Saga Heritage
Egil's Saga
Setting of one of Iceland's greatest medieval sagas
Borgarfjordur Valley (Borgarfjörður): Saga Country & Waterfalls
Borgarfjörður
A broad valley and fjord system in West Iceland, rich in saga history, with an unusual concentration of waterfalls, hot springs, and glacier access.
Region
West Iceland
Best time: Year-round (summer for highlands)
Centered around the town of Borgarnes, Borgarfjörður is the setting for Egil's Saga and holds a dense cluster of natural and historical sites: the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring), and the medieval site of Reykholt, home of saga author Snorri Sturluson. The valley also provides access to Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Main roads are paved and accessible year-round. Highland roads to Langjökull are seasonal (summer only). Check road.is before driving to highland areas.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Waterfalls
Hraunfossar
Plus Barnafoss: two very different waterfalls side by side
Best Season
Year-round
Summer for highland/glacier access
Region
West Iceland
~75 km from Reykjavík via Route 1
Hot Spring
Deildartunguhver
Europe's most powerful hot spring, pumping 180 liters per second of boiling water
Cave
Víðgelmir
One of Iceland's longest lava tubes, accessible via guided tours year-round
Key Highlights
Egil's Saga Setting
The landscape where one of Iceland's best-known Viking sagas unfolded
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Rivulets streaming from lava fields beside a powerful cascade
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Europe's most powerful hot spring at 180 liters per second
Reykholt
Medieval home of saga author Snorri Sturluson
Langjökull Glacier
Access to Iceland's second-largest glacier for snowmobiling and ice tunnels
Borgarnes Settlement Centre
Interactive exhibits on Viking settlement and Egil's Saga
How to Get There
- Take Route 1 north from Reykjavik, then Route 50 east at Borgarnes, about 100 km (1.5 hours)
- Reykholt and Hraunfossar waterfalls are key stops along Route 518 within the valley
- Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri pass directly over the valley for aerial views
- The Deildartunguhver hot spring is right along Route 50, easy to combine with valley touring
- All main roads are paved and accessible year-round by standard car
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Longest days, lush green landscapes, all attractions fully open, 10-18°C
- September: Autumn foliage, fewer tourists, northern lights possible
- October-April: Winter ice around Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, roads maintained
- May: Wildflowers begin, Deildartunguhver hot spring steams visibly in cool air
- Year-round: Valley is accessible in all seasons as a day trip from Reykjavik
Planning help
Borgarfjordur Valley FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.