Majestic Borgarfjörður: Iceland's Hidden Gem

• HelloHalló
  [ha-tlo]
• GoodbyeBless
  [bless]
• YesJá
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel
  [gyo-r-thu svo vel]
• Thank youTakk
  [tah-k]
• Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [af-sa-kith]
• How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?
  [k-ver-nik he-vur thu thah-th]
• Fine. And you?Í lagi. En þú?
  [ee la-ghi. en thu]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [ta-lar thu ens-koo]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeh skil ek-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg ætla að sjá matseðilinn, takk
  [yeh ai-tla ath shau mat-se-thi-linn, tahk]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeh bor-tha ek-ki chot]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg ætla að greiða, takk
  [yeh ai-tla ath grey-tha, tahk]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [hyaalp]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [far-thu ee bur-thu]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [hring-thu ee log-re-gluna]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [hring-thu ee laik-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er villtur
  [yeh er vil-thur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeh er vaik-ur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég ætla að kaupa...
  [yeh ai-tla ath koy-pa]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeh er ba-ra ath sko-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kva-th kostar thah-th]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [tha-th er ov deert]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkað verðið?
  [gethur thu lai-kath ver-thith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kva-th er klu-khan]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [klu-khan er ait]
• Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf tee-oo]
• MorningMorgunn
  [mohr-gun]
• AfternoonSíðdegis
  [seed-dey-ees]
• EveningKvöld
  [kvuhld]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gai-r]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee thahg]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow mor-gun]
• 1Eitt
  [ait]
• 2Tvö
  [t-vuh]
• 3Þrjú
  [thry-yoo]
• 4Fjögur
  [f-yo-gur]
• 5Fimm
  [fimm]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sjö
  [syoh]
• 8Átta
  [ow-tha]
• 9Níu
  [nee-yu]
• 10Tíu
  [tee-oo]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [kvar er]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kva-th er hay-mi-li-sfan-gith]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [gethur thu seent mair (ow kort-inu)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [k-ver-nai-r kem-ur nais-ta (strai-tis-vagn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Miða (til ...)
  [mee-tha (til)]

Borgarfjörður is deeply rooted in the Saga Age, which spans from the 9th to the 11th centuries. This period was characterized by the settlement of Iceland by Norsemen, and it is immortalized in the Icelandic sagas. Borgarfjörður is prominently featured in these narratives, particularly in 'Egils Saga,' which tells the tale of Egill Skallagrímsson, a legendary Viking and poet who lived at Borg, a settlement in Borgarfjörður.

Borgarfjörður's history begins with the arrival of the first settlers in the late 9th century. Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, one of the early settlers and the father of Egill Skallagrímsson, established the farmstead at Borg, which became a central hub in the region. The area around Borg was fertile and suitable for agriculture, making it an important settlement during the early years of Iceland's colonization.

During the medieval period, Borgarfjörður was home to several monasteries, which played a significant role in the region's cultural and religious life. The monastery of Þingeyraklaustur, founded in the 12th century, was one of the most prominent ecclesiastical institutions in Iceland and contributed to the literary and scholarly activities of the time.

Reykholt, a village in Borgarfjörður, is one of Iceland's most historically significant sites. It was the home of Snorri Sturluson, the famous Icelandic chieftain, poet, and historian. Snorri lived at Reykholt in the 13th century and wrote many of his most important works there, including the 'Prose Edda' and 'Heimskringla,' which are crucial sources for Norse mythology and history. The Snorrastofa Cultural and Medieval Centre in Reykholt now preserves his legacy.

Borgarfjörður played a part in Iceland's struggle for independence from Danish rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The region was home to influential figures who advocated for national sovereignty and cultural preservation. The independence movement, which culminated in Iceland becoming a republic in 1944, drew inspiration from the historical and cultural significance of places like Borgarfjörður.

Today, Borgarfjörður continues to be a vibrant region with a rich cultural heritage. It hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate Icelandic traditions, music, and literature. The area's natural beauty, combined with its historical landmarks, makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to connect with Iceland's past and present.

Borgarfjörður is located in western Iceland, approximately 120 kilometers from Reykjavik. The easiest way to reach Borgarfjörður is by car. From Reykjavik, take Route 1 (Ring Road) towards Borgarnes, and then follow Route 50 and Route 518 to reach Borgarfjörður. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Reykjavik to Borgarnes and then transfer to a local bus heading towards Borgarfjörður. The journey typically takes around two hours by car and slightly longer by bus.

Once in Borgarfjörður, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the region. The area is rural, and public transport options are limited. However, there are some local buses that connect the main towns and villages. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For those who enjoy cycling, the scenic routes offer a beautiful way to experience the landscape.

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Borgarfjörður, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in more remote areas where card payment may not be available. ATMs are available in larger towns like Borgarnes.

Borgarfjörður is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings, especially in more isolated areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Borgarfjörður.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. The nearest hospital is in Akranes, about an hour's drive from Borgarfjörður. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Borgarnes and other larger towns within the region. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes as they can attract insects. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers if necessary. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Góðan daginn' (Good day). Handshakes are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Icelandic delicacies and be open to tasting traditional dishes. Don't refuse food offerings as it is considered impolite.

To experience Borgarfjörður like a local, take the time to visit the geothermal pools and hot springs in the area, such as the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring. Engage with locals at the farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, which are local favorites. For a unique experience, try horseback riding on an Icelandic horse through the beautiful landscapes of Borgarfjörður.