Region
Eastfjords
700 km from Reykjavik
Borgarfjordur Eystri Iceland: Puffins & Elf Church Guide
Iceland's puffin paradise and elf capital—a remote village with incredible birdwatching, rich folklore, and world-class hiking trails.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Population
~100
Eastfjords • Puffin colony
Borgarfjordur Eystri (also known as Bakkagerði) rewards those who make the journey to this remote corner of Iceland. The puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi offers some of Iceland's best close-up encounters, while Álfaborg rock is said to house the elf queen. Hikers prize the Víknaslóðir trails through colorful rhyolite mountains.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
No gas station—fill up in Egilsstadir. Route 94 is a challenging gravel road. Puffins present May to mid-August.
Sources to check
Population
~100
Remote but worth the journey
Known for
Puffins & elves
Best puffin viewing in Iceland
Top Attractions in Borgarfjordur Eystri
Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony
Thousands of puffins, viewing platform
Álfaborg (Elf Rock)
Home of the elf queen in folklore
Víknaslóðir Trails
Multi-day hikes through colorful mountains
Lindarbakki Turf House
Historic red-roofed turf house
Bakkagerði Church
Charming church with famous altarpiece
Stórurd Boulders
Dramatic hiking destination
How to Get to Borgarfjordur Eystri
From Egilsstadir: 70 km (1.5 hours) via Route 94. Gravel road with steep sections—not suitable for all vehicles.
By air: Fly to Egilsstadir, then rent a suitable vehicle for the mountain road.
Important: No gas station in Borgarfjordur Eystri. Fill up in Egilsstadir before departing.
Best Time to Visit Borgarfjordur Eystri
Summer (May-August): Essential for puffins (arrive late April, leave mid-August). Best road conditions and hiking weather.
Winter: Road often impassable. Not recommended for visitors—the village is largely closed to tourism.
Planning help
Borgarfjordur Eystri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.