Wildlife
Puffins
Get incredibly close to puffins at the Hafnarhólmi boardwalk.
East Iceland
Borgarfjordur Eystri (Borgarfjörður Eystri) Fjord Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide
East Iceland's premier puffin destination with close-up viewing at Hafnarholmi colony. Known as the hiking capital of the East with legendary trails through colorful rhyolite mountains, elf folklore at Alfaborg rock, and the charming village of Bakkagerdi.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Main Draw
Puffins & Hiking
Road 94 is now paved!
A paradise for hikers and puffin lovers. Tucked away behind a dramatic mountain range, this fjord is famous for its rhyolite mountains that glow in shades of orange and green. It is a place of elves and birds, where nature feels magical and vivid.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
While paved, the road includes a mountain pass. Watch for reindeer on the road.
Sources to check
Activity
Hiking
Stórurð and other trails offer colorful rhyolite scenery.
Folklore
Elves
Visit Álfaborg, the city of the elves, right next to the village.
Hike
Stórurð
A spectacular boulder field with turquoise pools hidden in the mountains above.
Scenery
Rhyolite
Colorful mountains glow in shades of orange, green, and purple from rhyolite minerals.
Village
Bakkagerði
Tiny settlement of about 100 people with a church, café, and strong community spirit.
What to Expect
- Puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi with viewing platforms within two meters of nesting birds
- Stórurð boulder field hike revealing turquoise pools hidden among massive rocks
- Colorful rhyolite mountains glowing orange, green, and purple along the Víknaslóðir trails
- Álfaborg elf rock with walking trail telling local folklore about the elf queen
- Tiny Bakkagerði village of about 100 residents with a strong community spirit
- Reindeer occasionally spotted on the mountain pass road from Egilsstaðir
How to Get to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Borgarfjörður Eystri is 70km (1 hour) from Egilsstaðir via Route 94. The road was fully paved in recent years and crosses a scenic mountain pass. The drive is beautiful but requires attention—watch for reindeer!
Road Conditions
Route 94 is now fully paved but includes a high mountain pass that can be closed in winter snow. The road is a dead-end at the village—you must return the same way. Check road.is for current conditions.
Best Time to Visit Borgarfjörður Eystri
Summer (June-August)
Essential for puffin watching (peak June-July). Hiking trails are fully open. Midnight sun provides endless daylight. Rhyolite mountains at their most colorful. Weather mildest (8-15°C).
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Early May sees puffin arrivals. Late August puffins depart. Some hiking possible. Northern lights in September. Fewer tourists. Expect 4-10°C temperatures.
Winter (Oct-April)
Access can be difficult—mountain pass often closed. No puffins. Village very quiet but atmospheric. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Great for northern lights when accessible.
Nearby Attractions
Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony
Iceland's best accessible puffin viewing spot with a boardwalk bringing you within meters of nesting birds.
Stórurð Boulder Field
Massive boulders surrounding turquoise pools, reached via a 3-4 hour round-trip hike from Vatnsskarð.
Víknaslóðir Hiking Trails
Multi-day trail network through colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and remote bays along the coast.
Álfaborg (Elf Rock)
Rocky hill said to be the palace of the Icelandic elf queen, with a walking trail telling local folklore.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main town, 70km away, with services, Lagarfljót lake, and the Wilderness Center.
Planning help
Borgarfjörður Eystri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.