Borgarnes

A strategic gateway town between Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, offering access to nearby waterfall Borgarfoss and turf-roofed historical sites. The town is notably less touristy than Reykjavik while maintaining good facilities and serving as an ideal jumping-off point for West Iceland exploration.

Things to do

• Borgarfoss Waterfall — A modest but picturesque waterfall located just outside town, easily accessible by a short walk and offering a gentle introduction to West Iceland's water features.
• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring — One of Iceland's most powerful hot springs with steaming water flowing at 180 liters per second, located about 30 minutes from Borgarnes and surrounded by geothermal activity.
• Snorrastaðir Turf House — A restored traditional turf-roofed Icelandic dwelling offering insight into rural life and architecture from centuries past, with knowledgeable local guides available.
• Borgarnes Settlement Centre — A museum documenting the Viking settlement of Iceland and the town's own 1000-year history, providing context for the region's cultural significance.
• Reykholt Historical Site — An important medieval settlement 30 minutes away where Iceland's most famous saga writer Snorri Sturluson lived, featuring a hot spring pool and historical ruins.
• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls — A stunning pair of cascading waterfalls about 40 minutes from Borgarnes where water emerges from lava fields and drops into a canyon below.

Food to try

• Fresh Arctic Char — Local restaurants serve this delicate freshwater fish caught from nearby rivers, typically prepared simply with butter and Icelandic herbs to highlight its subtle flavor.
• Icelandic Lamb Stew — A hearty traditional dish of slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables and spices, perfect for warming up after exploring the cold Icelandic landscape.
• Rye Bread Baked in Hot Spring Water — A unique Icelandic specialty where bread dough is buried near geothermal vents and slow-cooked overnight, creating a dense and slightly sweet loaf found in local bakeries.
• Seafood Soup — A creamy West Icelandic preparation featuring locally caught fish, prawns, and mussels, reflecting the region's access to fresh marine ingredients.
• Local Dairy Products — Borgarnes and surrounding areas are known for producing Icelandic dairy including rich skyr yogurt and cheeses, available at local shops and farmers' markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Geothermal Features — Hot springs and geothermal areas around Borgarnes are sacred to locals; always stay on marked paths and never enter restricted zones, as these areas are both culturally important and potentially dangerous.
• Embrace Unpredictable Weather — Icelandic weather changes rapidly even in summer, so locals dress in layers and are prepared to adjust plans accordingly—bring waterproof gear regardless of forecasts.
• Support Local Over Chain Businesses — Borgarnes residents appreciate visitors who eat at family-run restaurants and stay in locally-owned guesthouses rather than large hotel chains, keeping tourism revenue in the community.
• Learn Basic Icelandic Greetings — While English is widely spoken, locals appreciate genuine attempts to use Icelandic phrases like 'Halló' and 'Takk' as a sign of respect for their language and culture.