Free Borgarnes Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Borgarnes trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Borgarnes
Borgarnes photo 2
Borgarnes photo 3
All photos

Borgarnes, Iceland, pairs Viking history, coastal landscapes, the Settlement Centre and easy access to West Iceland’s fjords, waterfalls and hot pools.

A Coastal Gateway to West Iceland

Borgarnes is a small coastal town on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður, about an hour’s drive north-west of Reykjavík along Route 1. Its position makes it both a destination in its own right and a practical base for exploring western Iceland, with the broad waters of the fjord, the mountain Hafnarfjall and open lava-formed landscapes shaping the town’s outlook. The settlement is compact, and much of its character can be absorbed on foot, particularly around the waterfront, old harbour and grassy Skallagrímsgarður park.
Read more about Borgarnes

Sagas, Settlement and Local Life

Borgarnes is closely associated with Egils saga, the medieval Icelandic saga that recounts the life of poet and warrior Egill Skallagrímsson. The Settlement Centre brings this literary and historical tradition to life through exhibitions about Iceland’s settlement and Egill’s story, while Borg á Mýrum, a historic farm and church site just outside the town, reflects the landscape connected with the saga. Everyday life remains central to the experience: a bakery-café, swimming pool, harbour walks and small-town services give Borgarnes a lived-in atmosphere rather than the feel of a purely sightseeing-based stop.

The Wider Borgarfjörður Landscape

The town is well placed for excursions into Borgarfjörður, where visitors can reach waterfalls, geothermal areas, historic farms and mountain roads. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss lie inland, while Deildartunguhver is known for its powerful hot spring and the surrounding region includes access to the Langjökull area. Borgarnes itself is best appreciated as a quiet meeting point of saga history, sea and countryside, where a short waterfront stroll can sit naturally alongside a longer journey through West Iceland.

When is the best time to visit Borgarnes?

Best: June–August · 13–15°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January370
February355
March355
April640
May1040
June (best)1335
July (best)1535
August (best)1440
September1050
October760
November470
December270

Getting to and around Borgarnes

How to get there

Borgarnes is reached primarily by road along Iceland’s Route 1, the Ring Road, which runs north from Reykjavík and crosses the Borgarfjörður area before continuing towards northern Iceland. The town is roughly an hour’s drive from Reykjavík in normal conditions, though weather, traffic and seasonal road conditions can alter the journey. There is no railway service and Borgarnes does not have a commercial airport. Reykjavík Airport is the nearest city airport for domestic connections, while Keflavík International Airport is the principal international gateway, located farther from the town. Long-distance buses and scheduled coach services connect Reykjavík with towns along the Ring Road, but routes and frequencies vary, so current timetables should be checked before travelling.

Transportation

Borgarnes is compact enough to explore on foot, particularly around the waterfront, old harbour, Skallagrímsgarður and the central service area. A car is the most flexible option for reaching attractions elsewhere in Borgarfjörður, including inland waterfalls, geothermal sites and historic locations, as public transport in the wider region is limited. Route 1 provides the main road connection, while smaller roads may be narrow, gravelled or affected by wind, snow and changing conditions. Local taxi availability should not be assumed, especially outside normal operating periods. Travellers without a car can visit the centre of town independently, but organised excursions or careful bus planning are useful for wider sightseeing.

Best attractions in Borgarnes

The Settlement Centre is Borgarnes’s principal cultural attraction, combining exhibitions about Iceland’s settlement with the dramatic story of Egill Skallagrímsson from Egils saga. Its historical focus provides context for the landscapes around Borg á Mýrum, the farm site associated with Egill’s family just outside town. Skallagrímsgarður offers a quiet green space with local historical associations and views towards the coast, while the waterfront and old harbour make for an accessible walk beside Borgarfjörður. The town’s swimming pool provides a more contemporary Icelandic experience, with outdoor bathing and the sociable atmosphere characteristic of local pools. From Borgarnes, the wider region opens towards Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver and the mountains around Borgarfjörður; these are excursions rather than town attractions, but explain why the settlement works so well as a base for exploring West Iceland.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Borgarnes

The Settlement Centre occupies a central place in Borgarnes’s cultural landscape, linking a contemporary visitor building with the settlement narratives and literary traditions of Iceland’s early history. Skallagrímsgarður is a significant public landmark associated with Skallagrímur and Egill Skallagrímsson, combining open green space with a strong connection to the town’s saga identity. Borgarnes Church, standing above the settlement, is a prominent modern religious building and a useful point of orientation among the town’s low-rise streets. The old harbour and waterfront reflect the town’s development as a trading and service centre for Borgarfjörður, while Borg á Mýrum Church, a short distance outside Borgarnes, marks the historic farm setting associated with the settlement story. Together these places show how saga memory, Christianity, maritime commerce and modern community life overlap in the local landscape.

