Is Borgarfjörður Eystri suitable for families?

Yes, it's a family-friendly destination with gentle hikes, a charming village, and the exciting possibility of seeing puffins, which children often love.

Are there dining options and accommodations in Borgarfjörður Eystri?

Despite its small size, the village offers a few guesthouses, a hotel, and a couple of restaurants or cafes, especially during the peak summer season.

Can I see puffins in Borgarfjörður Eystri?

Yes, the Hafnarhólmi puffin colony is one of the best places to observe puffins in Iceland. The nesting season is typically from mid-April to mid-August.

What kind of hiking opportunities are available?

There are several well-marked trails, ranging from easy walks around the village and to Álfaborg, to more challenging treks like the popular trail to Stórurð, known for its unique rock formations and ponds.

Is there an entry fee to the village or any attractions?

No, there is no entry fee to visit Borgarfjörður Eystri or its main natural attractions like Álfaborg or Hafnarhólmi. Parking is generally free.

Iceland/Things to Do/Álfaborg

Álfaborg

A protected rocky landmark beside Bakkagerði, known in local folklore as the home of the Queen of Elves, with an easy walk to a viewpoint over Borgarfjörður Eys…

At a Glance

Visit time

20–45 minutes

Best Season

Daylight hours in good visibility

Getting There

Short, easy walking path from the Bakkagerði/Álfaborg area.

GPS

65.5221, -13.8089

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About

About Álfaborg

A protected rocky landmark beside Bakkagerði, known in local folklore as the home of the Queen of Elves, with an easy walk to a viewpoint over Borgarfjörður Eystri.

Combine East Iceland folklore with an easy viewpoint walk directly beside Bakkagerði.

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Background

History & Background

Álfaborg has long been central to the folklore identity of Borgarfjörður Eystri. The hill and surrounding landscape are associated with numerous stories about elves and their relationships with local residents. The area was declared a nature reserve in 1976 and is maintained for recreation and public access.

Álfaborg is one of Borgarfjörður Eystri's best-known cultural landmarks. The rocky hill rises beside the village of Bakkagerði and is closely tied to the area's unusually rich folklore about huldufólk, the hidden people of Icelandic tradition. Local stories say that the Queen of Elves lives in Álfaborg, while other places around the fjord are also connected with tales of interactions between people and elves. Álfaborg was protected as a nature reserve in 1976 for public recreation and conservation. A short, easy walking path leads to the top, making the site accessible to most visitors in suitable conditions. At the summit, a viewing platform and orientation information give broad views over Borgarfjörður Eystri and the surrounding mountains. The local campsite lies below the hill. For visitors, Álfaborg works well as a short cultural and scenic stop within Bakkagerði rather than as a broad duplicate page for the whole fjord. Combine it with Bakkagerðiskirkja, the village and a visit to Hafnarhólmi for puffin watching in season.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Borgarfjörður Eystri is famous for stories in which the hidden world feels close to everyday life, and Álfaborg is at the centre of that tradition. The hill beside Bakkagerði is said to be the home of the Queen of Elves, and generations of local stories describe encounters, marriages and journeys involving huldufólk. Today visitors can walk easily to the summit, where the folklore is matched by a very real view across the fjord and mountains. Álfaborg is therefore both a cultural landmark and a scenic stop: a place where the stories that shaped local identity are tied directly to the landscape visitors can still explore.

Did You Know?

Local folklore identifies Álfaborg as the home of the Queen of Elves.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Bakki

Bakki is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Fljótsdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Desjarmýri

Desjarmýri is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Droplaugarsona saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Geitavík

Geitavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Fljótsdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

Explore

Hidden Gems Nearby

Álfaborg (Elf Rock)

A prominent, flat-topped rock hill just outside the village, believed to be the home of the Queen of the Elves. It offers panoramic views of the fjord and village.

It's the heart of Borgarfjörður's legendary connection to the hidden folk.

Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony

A small island connected by a wooden walkway, providing an incredible opportunity to observe puffins and other seabirds up close during nesting season (mid-April to mid-August).

One of the most accessible and best places in Iceland to see puffins.

Hiking Trails to Stórurð

Embark on a scenic hike from Borgarfjörður Eystri to Stórurð, a truly unique natural wonder featuring massive basalt boulders and turquoise ponds nestled in a secluded valley.

Offers a rewarding challenge with stunning, otherworldly landscapes only accessible on foot.

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