One of the best cities in West Iceland: The charm of Borgarnes
When planning a trip to Iceland, there are certain places that are in every traveler’s bucket list. Natural monuments that have become well-known all over the world and that attract visitors from every corner of the planet. However, there are others that are not so famous but that become a pleasant surprise to everyone who makes their way there. Most of these places are towns and cities that are much more than just places with services to use only for practical purposes.
In this category, we can fit Borgarnes, a charming city in West Iceland, right by Borgarfjörður Bay. It’s a solid choice for anyone traveling by campervan. Although the city is not big, it still has several attractions, with mountain views on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It's about an hour north of Reykjavik on the Ring Road, which puts it in a good spot for trips to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or further into Vesturland, the name of West Iceland in the native tongue. Here, you'll find history tied to Viking times, a few waterfalls and hot springs nearby, and campsites that work well for vans and tents.
In this guide, we’ll try to cover all the basics: how to get there, where to eat and sleep, what to see, and tips for making the most of your stop.
Key Takeaways
- Borgarnes is located on a small peninsula in the Borgarfjörður Bay, a deep and beautiful fjord.
- It’s the capital and biggest city in the region of Vesturland, Iceland’s western region.
- The Settlement Center, one of the best museums in the country about medieval times, is located in Borgarnes.
Why is Borgarnes Worth a Visit?
If you’re looking for a quiet city that, at the same time, has everything you need in a road trip, then you’ve got to go to Borgarnes. This city gives you a mix of town convenience and quick access to nature, which is handy on a campervan itinerary. The setting is quintessentially Icelandic: a peninsula with calm bay waters, green hills, and mountains like Hafnarfjall in the background.
History runs deep here, starting with the 9th-century settlement by Skallagrimur Kveldulfsson, a Viking chieftain. His son Egill became famous through Egils Saga, a key Icelandic story about family, fights, and poetry. The sagas are the foundation of Icelandic history and literature. They are texts primarily based on historical events that mostly took place in Iceland in the ninth, tenth, and early eleventh centuries, a time called the Saga Age. The old farm site where the first settlers lived, Borg a Myrum, is close by, and the town has built on that heritage with museums and parks.
For practical reasons, it's a good base. The Ring Road runs past, so services like gas stations, groceries, and repairs are available. From here, you can drive to waterfalls, geothermal areas, or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on day excursions. The town itself is walkable, with a pool, cafes, and exhibits that, although small, are quite interesting. The town is not only steeped in history, but also folklore. There are close ties between nature and mythology in Iceland, and many places have legends attached to them. There are, for example, stories of elves around Glanni Waterfall or trolls in the lava fields near Fossatún.
Another reason to come to Borgarnes is that, in spite of its great location and easy access to other places, it’s not overcrowded. Not many tourists come to see everything this city and area have to offer, so you get a real sense of West Iceland without the rush. If you're into hikes, soaks in hot water, or just parking with a view, Borgarnes checks all the boxes. It's the kind of place where you can adjust plans easily, whether staying one night or using it as a hub for several.
Facts about Borgarnes
Borgarnes is the main town in Vesturland, Iceland's western region, and serves as a key point for travel and trade. The population is around 2,000, which keeps it compact but functional. The name comes from "borg" for stronghold and "nes" for peninsula, matching its location sticking out into the fjord. It was settled early in Iceland's history, around the late 800s, by figures from the sagas.
The Borgarfjordur Bridge, built in 1978, is the second-longest in Iceland and made the town more accessible. Before that, routes around the fjord added hours. Today, Route 1 passes through, linking it to Reykjavik and beyond. It's a commercial spot for the area, with fishing, farming, and tourism supporting locals. The bay provides shelter, and mountains offer protection and hiking. All this makes it practical for road trips—easy to stock up, rest, and move on.
Where's Borgarnes and How to Get There
As the title of this article indicates, Borgarnes is located in West Iceland, on the northern shore of the Borgarfjörður fjord. It’s just 75 kilometers (46 miles) north of Reykjavik. The Ring Road, or Route 1, the main road in Iceland, passes by the town, so the route from the capital is quite easy and straightforward. If you’re coming from the capital, you just have to take the Ring Road heading north and drive for one hour. Borgarnes is immediately after the bridge that spans over the Borgarfjörður fjord.
The best way to go there is by having your own vehicle. If you rent a campervan, you’ll have the freedom to go at your own pace and make stops along the way. For example, you can take Route 47 around Hvalfjordur Fjord instead of the tunnel, about halfway. It adds 45 minutes to an hour but includes fjord views and access to great natural monuments.
Once you cross the bridge over Borgarfjörður fjord, you’ll find an area with several supermarkets and gas stations, perfect for refueling and buying groceries for your trip. There are several free parking areas in town, but for the night, go to a campsite, as wild camping is illegal in Iceland.
