceland is a generally healthy country, but visitors should be aware of potential allergens in local cuisine.
  • Travelers should consider purchasing travel insurance before their trip to ensure they’re covered in case of unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Borgarnes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Borgarnes is easily accessible from both Reykjavik and Akureyri, making it a popular destination for tourists traveling to Iceland.

Airports Near Borgarnes

  • Reykjavik International Airport (KEF): This airport is located approximately 74 miles south of Borgarnes and is the main international airport in Iceland.
  • Akureyri International Airport (AEY): This airport is located approximately 156 miles north of Borgarnes and is the second-busiest airport in Iceland.

Bus Stations Near Borgarnes

  • BSI Bus Station, Reykjavik: The BSI Bus Station in Reykjavik offers buses to Borgarnes several times a day.
  • Akureyri Bus Station: Bus services from Akureyri to Borgarnes are available several times a day.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car from Keflavik International Airport or Reykjavik and drive to Borgarnes, allowing them to explore the area at their own pace.
  • Private Transfer: Private transfer options from both Reykjavik and Akureyri to Borgarnes are available for those who prefer not to drive themselves.

How to Get Around in Borgarnes

Although Borgarnes is a small town, visitors will still need transportation to explore the area.

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car in Borgarnes to explore the area at their own pace.
  • Bus Tours: Several tour companies offer bus tours of the area, providing visitors with a guided experience.
  • Bicycle Rental: For those who prefer a more eco-friendly option, bicycle rentals are available in Borgarnes.

Where to Go Next from Borgarnes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Borgarnes is conveniently located near several popular tourist destinations, making it a great hub for exploring the area.

  • Reykjavik: Iceland’s capital city is located just 45 miles south of Borgarnes and is a must-visit destination for its history, culture, and nightlife.
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula: This stunning peninsula is located just a short drive from Borgarnes and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
  • Akureyri: This vibrant town is located approximately 156 miles north of Borgarnes and is known for its rich cultural history and stunning landscapes.

Conclusion

Borgarnes is a small, but mighty town located in the West of Iceland. Visitors are drawn to the area for its natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in hiking, horseback riding, or trying traditional Icelandic cuisine, you’re sure to find something to love about Borgarnes. Plan your trip today and experience all the wonders this charming town has to offer.

Borgarnes centre Borgarnes centre Hraunfossar Hraunfossar Ice pinnacles in Surtshellir Ice pinnacles in Surtshellir