Borgarfjörður eystri
The Cliffs where the Elves Live
Last update: 11. December 2025
Borgarfjörður eystri is a tranquil and quirky little village with around 100 inhabitants. Rich with spectacular nature, unique history and friendly people and welcomes you to explore its wonders and untouched landscape.
Download PDF
Borgarfjörður eystri is one of the smallest villages of East Iceland. Locals mainly work in fish industry and tourism, producing various products such as fresh and dried fish, eiderdown duvets, brew beer and Icelandic “moonshine” (the legal type).
Even though the town is small, its residents think big and therefore there is no shortage of services for people passing through. All around the village are beautiful hiking paths of varying difficulty levels which means everyone should be able to find something that
suits their capabilities.
During the summer months the fjord is buzzing with life. The arrival of the puffins is celebrated in April and Icelandic musicians make their way to Borgarfjörður all summer long to host concerts at Fjarðarborg, the community hall, reaching a high point on the last
weekend of July with Bræðslan music festival. Dyrfjallahlaup ultra trail run is held yearly in the amazing surroundings of Borgarfjörður and Víknaslóðir hiking trails.
Borgarfjörður is best known for particular inhabitants, namely puffins and its elves. Local folklore is very much a part of the area as can be seen in various place names around the fjord, for example in Álfaborg – the city of elves, a cliff situated on the edge of the village
where Borghildur the queen of the Icelandic elves is believed to reside.
The puffins can be found in Hafnarhólmi, usually arriving in early April and staying until middle of August. Very few places offer a more accessible way to experience the puffins as Hafnarhólmi does. Locals have spent years making the area accessible for visitors while and the surroundings safe for the birds as well as other guests. You can become a puffin supporter by donating a small contribution, just follow the QR at the bottom of the page. Your contribution will go towards research, protection and conservation of the puffins and other birds
Guidelines
- When visiting the puffins in the conservation area in Hafnarhólmi, please move quietly while exploring and stay within the paths as to not disturb the birds.
- The port is a place of work and therefore we advise you to be mindful of that while enjoying the scenery there.
- We kindly ask you to make sure not to disturb animals (such as lambs) in their habitats as you admire them, but you are more than welcome to take photos from a distance.
- Early in the summer is the nesting time for most birds. This includes the arctic tern (Ice: kría) that tends to nest by the side of the road between the port and the town. They can be a little aggressive but rarely cause any trouble. To keep them at bay, put your hand up and wave to them while walking through!
- Public toilets are in the following places (see the map):
– On the first floor of the Harbour House.
– By the main street in blue containers close to Álfaborg. - Please only dispose of rubbish into bins and show nature and the environment the respect it deserves.
- You are welcome to visit the church if its doors are unlocked but please be respectful. The same goes for Lindarbakki, the small turf house by the main street. Voluntary donations are appreciated.
- We kindly ask you not to take photos of the children in the village unless you have their guardian’s permission.
- The store in town is owned by all the residents of the town (it’s a coop). It also serves as an information centre and therefore we suggest you pop by.
- You are welcome to take photos of the buildings around the village but be mindful that they are homes and/or places of work so please do not take pictures through windows or doors and do not walk into them.
