Borgarfjörður Eystri
Borgarfjörður Eystri is a remote fjord village in East Iceland, widely regarded as one of Iceland's best puffin watching locations — thousands of Atlantic puffi…
About
About Borgarfjörður Eystri
Borgarfjörður Eystri is a remote fjord village in East Iceland, widely regarded as one of Iceland's best puffin watching locations — thousands of Atlantic puffins nest in the cliffs just metres from the village each summer. The area also boasts superb hiking into the Dyrfjöll mountains and is steeped in Icelandic elf folklore, with the local elf queen's 'seat' located on a hill above the village.
Observe Atlantic puffins from arm's reach at Hafnarhólmi and hike to Stórurð — Iceland's hidden highland boulder paradise.
Background
History & Background
Borgarfjörður Eystri has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.
Borgarfjörður Eystri is one of the most interesting natural attractions in east-iceland of Iceland.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Borgarfjörður Eystri is one of Iceland's most rewarding destinations for those willing to make the effort. The village of 100 people sits at the end of a rough gravel road with towering rhyolite mountains rising behind it. Hafnarhólmi, a harbour breakwater in the village, is one of Iceland's most accessible Atlantic puffin colonies — hundreds of puffins nest in the breakwater walls and can be observed from centimetres away from viewing platforms. Behind the village, the hike to Stórurð (Giant Boulders) leads through extraordinary mountain terrain to a hidden basin of moss-covered boulders and clear turquoise pools. The mountains around the village contain rare mineral deposits that give them vivid pink, red and green colours.
Local Legend
Legends of Borgarfjörður Eystri
Borgarfjörður Eystri has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.
Experiences
Tours Near Borgarfjörður Eystri
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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