Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/borgarnes 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. --- # Borgarnes: the Saga Town Iceland's Saga town: a base for West Iceland's Viking history, waterfalls, and the route to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~2,000 West Iceland • Saga center ## Quick Answer Borgarnes, an hour from Reykjavik on Route 1, is the saga town of Borgarfjordur, home to the Settlement Center museum and a common stop en route to Snaefellsnes. Borgarnes sits on a peninsula in Borgarfjordur, the region where Egil's Saga takes place. The Settlement Center museum covers the settlement era, and the town is a natural stop for travelers heading to Snaefellsnes, the Westfjords, or West Iceland's waterfalls. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Borgarnes is a convenient base for exploring West Iceland attractions. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Settlement Center]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region West Iceland 75 km north of Reykjavik Population ~2,000 Saga history and services Known for Settlement Center Viking history museum ## Top Attractions near Borgarnes ### Settlement Center Museum on the settlement era and Egil's Saga ### Hraunfossar Lava waterfalls, 40 km east ### Barnafoss Blue canyon waterfall next to Hraunfossar ### Reykholt Home of Snorri Sturluson, medieval scholar ### Deildartunguhver Europe's most powerful hot spring ### Langjokull Glacier Ice tunnel tours available ## How to Get to Borgarnes **From Reykjavik:** 1 hour via Route 1 north. Most Ring Road and Snaefellsnes travelers pass through. ## Best Time to Visit Borgarnes The Settlement Center posts year-round opening, but that does not establish access to every inland attraction. Check the particular waterfall route or booked glacier trip separately from an indoor visit in town. ## Two stories at the Settlement Center The [Settlement Center’s exhibitions]() take different approaches. One introduces the settlement period; the other follows Egill Skalla-Grímsson through his saga. Both use audio-guided storytelling and theatrical displays. The operator describes about 30 minutes for each exhibition and provides audio in 15 languages, including English. This is a narrative introduction to the area, with recreated scenes rather than an excavated building preserved in place. The Egil exhibition uses a dimly lit cellar and includes skeletons; consider that setting when choosing a visit with children. The [posted admission](), checked September 10, 2026, was 3,900 ISK for both exhibitions, with opening daily 10:00–21:00. Keep time for both routes if buying the combined visit; a short meal stop and the full exhibition visit are different uses of a break in Borgarnes. Planning help ## Borgarnes FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Borgarnes?** Borgarnes has approximately 2,000 residents. **Why is Borgarnes called the Saga town?** Borgarnes is in Borgarfjordur, the setting for Egil's Saga. The Settlement Center museum covers this Viking-age history. **How far is Borgarnes from Reykjavik?** Borgarnes is about 75 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1 hour by car via Route 1. **What is the Settlement Center?** A museum with multimedia exhibits on Iceland's Viking settlement and Egil's Saga. **Is Borgarnes a good stop?** Yes, Borgarnes is a popular stop on the way to Snaefellsnes or the Westfjords, with good restaurants and services. **What attractions are near Borgarnes?** Nearby attractions include Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt, Langjokull glacier, and Deildartunguhver hot spring. **Does Borgarnes have a swimming pool?** Yes, Borgarnes has a geothermal pool with hot tubs. **What services does Borgarnes have?** Borgarnes has supermarkets, N1 station, restaurants, hotels, and all essential traveler services. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().