Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/borgarbyggd Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Borgarbyggd: West Iceland's Saga Country A municipality in West Iceland's Borgarfjordur valley: saga country, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and a gateway to Langjokull glacier. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Borgarnes and the inland attractions are separate stops. Museum opening days and tour departure points matter when arranging the route. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Visit West Iceland]() - [Krauma Geothermal Baths]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() 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 ### Snorrastofa, Reykholt Exhibition about Snorri Sturluson at the historical site; winter weekday hours ## 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:** Long daylight gives more flexibility for inland drives. Check the opening dates and booking requirements of each museum, cave or glacier activity. **Winter:** Krauma spa is open through the snow season, and Vidgelmir cave tours run year-round. Northern Lights are visible from dark-sky areas. ## Build the history stops around their opening days For the inland part of the drive, [Snorrastofa in Reykholt]() focuses on Snorri Sturluson. Its visitor reception opens daily 10:00–17:00 from May through August, then weekdays 10:00–17:00 from September through April; other times are by arrangement. The Saga Snorra exhibition offers audio interpretation in seven languages. These published details were checked September 10, 2026. In Borgarnes, [Safnahus Borgarfjardar]() at Bjarnabraut 4–6 houses the regional history, natural history and art collections alongside the library and archive. Its published hours are weekdays 10:00–17:00 and Saturday 11:00–14:00, with Sunday closed. Confirm the exhibition you want rather than assuming that every collection is on display. That makes the day of the week a useful first decision: an autumn Saturday has a short Safnahus window, while Snorrastofa requires an arrangement outside its weekday schedule. If those visits matter, settle them before adding a spa reservation or a cave tour farther inland. Planning help ## Borgarbyggd FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Borgarbyggd?** Borgarbyggd has approximately 3,700 residents spread across the Borgarfjordur valley in West Iceland. **What is Borgarbyggd?** Borgarbyggd is a municipality in West Iceland covering the Borgarfjordur valley, one of Iceland's most historic saga regions. **Why is Borgarbyggd important for Icelandic sagas?** The Borgarfjordur area is the setting of Egils Saga, one of the most famous Icelandic sagas. Viking poet-warrior Egill Skallagrimsson lived here in the 10th century. **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. **What is the Krauma spa?** Krauma is a modern geothermal spa built next to Deildartunguhver hot spring. It has five hot baths, a cold tub, relaxation areas, and a restaurant. **Is Reykholt part of Borgarbyggd?** Yes, the historic settlement of Reykholt, home of the medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson, who wrote the Prose Edda, is within Borgarbyggd municipality. **What can I do in Borgarbyggd?** Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, explore Vidgelmir lava cave, soak in Krauma spa, tour the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, and take a glacier tour on Langjokull. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().