Where to Eat in Borgarnes
Eating options in Borgarnes are casual and focus on local food, making them a good choice after a drive. Blómasetrið - Kaffi Kyrrð is a cafe with an attached art gallery. They do fresh pastries, soups, sandwiches, and coffee. It's relaxed, with seating inside or out, and good for a quick break or a longer sit. Views of the bay are a plus.
Landnám Restaurant is located in the Settlement Center and serves Icelandic dishes such as lamb, fish, and skyr desserts. Meals are based on traditional recipes, and portions are generous. The space connects to the exhibits, so it feels tied to the history. It's open for lunch and dinner, with options for vegetarians.
Bara Borgarnes keeps things simple with burgers, salads, and beers. It's affordable, quick, and popular with locals. Outdoor tables work when the weather is decent, and takeout is easy if you want to eat by your van.
Dirty Burger and Ribs offers heartier meals, including burgers made with local meat, ribs, and sides. Flavors are bold, and it's a good choice for something filling after an activity. The setup is informal, with space for groups.
These spots use regional ingredients where possible, like fresh seafood or dairy. Most accept cards, and prices are standard for Iceland.
Where to Stay Near Borgarnes
There are several great options for spending the night in Borgarnes and nearby. Camping culture is strong in Iceland, so these places have all you need to make your campervan adventure complete. Some are modern while others are more basic. Here you have a few.
Borgarnes Camping Ground
Distance to Borgarnes: In the heart of town (0 kilometers away). Opening period: April to October.
Located quite close to the Ring Road, this campsite is your go-to option if you want to stay in the city. It’s basic, with toilets, electrical hookups, BBQ area, and free Wi-Fi. Being close to the city center, you’re minutes away on foot from stores, banks, gas stations, restaurants, a playground, a football field, a golf course, a swimming pool, a bar, and a post office. There’s an age limit, only for 20+ year-olds.
Varmaland Camping
Distance to Borgarnes: 25 kilometers (15 miles). Opening period: June to August.
Just outside the small town of Varmaland, this camping ground is spacious, with grassy pitches and access to toilets, running cold and hot water, electrical hookups, free Wi-Fi, a sink to do the dishes, and a swimming pool.
Fossatún Camping
Distance to Borgarnes: 21 kilometers (13 miles). Opening period: Year-round.
This camping ground is regarded as one of the best and most unique in all of Iceland. It even has a touch of folklore, as it features a troll garden. It has great and well-maintained facilities, such as toilets, showers, a playground for children, hot tubs, laundry, electricity hookups, minigolf, and a restaurant serving traditional Icelandic cuisine. It is a charming, family-oriented site that combines elements of Icelandic culture (like trolls) with beautiful natural surroundings.
Hverinn
Distance to Borgarnes: 23 kilometers (20 miles). Opening period: Year-round.
Situated in a beautiful natural environment, this camping ground has a restaurant that serves food using ingredients from its own greenhouses. The facilities include toilets, showers, electrical hookups, washing machine and dryer. Next to the campsite are the local swimming pool and the local school with playground, soccer field and basketball court, available for guests during the summer.
Selsskógur Camping Ground
Distance to Borgarnes: 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). Opening period: May to September.
This campsite is located in the middle of a small and beautiful forest, and the pitches are sheltered by trees. It has basic but reliable amenities like toilets, showers, and electricity.
Húsafell Camping
Distance to Borgarnes: 62 kilometers (38 miles). Opening period: June to September.
This family-friendly camping ground is located in the astonishing Húsafell area, surrounded by a forest and with access to many hiking trails. It’s great for families and groups, and it features toilets, showers, electricity, a swimming pool, hot tubs, a restaurant, a playground for children, and a golf course. It’s a very popular place in Iceland, highly rated, and every Saturday evening the staff organize a bonfire and all the guests are invited.
What to See and Do in Borgarnes and Nearby
Despite its modest size, Borgarnes has a lot to offer. The city and its surroundings are a mix of culture, relaxation, and natural wonders.
The Settlement Center
If you’re looking for some Icelandic culture and history, The Settlement Center is one of the best historical museums in Iceland. This place focuses on the country’s Viking history and the first settlers who arrived on the island from Scandinavia. It includes models of longships and audio stories about the first hardy arrivals. There’s an exhibition about the Egils Saga, around the figure of Egill Skallagrímsson. The center is a fascinating glimpse into the nation's past. The visit takes around two hours, and you can always finish at the museum’s restaurant, which serves traditional Icelandic cuisine.
Skallagrímsgarður Park
This small but nice park, full of trees, is a great option for an afternoon stroll with a touch of history. The park is named after Egill Skallagrímsson’s father, one of the early settlers of Iceland. There’s a mound in the park that is believed to be the tomb of Egill himself.