Show more landmarks

Explore Borgarnes on the map

Plan your Borgarnes trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Borgarnes

Borgarnes has a modest dining scene shaped by its role as a regional service town and a stopping point on Route 1. Cafés and bakeries are useful for coffee, bread, cakes and uncomplicated meals, while restaurants connected with local accommodation and the Settlement Centre provide more substantial dining. Icelandic staples may include lamb, fish, dairy products and hearty soups, with menus often adapting to seasonal supply rather than following a single Borgarnes speciality. The town’s position beside Borgarfjörður gives seafood a natural place in the regional food culture, while travellers can also find familiar international dishes suited to road journeys. Dining is generally concentrated around the centre and main road, and opening patterns can be seasonal, so an early meal or advance check is sensible when travelling outside the summer peak.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Borgarnes

Borgarnes has a quiet evening scene rather than a dedicated club district. Social life is centred on hotel and restaurant bars, cafés and community venues, where evenings tend to be relaxed and shaped by the town’s small population and passing travellers. The Settlement Centre and other cultural spaces may contribute to occasional evening activity, while the swimming pool remains one of the most recognisable places for local social interaction, although it is not a nightlife venue. There are no grounds to expect Reykjavík-style clubbing, extensive late-night entertainment or a concentrated bar quarter. Visitors staying overnight usually spend the evening walking by the harbour, dining locally or using Borgarnes as a calm base before excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Borgarnes

Borgarnes has a quiet evening scene rather than a dedicated club district. Social life is centred on hotel and restaurant bars, cafés and community venues, where evenings tend to be relaxed and shaped by the town’s small population and passing travellers. The Settlement Centre and other cultural spaces may contribute to occasional evening activity, while the swimming pool remains one of the most recognisable places for local social interaction, although it is not a nightlife venue. There are no grounds to expect Reykjavík-style clubbing, extensive late-night entertainment or a concentrated bar quarter. Visitors staying overnight usually spend the evening walking by the harbour, dining locally or using Borgarnes as a calm base before excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Borgarnes

Shopping in Borgarnes is practical and small-scale, reflecting the town’s role as a service centre rather than a major retail destination. Central shops and supermarkets supply everyday provisions for residents and travellers, while bakeries and cafés offer locally made bread, cakes and provisions suited to a road journey. The Settlement Centre and other visitor-oriented outlets may carry books about Icelandic settlement, Egils saga, local history and Icelandic culture, alongside selected gifts and crafts. Visitors may also find woollen goods, handmade items and food products associated with Iceland, though the range varies by season and retailer. There is no extensive designer shopping quarter or large traditional bazaar; the most rewarding purchases are generally practical supplies, literary souvenirs, knitwear and small locally made objects that reflect Borgarnes’s connection with saga history and rural West Iceland.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Borgarnes, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Borgarnes essentials

