Borgarfjörður Eystri
Remote East Iceland fjord centred on Bakkagerði, known for Álfaborg folklore, Víknaslóðir hiking and the Hafnarhólmi puffin colony.
About
About Borgarfjörður Eystri
Remote East Iceland fjord centred on Bakkagerði, known for Álfaborg folklore, Víknaslóðir hiking and the Hafnarhólmi puffin colony.
Observe Atlantic puffins from arm's reach at Hafnarhólmi and hike to Stórurð — Iceland's hidden highland boulder paradise.
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Background
History & Background
Bakkagerði developed as the community centre of Borgarfjörður Eystri. Fishing, farming, art and local folklore have shaped the area's identity, and the surrounding mountains and deserted inlets now form one of East Iceland's strongest hiking regions.
Borgarfjörður Eystri is a remote fjord destination centred on the small village of Bakkagerði. The village is the practical gateway to several of East Iceland's best-known experiences: Álfaborg and its local elf folklore, Bakkagerðiskirkja, seasonal puffin watching at Hafnarhólmi and the extensive Víknaslóðir hiking network through mountains and deserted coastal inlets. Rather than treating Bakkagerði as a separate top-level attraction, it works best as the settlement at the heart of the wider Borgarfjörður Eystri destination, while major sights such as Álfaborg and Hafnarhólmi remain useful standalone attractions.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Bakkagerði is where visitors orient themselves before exploring Borgarfjörður Eystri. From the village, short cultural stops, puffin watching and long mountain routes branch out into a much larger fjord landscape.
Did You Know?
Borgarfjörður Eystri's mountains are rich in rare minerals including jasper and zeolite — their vivid colours make them unlike any other Icelandic mountains.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
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.
Borgarfjörður
Borgarfjörður: A fjord of saga fame, where tales of heroes, gods, and the very formation of Iceland are told.
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.
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
Off-Peak Visit
Visit Borgarfjörður Eystri during shoulder season (May or September) for a perfect balance of access and solitude.
You'll experience the site without summer crowds while still having good weather and daylight.
Local Flora
Look for the native Icelandic plants growing in the area — Arctic thyme, moss campion, and various lichens.
These resilient plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions and add subtle beauty to the landscape.
Changing Light
Borgarfjörður Eystri looks dramatically different depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Cloud shadows, rain showers, and low-angle sunlight can transform the landscape within minutes — Iceland's famous "four seasons in one day."
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Location
Location
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