Borgarnes Swimming Pool
No Icelandic trip is complete without a geothermal dip, and Borgarnes has a naturally heated outdoor pool. It’s very close to Skallagrímsgarður Park. This family-friendly site has outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, a steam bath, a sauna, and hot tubs. A great place to spend a few hours after a day of exploring.
Glymur
We now move outside town to discover Iceland's second-highest waterfall, Glymur. This impressive waterfall is 198 meters (650 feet) high, falling into a deep canyon. The hike to Glymur is a journey through caves, river crossings, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. It's a moderately challenging trek, but once you get to the end, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a close-up experience of one of Iceland's most impressive natural marvels.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring and Krauma Spa
Deildartunguhver is Europe’s most powerful hot spring. There’s so much water here, and so hot, that it’s used to provide energy to nearby towns, Borgarnes included. The rock formations along the spring look as if they were from a different planet. However, the water’s temperature is very high and it’s not safe to bathe here. That’s something you can do at Krauma Spa, fed by Deildartunguhver. It’s a fantastic place to relax your muscles in its mineral-rich waters and enjoy the views of the Icelandic countryside.
Glanni Waterfall
Glanni is another outstanding waterfall not far from Borgarnes. Not as tall as Glymur, it’s a smaller cascade that falls over dark rocks on the Nordura River. It’s a waterfall in several levels surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, which are believed to have formed during volcanic eruptions that took place hundreds of years ago. There are local legends that say that this place is inhabited by elves and trolls. There’s a short trail from the parking area that leads to a viewing platform.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
There are two more fantastic waterfalls in the region. Hraunfossar is a series of cascades that emerge from a lava field, creating a quite unique scene. Just upstream, Barnafoss is a more powerful and dramatic waterfall. The name translates to "Children's Falls." The walking paths and viewing platforms make these waterfalls accessible and offer plenty of photo opportunities.
Hafnarfjall Mountain
One of the most prominent natural monuments near Borgarnes is Hafnarfjall Mountain, which can be seen from anywhere in town. There are several trails that allow you to explore the mountain and its surroundings, for all fitness levels. There’s one that goes all the way to the summit, but that one is quite demanding.
The Weather in Borgarnes
When traveling to Iceland, the weather is a major factor to be considered, as it can have a huge influence on your experience. West Iceland is not as cold as the north or the center of the country, but it’s windier and wetter. The location of Borgarnes, by the sea, makes these conditions even more prominent. Here’s a breakdown season by season.
Spring (April and May): The temperature usually moves between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F). There’s still snow from winter, but it gradually melts, revealing the landscapes underneath. Rain is quite common but there are not many tourists.
Summer (June to August): This season comes with an average temperature of 10-15°C (50°F to 59°F). It’s a mix of sunny spells and sudden showers, but the weather is mostly fair. The nights can be cold, though. It’s peak season, so book your camping grounds in advance.
Autumn (September and October): The temperature gradually cools down, normally between 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The landscapes change their colors, but rain and wind pick up. It’s a quiet season in terms of crowds.
Winter (November to March): Long and cold, with the temperature often below freezing point. Everything’s covered in snow, and traveling can be tricky. Many roads, especially secondary ones, close when the weather is adverse. The days are very short, barely 4 to 6 hours of natural light. On the other hand, it’s the season when the Northern lights happen if the night’s clear.
What to Pack to Visit Borgarnes
- Waterproof jacket and pants to handle sudden rain.
- Layered clothing. Regardless of the season, a base thermal layer, fleece or wool for intermediate, and a waterproof jacket on top. You can add or remove items to adapt to the temperature changes.
- In winter, a nice thick coat.
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Hat, gloves, scarf, and wool socks for cooler evenings.
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel for pools and spas.
- A portable power bank to keep devices charged on long drives. Also, not all the camping grounds have access to electricity.
- Offline maps or a GPS device. In certain areas, there’s no cell phone signal.
Travel Tips
- Check the road conditions before departing to avoid setbacks and delays.
- When possible, reserve campsites well in advance, especially in summer.
- Drive mindfully: stick to limits, yield on single lanes, and watch for sheep, as they get quite close to roads.
- Download apps for offline use, like weather or translation tools.
- Follow the Leave No Trace principle: pack out trash, stay on marked paths, and help keep Iceland pristine.
- Fuel up in Borgarnes before continuing your trip. There are not many gas stations in rural areas.
- Pack extra layers; even in summer, the nights can be chill.
Conclusion
There are certain towns and cities in Iceland that are the perfect combination of culture and nature. And not many can compete with Borgarnes in this sense. This small city in West Iceland has great cultural attractions, and there are many natural wonders only a few minutes away in your campervan. Choose your campervan, draw your itinerary, choose a good camping spot, and be surprised by everything this place has to offer.