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I’ll admit it, I had never even heard of Borgarfjörður Eystri, and I’ve been researching Iceland for years. But when I spotted it on the map while planning our Ring Road trip, something about it pulled me in.
Not only is it a beautiful coastal town surrounded by dramatic mountain views, but it’s also one of the best places to see puffins in all of Iceland.
Here’s everything I did during my Eastern Iceland getaway so you can plan ahead for your own visit to this hidden gem.
Borgarfjörður Eystri Travel Guide
Borgarfjörður Eystri is a tiny fishing village in East Iceland with fewer than 100 residents, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery.
Surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and nestled right along the coast, it feels like the kind of place most people only stumble upon by accident.
Driving Ring Road? Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map!
Why Visit Borgarfjörður Eystri?
The town is known for its puffin population, peaceful atmosphere, and strong connection to Icelandic folklore.
Especially the belief in elves. There’s even a small “elf church” built into the rocks just outside town.
It might be a tiny East Iceland village, but it’s full of surprises!
How to Get to Borgarfjörður Eystri
I visited Borgarfjörður Eystri as part of my Ring Road road trip, right after finishing the Diamond Circle.
Here is my Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary!
We drove just under 2.5 hours from the Krafla Crater, making this an overnight detour before continuing south.
Wondering how to get to Borgarfjörður Eystri from Egilsstaðir? It’s easier than you’d think.
Just follow Route 94 east for about an hour and a half through scenic mountain roads and coastal views.
I’m not going to lie, it was a little terrifying at times, especially as we climbed higher with no guardrails in sight.
What I didn’t expect was what came after the pass. As we dropped down the other side of the mountain, this tiny coastal town suddenly appeared.
Best Things to Do in Borgarfjörður Eystri
For such a small town, Borgarfjörður Eystri has so much to offer. Here’s everything I did during my Eastern Iceland getaway in this detailed Borgarfjörður Eystri itinerary for 2026.
1. Puffin Watching at Hafnarhólmi Cliffs
This was the main reason I came here, and it did not disappoint.
Hafnarhólmi is one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close.
There’s a small parking lot, a boardwalk, and viewing platforms that let you watch these adorable little birds without disturbing them.
We saw hundreds waddling around, diving into the sea, and poking their heads out of their burrows.
The best time to visit Borgarfjörður Eystri for puffins is between early May and mid-August, when they’re nesting along the cliffs.
Puffins are a major part of Borgarfjörður Eystri tourism, drawing nature lovers (like me!) and photographers from around the world.
I have a full guide to puffin watching in Borgarfjörður Eystri—check it out here. Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland
2. Soak in a Beer Bath at Blábjörg Resort
After a long day of driving and exploring, I booked a Beer Bath at Blábjörg Resort.
It ended up being one of the most unique Borgarfjörður Eystri attractions and a great way to relax after exploring.
The resort overlooks the ocean in Borgarfjörður Eystri, and its spa offers private rooms where you soak in a warm tub filled with young beer, hops, and live yeast.
You even get a cold beer from the local brewery to sip while you soak.
My skin felt super soft afterward, and I left feeling like I’d finally exhaled after all the road trip chaos.
Check out my entire Beer Bath experience. Soaking in Beer? Why This East Iceland Spa Is Worth the Detour!
3. Swing with a View
Right in the center of Borgarfjörður Eystri, there’s a simple wooden swing perched on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean.
It somehow became one of my favorite memories from the entire trip.
We stumbled upon it while wandering through town, and I ended up spending more time there than I expected.
Whether you’re taking a quiet moment to breathe in the salty air or snapping a photo with a picture-perfect backdrop.
4. Eat the Famous Fish Soup at Álfacafé
We randomly wandered over to Álfacafé for lunch, and it turned out to be one of our favorite meals.
This local café is known for its famous fish soup, a creamy cod soup that’s earned a loyal following from both locals and travelers.
The soup was piping hot, rich with flavor, and served with thick slices of fresh homemade bread. Which was out of this world!
The vibe inside Álfacafé is relaxed and homey, with rustic wooden tables, puffin-themed decor, and local artwork lining the walls.
The team was incredibly kind, and we even bought a hand-painted puffin magnet as a souvenir, painted by the woman who made the soup!
It’s a charming little lunch stop that perfectly captures the spirit of Borgarfjörður Eystri.
5. Find the Colorful Puffin Mural by the Harbor
This massive puffin mural is painted on the side of a building near the harbor, and it’s hard to miss.
Bright, bold, and full of personality, the mural adds a burst of charm to the town and celebrates the feathered locals that draw so many visitors here.
It’s a great stop for a photo, whether you’re heading to the cliffs or just exploring the waterfront.
The mural captures the playful spirit of Borgarfjörður Eystri and makes it clear: this is puffin country.
6. Visit the Lindarbakki Turf House
Located right in the heart of town, Lindarbakki is a tiny, red turf-roofed house that looks like something out of a fairytale.
It’s one of the most photographed spots in Borgarfjörður Eystri—and for good reason.
With its bright red walls, grass-covered roof, and quaint little chimney, it feels like stepping into an Icelandic storybook.
