Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Borgarnes?
1. Dive into Icelandic sagas at the Settlement Center
This fascinating museum is where the magic of the sagas comes to life. Landnámssýningin, or the Settlement Center, immerses you in the story of the island’s first settlers through the epic tale of Egill Skallagrímsson, one of the most famous figures in Icelandic literature. Moving stories, artifacts, and sound installations: everything is designed to spark your imagination. Follow in the footsteps of these Viking pioneers through wild lands, clan rivalries, and poetic battles.
2. Stroll along the Borgarnes waterfront
Start the day with a breath of fresh sea air. Borgarnes’ winding waterfront offers sweeping views of Borgarfjörður fjord, dotted with small islands and mountains with weathered peaks. The pedestrian path leads to the harbor, where small fishing boats cluster together. On calm days, the water is as smooth as glass. It’s ideal for an energizing morning walk or a quiet pause between visits.
3. Unwind in the Krauma geothermal baths
Just half an hour from Borgarnes, the Krauma baths are an invitation to slow down. Fed by Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring by flow rate, these natural pools offer steady, enveloping warmth. Slip into the steaming water like a mineral cocoon, with green hills in the background. A relaxation room, with wood-paneled walls and soft lighting, invites you to settle in for a Nordic-style nap. A special experience in every season.
4. Explore Skallagrímsgarður urban park
Right in the heart of Borgarnes, a surprising little forest awaits. Skallagrímsgarður park, named after Egill's father, is a peaceful haven where birch, aspen, and maritime pine trees grow. That's a rarity in Iceland. Follow gentle fern-lined paths to a Viking grave surrounded by legends. Kids will love every corner, from balancing on logs to playing hide-and-seek behind the flower beds. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic.
5. Take in the view from Hafnarfjall
A true natural lookout, Mount Hafnarfjall rises across from Borgarnes, separated from the town by an elegant paved bridge. For hikers, the climb is demanding, but the dramatic panoramas over the Borgarfjörður region reward every step. At the top, the wind whistles through the rocks and clouds race above the fjords. The low northern light plays across the terrain, creating a view that never feels the same twice.
6. Drive to Húsafell and the ice caves
From Borgarnes, the adventure continues on the road to Húsafell, through landscapes that grow more lunar with every mile. In both winter and summer, you can reach the Langjökull ice tunnel, carved directly into the glacier. It’s a surreal experience: walking beneath about 65 feet of blue-tinged ice, listening to its ancient silence, and tracing its veins like lines at the heart of the world. A once-in-a-lifetime moment.
7. Try a spiced cake at Blómasetrið
An old wooden house, a plant-filled veranda, and the smell of freshly ground coffee. Welcome to Blómasetrið, Borgarnes’ coziest café. Here, time stretches out slowly over a slice of homemade cinnamon cake and a well-loved novel found on a shelf. You stop in to warm up after a day outside, but you always leave with a bittersweet memory: the feeling of a place you wish you could keep secret.
8. Go fly-fishing on the Andakílsá River
For fly-fishing enthusiasts, Borgarnes has plenty to offer. The Andakílsá River, fifteen minutes from town, is known for its spirited trout and Atlantic salmon making their way upstream. With a permit, you can spend time in this peaceful spot and chat with local anglers, who are often happy to share a favorite stretch of river or a useful tip. It’s another way to experience Iceland at nature’s pace.
Make Borgarnes a stop during your tailor-made Iceland itinerary
With Evaneos, travel through Iceland in direct contact with a local, English-speaking expert based in the country. Someone who knows its hidden corners inside and out. From Borgarnes to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, from little-known hot springs to the most remote fjords, they’ll help you discover an authentic side of Iceland, far from standardized routes.
Your expert will design a fully tailor-made itinerary with you that matches your interests, pace, and travel season. It’s custom support for a trip that feels like you and takes you to the places only locals know.
