Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/fjords/borgarfjordureystri 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. --- 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. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Main Draw Puffins & Hiking Road 94 is now paved! ## Quick Answer 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 While paved, the road includes a mountain pass. Watch for reindeer on the road. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Weather (IMO)]() - [Road status (road.is)]() - [Borgarfjörður Eystri Info]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Wildlife Puffins Watch from the designated Hafnarhólmi viewing structures. 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. Plan to return along the main approach; local roads continue beyond the village. Check road.is for current conditions. ## Best Time to Visit Borgarfjörður Eystri Summer (June-August) Essential for puffin watching (peak June-July). Check conditions for the exact hiking trail. Midnight sun brings long daylight. Rhyolite mountains at their most colorful. Weather mildest (8-15°C). Shoulder Season (May, Sept) Puffins normally arrive in April and leave by early or mid-August. 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. ## Plan a September visit around the landscape The [Hafnarhólmi destination page]() gives the puffin nesting period as mid-April to early August; another regional guide extends the usual viewing window to mid-August. Neither supports planning September around puffins. Treat the harbour, village and a suitable walk as the reasons to visit after the nesting season. Hafnarhólmi also hosts kittiwakes, fulmars and common eiders during nesting. Hafnarhús has exhibitions and harbour views, giving you another reason to stop when it is open. Use the designated viewing structures and let birds choose their distance from you. Planning help ## Borgarfjörður Eystri FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **How do you pronounce Borgarfjörður Eystri?** It's pronounced 'BOR-gar-fyur-thur AYS-tree.' The name breaks down as Borgar (fortress) + fjörður (fjord) + eystri (eastern). **What does Borgarfjörður Eystri mean in English?** Borgarfjörður Eystri translates to 'East Fortress Fjord' in English. The 'Eystri' (eastern) distinguishes it from Borgarfjörður in West Iceland. **Is Borgarfjörður Eystri worth visiting?** Yes. It has Iceland's best accessible puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi, extensive hiking in colorful rhyolite mountains, elf folklore at Álfaborg, and a remote setting. **How long should I spend at Borgarfjörður Eystri?** At least a full day, ideally 2 days. This allows time for puffin watching, a hike (don't miss the Stórurð boulder field), and a look around the village and Álfaborg. Serious hikers stay longer. **Can you drive around Borgarfjörður Eystri?** The main approach is Route 94; this is not a coastal through-route. The drive over the mountain pass is part of the trip. To continue north, you'd need to backtrack. **What is Borgarfjörður Eystri famous for?** It's famous for the puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi (Iceland's best for close viewing), hiking in the rhyolite mountains (Víknaslóðir trails), elf folklore at Álfaborg rock, and being the 'hiking capital of the East.' **When can I see puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri?** The regional destination page gives a usual nesting season from mid-April to early August. Timing varies; do not expect puffins in September or approach nests to achieve a particular viewing distance. **What is Álfaborg at Borgarfjörður Eystri?** Álfaborg ('Elf Rock') is a small rocky hill said to be the palace of the Icelandic elf queen. The village takes elf folklore seriously; a walking trail around the rock tells the stories. [All fjords]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().