The house dates back to the 19th century and is one of the few remaining turf homes still standing in Iceland.
While it’s not always open for tours, you can easily admire its charm from the outside. It’s a quick and memorable stop, perfect for snapping a photo and imagining what life was like in a simpler time.
7. Grab Dinner at Frystiklefinn
Frystiklefinn totally caught me off guard—in a good way. It’s part of Blábjörg Resort and was just a few steps from our hotel room, which made it an easy dinner choice after a long day.
The space still feels like the old fish factory it once was, but the food and drinks were way beyond what I expected.
I started with the deep-fried Gellir cheese sticks made from local cow’s milk, served with a sweet and spicy chili jam.
It was the freshest, most elevated mozzarella stick I’d ever bitten into!
Then came the “Farmers” pizza, loaded with sliced lamb, red onion, mushrooms, and a rich rosemary cream sauce.
Iceland has more lamb than people, so I was happy to try their signature meat on pizza.
It was the best dinner spot in Borgarfjörður Eystri!
8. Try Local Gin at KHB Brewery & Distillery
After dinner, we walked next door to KHB Brewery & Distillery. One of the most unique parts of the Blábjörg Resort.
KHB Brugghús, set up in 2020 inside the 1897 fish factory at Blábjörg, stands out as the only distillery in Iceland currently producing traditional moonshine (Landi).
Plus, they serve up award-winning beers and gin.
You can sample a tasting flight, sip a fresh pour, or pick up a bottle to take home.
I tried the Landi and the gin and was seriously impressed—it had a super clean flavor with a subtle herbal twist that felt uniquely Icelandic.
9. Visit the World War II Submarine Mine
Near the harbor, there’s an old World War II submarine mine on display.
Something we completely stumbled upon while walking around town.
At first, it just looked like a rusted metal orb, but it turns out the mine actually washed ashore and exploded here in 1942.
There’s even a small memorial marker nearby to commemorate the event.
I’m really glad we came across it; it added a surprising layer of depth to our visit.
Where to Stay in Borgarfjörður Eystri
Here are some of the top places to stay in Borgarfjörður Eystri and East Iceland.
1. Blábjörg Resort
For my overnight stay in Borgarfjörður Eystri, I booked a room at Blábjörg Resort, and I honestly couldn’t have picked a better spot.
The hotel sits right by the water with views of the harbor and mountains, and it has a peaceful, cozy vibe that fits the town perfectly.
The rooms were clean and modern, with big windows that let in tons of natural light.
If you’re planning to spend the night in Borgarfjörður Eystri, this is the place I’d recommend without hesitation.
2. Borgarfjörður Eystri Campground
If you’re traveling on a budget or just prefer something more outdoorsy, the Borgarfjörður Eystri Campground is right in town and just a short walk from the harbor.
It’s simple but well-maintained, with grassy sites, bathrooms, hot showers, and a shared kitchen area.
It’s open seasonally, so double-check the opening dates if you’re visiting early or late in the year.
Where is Borgarfjörður Eystri?
Here’s the map location for easy reference.
Borgarfjörður Eystri Travel Tips
- Drive Carefully Over the Mountain Pass
The road into Borgarfjörður Eystri (Route 94) includes a steep, winding mountain pass with no guardrails. It’s totally doable in a standard rental car, but take it slow, especially in fog or rain. We drove it in both sunshine and clouds, and the difference was wild. - Fuel Up Before You Arrive
There’s a small gas pump in town, but it’s best to fill up in Egilsstaðir or along the Diamond Circle before heading in, just in case. Services are limited out here. - Book Your Accommodations in Advance
With just a few places to stay, rooms can book up quickly, especially in summer. Blábjörg Resort is a great choice if you want a spa, restaurant, and comfy rooms all in one spot. - Puffin Season Is May to Mid-August
If puffins are on your list, aim to visit between early May and mid-August. We went in July and saw hundreds of them nesting at Hafnarhólmi. - Bring Layers (Even in Summer)
Even in July, it was chilly and windy at times, especially near the cliffs and on the swing by the ocean. I was glad I had a windbreaker and a hat. - Go Hiking!
If you have more time, there are also several great trails for hiking in Borgarfjörður Eystri, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
Tiny Village, Big Impact
Borgarfjörður Eystri is one of those off-the-beaten-path destinations in Iceland that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special.
If you’re on the fence about making the detour, I hope this guide gives you the push to go for it. It’s a tiny town with a big impact—and easily one of my favorite memories from Iceland.
Driving Ring Road? Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map!
We started our Iceland trip with an overnight stay at the Blue Lagoon. Read Silica Hotel Iceland Review: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon.
Then we headed north with a stop at Stóra-Grábrók Crater: A Must-See Stop on Ring Road.
Then we ended up in the capital of the north. Here are the Top Things to Do in Akureyri: Hot Springs, Hot Dogs & More.
We then visited Husavik, where we got to see wildlife. Husavik Whale Watching: Iceland’s Best Tour with North Sailing.
After, we continued our trip around the Diamond Circle. Check out my Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: Top Things to See & Do.
Finally, we end up in East Iceland for our beer bath and puffin watching! Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland.
Read all of my Iceland Travel Guides to plan the same trip I did!
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