Borgarnes Travel Guide: Brákarhátíð Festival, Settlement Center and Hafnarfjall Hikes

Borgarnes is a coastal town at the head of Borgarfjörður, about 43 to 47 miles (70 to 75 km) from Reykjavík.

Getting there takes a bus or a car, and winter highs sit just above freezing.

At a glance

• Where: head of Borgarfjörður, about 43 to 47 miles (70 to 75 km) from Reykjavík
• By bus: route 57 from Reykjavík Mjódd, via Akranes
• July: high of 59°F (15°C)
• Do: Settlement Center, Hafnarfjall, Einkunnir Country Park, the town pool
• Entry for U.S. citizens: no visa for up to 90 days

Where is Borgarnes and what is it like?

Borgarnes sits on the coast at the head of Borgarfjörður, west of Reykjavík. The distance runs from 43 to 47 miles (70 to 75 km), so it works as a day trip from the capital or as a stop on the road north.

The town is compact. Skallagrímsgarður is a small public park in its center, and Englendingavík is a cove in the old part of town. Brákarey Island is joined to the mainland by a bridge, and there is a beach to walk along.

The landscape has some age to it. Hafnarfjall mountain is 4 million years old. Borgarfjarðarbrú, the bridge across the fjord, is the second longest in Iceland after Skeiðarárbrú. The Settlement Center tells the story of the settlement and of Egil’s Saga.

What is there to do in Borgarnes?

Settlement Center and Egil’s Saga

The Settlement Center is housed in two of Borgarnes’s oldest buildings, near Brákarey Island. It combines a restaurant with multimedia exhibitions on the settlement and Egil’s Saga.

A visit pairs well with a meal, since the restaurant is under the same roof. The Borgarnes Museum and Library is another stop for local history and art, with exhibitions that change.

Both suit a rainy or windy day. Check hours and admission before going.

Brákarey, Englendingavík and the old town

Brákarey Island is reached by a bridge from the mainland.

The Settlement Center is near Brákarey, which makes the island an easy add-on to a museum visit.

Hiking Einkunnir and climbing Hafnarfjall

Activities include hiking in Einkunnir Country Park and climbing Hafnarfjall mountain, which is 4 million years old.

Summer highs reach the upper 50s°F (15°C), so the warmer months are the comfortable ones for either.

The town also has an 18-hole golf course for golfers.

Brákarhátíð, the June festival

Brákarhátíð is a summer festival, held on the last weekend of June.

Local food, the pool and a place to eat

Ljómalind is a local market offering food and quality crafts, with emphasis on food directly from the farm. Geirabakarí is a bakery with a variety of cakes and pastries.

Hotel Vesturland has a restaurant, bar and spa. The town swimming pool has indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, hot tubs and a steam bath, and it is a good fit for families with children.

When should you go to Borgarnes?

Summer is the best window. July has a high of 59°F (15°C), and June and August are close behind. June gets under 2 inches of rain.

Winter suits travelers who accept the cold. From December to March, highs stay between 38°F and 40°F (3°C to 5°C) and lows fall below freezing. December gets almost 4 inches of precipitation.

Anyone chasing the festival should aim for the last weekend of June.

What to know before visiting Borgarnes

According to the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov), no visa is needed for up to 90 days for tourism or business.

• Passports must have 3 months’ validity beyond the date of departure from the Iceland/Schengen Area. 6 months is recommended, with 2 blank pages.
• Iceland does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa-free entry unless it has 3 months beyond the planned date of departure.
• No vaccinations are required.
• Bus 57 runs Reykjavík Mjódd, Akranes, Borgarnes, Blönduós, Sauðakrókur and Akureyri. The general fare is 2.400 from Mjódd and 11.400 from Akureyri.
• Bus 58 goes to Stykkishólmur (fare 3.600), bus 59 to Búðardalur and Hólmavík, and bus 81 to Reykholt.