Borgarfjörður eystri

Nature, hiking & more in East Iceland

Borgarfjörður is a 10 kilometre long, grassy, fertile valley and a popular spot for hikers. The area is also well known for its beautiful stones, pebbles and minerals. On the outskirts of Bakkagerði, there’s a large hill called Álfaborg, which is perfect if you fancy a nature walk… and if you believe in elves, as the hill’s name translates to “elf city.”

In Hafnarhólmi, the environmentally friendly harbour, there is an excellent bird-watching platform where puffins, gulls and kittiwakes can be seen. Many other marked hiking trails lead between the mountains and fjords in the nearby area.

There’s an information centre in Álfasteinn, where you can seek tips for light hikes in the area. Here you’ll also find a church with an altar piece painted by Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972), considered Iceland’s most important painters, who grew up in Borgarfjörður.