Borgarnes

Borgarnes is a small town in western Iceland, situated on a peninsula at the end of Borgarfjörður. About 75 km north of Reykjavík, it often marks the first stop for travelers heading north or west on Route 1. The town is best known for its museum dedicated to the Saga of Egill Skallagrímsson, one of Iceland's great sagas, and for its panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.

Quick reference guide

• Access from Reykjavík: approximately 75 km via Route 1 (Hringvegur), about one hour drive.
• Bus: regular connections link Reykjavík to Borgarnes (Strætó, line 57).
• Recommended duration: half day to full day depending on activities chosen.
• Accessibility: the town center and saga museum are wheelchair accessible.

What to see

Borgarnes' town center is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Settlement Center (Landnámssetur) houses two permanent exhibitions: one on the settlement of Iceland, the other on the life of Egill Skallagrímsson, a 10th-century poet and warrior. Models, sound effects, and reconstructions make these tales accessible even without prior knowledge of the sagas.

Along the fjord, a coastal path winds along the peninsula with clear views of Borgarfjörður and snow-capped peaks in the background. The burial mound of Skallagrímur, Egill's father, is visible in a small park in the heart of town.

History and context

Borgarnes is one of Iceland's first colonized territories. Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, one of the first Norwegian settlers, established himself here in the 9th century. His son Egill Skallagrímsson became one of the most complex figures in medieval Icelandic literature: poet, warrior, an ambivalent figure balancing violence and sensitivity. The saga devoted to him, Egils saga, is considered one of the richest in the corpus of Icelandic sagas.

Highlights of your visit

The Settlement Center

The Settlement Center's two exhibitions are carefully curated. The settlement exhibition traces the arrival of the first Nordic peoples in Iceland in the 9th century. The Egill exhibition delves into the psychology of an extraordinary character. Allow approximately one and a half hours for both.

Skallagrímur's burial mound

This funerary mound, located in a small wooded park in the town center, is one of the few directly visible archaeological sites in Borgarnes. Access is free. A stone marker commemorates the site's history.

The fjord's coastal path

The path along the peninsula offers views of Borgarfjörður, islands, and mountains. Passable in all seasons, it's particularly pleasant on summer evenings when the low-angle light colors the fjord.

Photography tips

Evening light in summer is ideal for photographing the fjord from the coastal path. The reflection of mountains in the calm waters of Borgarfjörður is particularly striking on clear days. Inside the Settlement Center, photography is permitted in the exhibitions.

Location and access

Borgarnes is located on Route 1, approximately 75 km north of Reykjavík. The town is accessible by car or bus (Strætó, line 57 from Reykjavík). It serves as a natural starting point for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Route 54 toward the west) and for the Borgarfjörður valleys. The town center is flat and accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Nearby attractions

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula — About one hour to the west, featuring the Snæfellsjökull glacier and landscapes of lava and cliffs.
• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss — Spectacular waterfalls flowing from a lava field, approximately 45 km east of Borgarnes.
• Deildartunguhver — One of Europe's most powerful hot springs, about thirty kilometers to the northeast.
• Reykholt — Historic village linked to Snorri Sturluson, author of the Eddas, approximately 40 km to the east.