Currency and Payment
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna, with the international currency code ISK. Debit and credit cards are widely used in Borgarnes hotels, restaurants, shops, service stations and visitor facilities, and contactless payment is common where card terminals are available. Nevertheless, carrying a small amount of cash can be useful for unexpected needs or for journeys into more remote parts of West Iceland. ATMs are available in larger settlements, but visitors should not rely on finding one immediately after leaving town. International cards may incur exchange or foreign-transaction fees, so checking arrangements with the card issuer is sensible. Prices are generally displayed in Icelandic krónur.
Safety
Borgarnes is a small town, but visitors should use ordinary precautions with belongings, vehicles and personal information, particularly at busy stops along Route 1. The more significant risks usually arise from Iceland’s weather and landscape rather than urban conditions. Wind can be powerful around the coast and bridges, and roads beyond the town may become hazardous because of snow, ice, rain, poor visibility or loose surfaces. Check the Icelandic road and weather information before setting out, keep fuel levels comfortable and avoid stopping in unsafe roadside places. When walking near the shore or travelling inland, follow marked paths and respect barriers, unstable ground and rapidly changing conditions.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 in Iceland for police, fire and ambulance services, as well as urgent rescue assistance. The number can be called from mobile phones, although coverage may be limited in remote parts of West Iceland. Give the operator the location, nature of the incident and number of people affected, using nearby road numbers, landmarks or GPS coordinates if available. For medical problems that are not immediately life-threatening, ask accommodation staff or local services for guidance on the appropriate healthcare facility. Travel insurance should cover medical treatment and rescue costs where possible. Do not enter closed roads or attempt to cross dangerous water, ice or weather conditions while waiting for help.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow marked routes and respect signs, fences and access restrictions around the coast, geothermal areas and countryside; Icelandic terrain can be fragile and hazardous even when it appears accessible. Remove outdoor footwear or follow local instructions where accommodation or cultural venues request it, and keep noise modest in residential areas. In swimming pools, shower thoroughly without swimwear before entering the pool, as this is a normal Icelandic hygiene practice, and observe pool rules. Tipping is not generally an obligatory part of everyday service, though good service may be acknowledged at the visitor’s discretion. Do not assume that a road is safe simply because it appears open, and avoid disturbing farm animals or private property.
Local Tips
The town centre, harbour and Skallagrímsgarður form an easy orientation walk, while the Settlement Centre provides useful context before exploring the wider Borgarfjörður region. Plan fuel, food and driving time before heading inland, as services become less frequent outside the main settlements. The swimming pool offers a relaxed way to encounter an important part of Icelandic local life, while the waterfront is especially atmospheric in changing weather. Borgarnes is also a useful overnight point for journeys towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, but distances in Iceland can be deceptive: allow extra time for stops, photography and road conditions rather than planning solely by map distance.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalló[HAH-loh]
GoodbyeBless[bless]
YesJá[yow]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeTakk fyrir[tahk-fear-ear]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryAfsakið[av-sah-kith]
How are you?Hvað segir þú?[kvath-seyir-thoo]
Fine. And you?Í lagi. En þú?[ee-lah-yee-en-thoo]
Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?[tah-lar-thoo-ens-koo]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yeh-skil-eh-kki]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg vil sjá matseðilinn, takk[yeh-vil-syow-maht-seh-thil-inn-tahk]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yeh-bor-tha-eh-kki-kyot]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseÉg vil greiða, takk[yeh-vil-gray-tha-tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyowlp]
Go away!Farðu í burtu![far-thoo-ee-burthoo]
Call the Police!Hringðu í lögregluna![hring-thoo-ee-ler-eg-loo-na]
Call a doctor!Hringdu eftir lækninum![hring-thoo-ehf-thir-lighk-nee-num]
I'm lostÉg er týndur[yeh-ehr-tin-thur]
I'm illÉg er veikur[yeh-ehr-vey-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ég vil kaupa...[yeh-vil-koy-pa]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yeh-ehr-bara-ath-skotha]
How much is it?Hvað kostar það?[kvath-kos-tar-thath]
That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt[thath-ehr-ov-deert]
Can you lower the price?Geturðu lækkat verðið?[geh-thur-thoo-ligh-kat-vehr-thith]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[kvath-ehr-kloo-kahn]
It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt[kloo-kahn-ehr-eyt]
Half past (10)Hálftíu (10)[howlf-tee-oo]
MorningMorgun[mor-gun]
AfternoonSíðdegis[seed-day-yis]
EveningKvöld[kvulth]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee-gyir]
TodayÍ dag[ee-dahk]
TomorrowÁ morgun[ow-mor-gun]
1Einn[eyt-inn]
2Tveir[t-veyr]
3Þrír[threer]
4Fjórir[fyow-reer]
5Fimm[feem]
6Sex[sehx]
7Sjö[syow]
8Átta[ow-tha]
9Níu[nee-oo]
10Tíu[tee-oo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er...[kvar-ehr]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[kvath-ehr-hay-mil-is-fan-yith]
Can you show me (on the map)?Geturðu sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[geh-thur-thoo-seent-mayr-owr-kor-thinoo]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsta (strætisvagn)?[kveh-nighr-kay-mur-niy-sta-stra-this-vahn]
A ticket (to ....)Miði (til ....)[mee-thee-til]

History of Borgarnes

Settlement at Borg á Mýrum

The history of Borgarnes is rooted in Iceland’s settlement period, traditionally dated to the late ninth century. Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, a Norwegian settler and the father of Egill Skallagrímsson, established his farm at Borg á Mýrum on the southern side of the peninsula. The farm’s name, meaning Borg on the Marshes, gave the wider district its historical identity. Although the settlement landscape has changed considerably, Borg á Mýrum remains an important reference point in local history, and the nearby church stands in a setting associated with the early community. The saga tradition connected with Egill preserves details of family, landholding and conflict, though it was written centuries after the events it describes and should be read as medieval literature as well as historical evidence.

