Borgarnes

A saga town on a fjord, the crossroads of the west.

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Welcome to Borgarnes

Borgarnes stretches along a spit into Borgarfjordur and sits at the natural crossroads of West Iceland, steeped in the Saga of Egil and ringed by farms and waterfalls.

Its Settlement Centre brings the sagas to life, and the town makes an ideal base for Reykholt, Hraunfossar and the road to Snaefellsnes.

How to get there

West Iceland begins about an hour north of Reykjavik along the ring road, an easy self drive that opens up Borgarfjordur and the bays beyond.

Region: West Iceland
Type: Town
Best for: Sagas, museums, touring base
Best time: Year round
Suggested time: Half a day to 1 day
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Borgarnes

What to see and do

The places and moments worth slowing down for.

Settlement Centre

Two vivid exhibitions on Iceland's settlement and the Saga of Egil.

Fjord setting

Waterside paths and views across Borgarfjordur.

Gateway to the west

A handy hub for Reykholt, waterfalls and Snaefellsnes.

Tours & activities

Local experiences in and around Borgarnes. Reserve in minutes once booking goes live.

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Nearby and worth pairing

Other places within easy reach for a longer trip.

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Good to know

Quick answers for planning your visit.

Where is Borgarnes?

Borgarnes is in West Iceland, Iceland. It is on Borgarfjordur in West Iceland, about an hour north of Reykjavik.

What is Borgarnes known for?

Borgarnes is known for the Settlement Centre museum, its Saga of Egil heritage, scenic fjord setting and its role as the gateway to the wider west.

When is the best time to visit Borgarnes?

The best time to visit is year round, and every season here has its own character.

How long should I spend at Borgarnes?

Most visitors spend half a day to 1 day here, depending on the weather and how much of the surroundings you want to explore.

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