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.

Updated September 10, 2026Published by Iceland.orgWriting & review
Main Village
Djúpivogur
A great stop on the Ring Road drive.

Quick Answer

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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10

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

For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.

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.

Use the waterfront artwork as a named stop

Visit Austurland identifies Eggin í Gleðivík as Sigurður Guðmundsson’s installation of 34 eggs representing local nesting birds. This is a specific waterfront destination in Djúpivogur, distinct from a mountain outing at Búlandstindur.

For a short visit, choose the town and artwork first. A summit hike or boat excursion needs its own time and conditions. In particular, confirm whether a Papey product actually includes landing before treating it as an island walk.

Planning help

Berufjörður FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

How do you pronounce Berufjörður?

It's pronounced 'BEH-ru-fyur-thur.' The final element, fjörður, means fjord.

Where is Berufjörður?

Berufjörður is an Eastfjords inlet beside Djúpivogur, with views toward Búlandstindur.

Is Berufjörður worth visiting?

Yes, especially if driving the Ring Road. The pyramid peak Búlandstindur dominates the views, Djúpivogur village has its egg sculptures and Cittaslow status, and boat trips to Papey island offer puffins and history.

How long should I spend at Berufjörður?

2-4 hours for a thorough visit: walk among the egg sculptures, look around Djúpivogur village, and photograph Búlandstindur. Add a half-day if taking a boat trip to Papey island.

Can you drive around Berufjörður?

Yes, Route 1 (Ring Road) winds all the way around Berufjörður. It's a long but scenic drive with constantly changing views of Búlandstindur pyramid mountain. Check the current road route rather than relying on proposed infrastructure.

What is Berufjörður famous for?

It's famous for Búlandstindur, a perfectly shaped 1069m pyramid peak said to have special energy; Djúpivogur village with Cittaslow status; the 'Eggin í Gleðivík' stone egg sculptures; and boat trips to Papey island.

What is Búlandstindur at Berufjörður?

Búlandstindur is a 1069m pyramid-shaped mountain that dominates the fjord. It's believed by some to be one of Iceland's energy centers. The symmetrical peak photographs well from the Ring Road.

What are the egg sculptures at Berufjörður?

Eggin í Gleðivík ('The Eggs in Merry Bay') is an art installation of 34 large stone eggs lining the waterfront in Djúpivogur. Each egg represents a different bird species found in the area.

Country reference: Iceland statistics.

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