Egill Skallagrímsson and the Sagas

Egill Skallagrímsson became one of Iceland’s best-known saga figures: a formidable warrior, landowner and poet whose life is narrated in Egils saga. The story links him to Borg á Mýrum, Borgarfjörður and the political world of Iceland’s early settlers. Egill’s poetry, including verses associated with grief and survival, is among the most celebrated literature from the Old Norse tradition. Centuries later, his legacy remains visible in Borgarnes through local monuments, public spaces and the Settlement Centre’s exhibition about the saga. The town’s identity is therefore shaped not simply by a surviving medieval building, but by a continuing relationship with one of Iceland’s most influential literary characters.

A Harbour Town Takes Shape

Borgarnes developed as a trading and service centre for Borgarfjörður, serving farms and communities spread across the surrounding countryside. Its coastal position made the harbour important for movement of goods before modern roads transformed travel in Iceland. The town’s growth was influenced by changing systems of trade, improved communications and the gradual concentration of public services in accessible regional centres. Unlike Iceland’s oldest settlement sites, modern Borgarnes is not a direct continuation of a large medieval town; its urban character emerged more clearly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The waterfront, older houses and service buildings reflect this later development, when maritime activity and rural commerce supported a permanent community.

Roads, Services and Modernisation

Borgarnes expanded in importance as roads connected Reykjavík with western and northern Iceland and as motor travel reduced the region’s dependence on coastal transport. Route 1 now passes through the town and makes it a convenient stopping point for journeys towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords and northern regions. New schools, municipal services, shops and recreation facilities strengthened Borgarnes as a local centre for Borgarfjörður. The town’s location also brought a steady flow of travellers, while its population remained modest enough for the harbour, swimming pool and community spaces to retain an everyday local role.

A Contemporary Base in Borgarfjörður

Today Borgarnes balances its historical associations with the practical life of a small Icelandic town. The Settlement Centre presents settlement history and Egils saga to visitors, while the town’s cafés, accommodation, swimming facilities and waterfront provide services for residents and travellers. Its surroundings remain central to its identity: Borgarfjörður, Hafnarfjall and the inland valleys connect the town with farms, geothermal sites, waterfalls and routes towards the highlands. Modern Borgarnes is therefore best understood as both a historic landscape and a regional gateway, where saga memory coexists with the road network and amenities of contemporary West Iceland.

Travel experiences inspired by this city

Explore more travel diaries

Borgarnes in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Borgarnes

The closest cities to Borgarnes, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Iceland
More of the region

Explore more of Iceland

Discover Iceland, where glaciers meet volcanoes, Northern Lights dance in the skies, and natural wonders await at every turn.

Explore Iceland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Borgarnes, Iceland

Discover Borgarnes with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the hidden gems of Borgarnes, Iceland with Evendo, your all-in-one, free travel guide app. Plan, book, and enjoy your trip effortlessly.

  • History of Borgarnes and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • "Near me" feature to find nearby attractions and services
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Borgarnes, a charming town in Iceland known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. With Evendo, your journey becomes more than just a trip; it's an unforgettable adventure. From famous landmarks like the Borgarfjörður Museum to the breathtaking views of Skallagrímsgarður Park, our app provides detailed information on all must-see attractions.

Craving local cuisine? Discover top-rated restaurants such as The Settlement Center and Englendingavík, where you can indulge in authentic Icelandic dishes. Whether you're looking for a cozy hotel, an exciting tour, or unique experiences, Evendo has got you covered.

Our app offers a rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. With the ability to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, everything you need is in one place. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see, do, and experience – Evendo simplifies it all.

Additionally, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, ensuring you have a reliable travel companion no matter where your adventures take you. Download Evendo now and make the most out of your Borgarnes trip!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.