What is the population of Borgarbyggd?

Borgarbyggd has approximately 3,700 residents spread across the Borgarfjordur valley in West Iceland.

How far is Borgarbyggd from Reykjavik?

Borgarnes, the main town, is about 75 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1 hour by car via the Hvalfjordur tunnel.

What is Deildartunguhver?

Deildartunguhver, in Borgarbyggd, is Europe's most powerful hot spring. It produces 180 liters of boiling water per second.

Krauma is a modern geothermal spa built next to Deildartunguhver, with five hot baths, a cold tub, and a restaurant.

Is Reykholt in Borgarbyggd?

Yes, the historic settlement of Reykholt, home of the medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson, is within Borgarbyggd.

What waterfalls are in Borgarbyggd?

Hraunfossar (lava waterfalls) and Barnafoss (Children's Falls) are two waterfalls side by side in Borgarbyggd.

What activities are available?

Visit Vidgelmir lava cave, soak in Krauma spa, tour the Settlement Centre, see Hraunfossar, and take a glacier tour on Langjokull.

Borgarbyggd: West Iceland's Saga Country

Name: Borgarbyggd, Iceland
Address: IS

A municipality in West Iceland's Borgarfjordur valley: saga country, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and a gateway to Langjokull glacier.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Population

~3,700

West Iceland • Saga country

Borgarbyggd is a large municipality in West Iceland covering the Borgarfjordur valley, one of the most important regions in Icelandic saga history. The area holds the Deildartunguhver hot spring, the Hraunfossar lava waterfalls, and several saga sites, all within easy reach of Reykjavik.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The region's attractions are open year-round. Route 1 runs through it, and it works as a day trip or an overnight stop from Reykjavik.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

West Iceland

75 km from Reykjavik

Population

~3,700

Borgarfjordur valley municipality

Known for

Saga heritage

Hraunfossar, Krauma, Vidgelmir

Top Attractions in Borgarbyggd

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss

Lava waterfalls and the Children's Falls

Krauma Geothermal Baths

Modern spa by Europe's most powerful hot spring

Vidgelmir Lava Cave

Iceland's largest lava cave with guided tours

Deildartunguhver

Europe's highest-flow hot spring

Settlement Centre Borgarnes

Interactive exhibitions on Viking settlement

Langjokull Glacier

Into the Glacier ice tunnel experience

How to Get to Borgarbyggd

From Reykjavik: 1 hour to Borgarnes via Route 1 through the Hvalfjordur tunnel. Inland attractions like Reykholt and Hraunfossar are 30-45 minutes further east.

Day trips: Borgarbyggd is an easy day trip from Reykjavik, or combine with Snaefellsnes for a 2-3 day West Iceland loop.

Best Time to Visit Borgarbyggd

Summer: All attractions open, with long daylight hours. The easiest season for glacier tours and waterfall visits.

Winter: Krauma spa is open through the snow season, and Vidgelmir cave tours run year-round. Northern Lights are visible from dark-sky areas.

Planning help

Borgarbyggd FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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