Wildlife
Puffins
Get within a few meters of puffins at the Hafnarhólmi boardwalk.
East Iceland
Borgarfjörður Eystri: Puffins and Hiking in the East
East Iceland's best-known puffin site, with close-up viewing at Hafnarholmi colony. Known as the hiking capital of the East, with trails through colorful rhyolite mountains, elf folklore at Alfaborg rock, and the small village of Bakkagerdi.
Main Draw
Puffins & Hiking
Road 94 is now paved!
A favorite of hikers and puffin watchers. Tucked away behind a high mountain range, the fjord is known for rhyolite mountains in shades of orange and green, for its elf folklore, and for its birdlife.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
While paved, the road includes a mountain pass. Watch for reindeer on the road.
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Activity
Hiking
Stórurð and other trails pass through colorful rhyolite scenery.
Folklore
Elves
Visit Álfaborg, the city of the elves, right next to the village.
Hike
Stórurð
A boulder field with turquoise pools hidden in the mountains above.
Scenery
Rhyolite
Colorful mountains glow in shades of orange, green, and purple from rhyolite minerals.
Village
Bakkagerði
Tiny settlement of about 100 people with a church, café, and strong community spirit.
What to Expect
- Puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi with viewing platforms within two meters of nesting birds
- Stórurð boulder field hike to turquoise pools hidden among massive rocks
- Colorful rhyolite mountains glowing orange, green, and purple along the Víknaslóðir trails
- Álfaborg elf rock with walking trail telling local folklore about the elf queen
- Tiny Bakkagerði village of about 100 residents with a strong community spirit
- Reindeer occasionally spotted on the mountain pass road from Egilsstaðir
How to Get to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Borgarfjörður Eystri is 70km (1 hour) from Egilsstaðir via Route 94. The road was fully paved in recent years and crosses a scenic mountain pass. The drive is beautiful but requires attention; watch for reindeer.
Road Conditions
Route 94 is now fully paved but includes a high mountain pass that can be closed in winter snow. The road is a dead-end at the village; you must return the same way. Check road.is for current conditions.
Best Time to Visit Borgarfjörður Eystri
Summer (June-August)
Essential for puffin watching (peak June-July). Hiking trails are fully open. Midnight sun brings long daylight. Rhyolite mountains at their most colorful. Weather mildest (8-15°C).
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Early May sees puffin arrivals. Late August puffins depart. Some hiking possible. Northern lights in September. Fewer tourists. Expect 4-10°C temperatures.
Winter (Oct-April)
Access can be difficult: the mountain pass often closes. No puffins. Village very quiet but atmospheric. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Great for northern lights when accessible.
Nearby Attractions
Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony
Iceland's best accessible puffin viewing spot; the boardwalk puts you within meters of nesting birds.
Stórurð Boulder Field
Massive boulders surrounding turquoise pools, reached via a 3-4 hour round-trip hike from Vatnsskarð.
Víknaslóðir Hiking Trails
Multi-day trail network through colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and remote bays along the coast.
Álfaborg (Elf Rock)
Rocky hill said to be the palace of the Icelandic elf queen, with a walking trail telling local folklore.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main town, 70km away, with services, Lagarfljót lake, and the Wilderness Center.
Planning help
Borgarfjörður Eystri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.