Region
Eastfjords
700 km from Reykjavik
Borgarfjordur Eystri, East Iceland
A remote East Iceland village with one of the country's most accessible puffin colonies, strong elf folklore, and the Víknaslóðir hiking trails.
Population
~100
Eastfjords • Puffin colony
Borgarfjordur Eystri (also known as Bakkagerði) sits in a remote corner of East Iceland. The puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi can be watched at close range from a platform, Álfaborg rock is said to house the elf queen, and the Víknaslóðir trails cross colorful rhyolite mountains.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
No gas station; fill up in Egilsstadir. Route 94 is a difficult gravel road. Puffins present May to mid-August.
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Official sources to check
Population
~100
Remote village at the end of Route 94
Known for
Puffins & elves
Hafnarhólmi puffin colony
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
Village church with a well-known altarpiece
Stórurd Boulders
Boulder field 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.