East Iceland

Berufjörður: the Bear Fjord Below Búlandstindur

Known as the Bear Fjord, dominated by the pyramid peak Bulandstindur rising 1069m. Visit Djupivogur village with its Cittaslow status, walk among 34 giant stone egg sculptures, and take boat tours to Papey island for puffins and history.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy
Main Village
Djúpivogur
A great stop on the Ring Road drive.
Berufjörður is defined by the pyramid peak of Búlandstindur. The Ring Road winds along the coast, and the view of the mountain, said to be one of Iceland's energy centers, shifts with every bend. Drive slowly and take in the old rock.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Route 1 here is mostly paved now, but some sections can still be rough. Watch for wind gusts near the mountains.

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Landmark
Búlandstindur

The pyramid mountain is impossible to miss.

Culture
Eggin í Gleðivík

Walk along the shore to see the 34 giant stone eggs.

Access
Ring Road

It's a long but beautiful drive around the fjord coast.

Wildlife
Papey Puffins

Take a summer boat trip to Papey island to see puffin colonies up close.

Village
Cittaslow

Djúpivogur has official Cittaslow (slow city) status, emphasizing quality of life.

Geology
Unique Rocks

The fjord walls hold rock formations from millions of years of volcanic activity.

What to Expect

  • Búlandstindur pyramid mountain dominating the skyline at 1069 meters
  • 34 giant stone egg sculptures (Eggin í Gleðivík) lining Djúpivogur waterfront
  • Boat trips to Papey island for puffin colonies and a historic wooden church
  • Djúpivogur village with official Cittaslow (slow living) certification
  • Geological formations in the fjord walls from ancient volcanic activity
  • Ring Road views that keep changing as you drive around the fjord

How to Get to Berufjörður

Driving from Höfn

Djúpivogur is 105km (1.5 hours) from Höfn via Route 1 (Ring Road). The drive is entirely paved and follows the coast. From the south, you'll first see Búlandstindur's pyramid silhouette from a distance.

Road Conditions

Route 1 around Berufjörður is mostly paved but includes some rough sections. The road winds around the entire fjord (plans exist for a shortcut tunnel). Watch for strong wind gusts near the mountains. Check road.is in winter.

Best Time to Visit Berufjörður

Summer (June-August)

Best for Papey island boat trips. Midnight sun lights Búlandstindur late into the evening. All services in Djúpivogur open. Puffins on Papey (June-July). Weather mildest (8-15°C).

Shoulder Season (May, Sept)

Fewer tourists. Egg sculptures accessible year-round. Papey trips may be limited. Northern lights in September. Expect 4-10°C temperatures. Good light for photography.

Winter (Oct-April)

Ring Road accessible but can be icy. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Búlandstindur stands out in snow. No Papey trips. Village services limited. Great for northern lights.

Nearby Attractions

Papey Island

Historic island with puffin colonies, an old church, and lighthouse. Accessible by summer boat tours from Djúpivogur.

Petra's Stone Collection

Private mineral collection in nearby Stöðvarfjörður, with thousands of colorful stones and crystals.

Hvalnes Nature Reserve

Coastal reserve with a historic lighthouse, black sand beach, and views of Eystrahorn mountain.

Vatnajökull National Park

Europe's largest glacier and surrounding national park lie to the south, with glacier hikes and ice caves.

Stöðvarfjörður Village

Fishing village known for its creative community and art installations.

Planning help

Berufjörður FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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