Borgarnes Travel Guide

City Icelandic town and regional service centre

A fjord town with a Saga museum, Borgarnes sits on Borgarfjörður; visitors use it as a base for Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt’s hot springs, and coastal walks where sheep graze beside lava fields.

Costs

Moderate Icelandic prices

Expect $110-$150 per day for road-trip style travel and lodging.

Safety

Extremely safe

Extremely safe with low crime and welcoming tourism services.

Best Time

June-September (summer); Dec-March (aurora)

Summer for mild weather and long daylight; winter for northern lights.

In This Guide

Why Visit Borgarnes?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

1,875

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good regional roads, car recommended, limited public transit but solid tourist services.

Popularity

Popular stopover for West Iceland road-trippers and nature visitors.

Known For

scenic fjord views, Settlement Centre museum, gateway to West Iceland, Hraunfossar/Barnafoss nearby, lava fields, horse riding, road-trip stopovers

Borgarnes hosts the Settlement Centre museum, which focuses on Icelandic sagas and the settlement era, including exhibits about Egill Skallagrímsson.

Why Visit Borgarnes? #

Overlooking Borgarfjörður, this coastal Icelandic town is a gateway to dramatic natural sights such as Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and the historic Reykholt settlement. The Settlement Centre interprets Viking-age stories, making the town a solid base for exploring lava fields, hot springs like Deildartunguhver and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Expect hearty Icelandic lamb, skyr and a calm small-town rhythm that suits hikers and anyone chasing landscape history rather than nightlife.

Top Things to Do in Borgarnes

All Attractions ›

Icelandic Phallological Museum

Museum exhibiting phallic specimens for scientific study

Museum

Hallgrímskirkja

Distinctive Reykjavík church and skyline landmark

Church

Laugardalsvöllur

Iceland's national football stadium in Reykjavík

Stadium

Tjörnin

Central Reykjavik city pond popular for birdlife

Lake

Esja

Prominent Reykjavík mountain popular for hiking and views

Mountain

Viðey

Icelandic island near Reykjavík with sculpture park

Island

National Museum of Iceland

Reykjavík museum chronicling Icelandic history and artifacts

Museum

Imagine Peace Tower

Light installation memorializing John Lennon near Reykjavik

Park

Don't Miss

Borgarnes Settlement Center (Sagnheimar) - Visit the Settlement Center to learn Icelandic sagas and regional history through exhibits.
Borgarnes waterfront promenade - Walk the waterfront promenade for coastal views, cafés, and local sculpture installations.
Local seafood restaurants - Dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh West Iceland seafood and seasonal dishes.

Hidden Gems

Krauma geothermal baths - Relax at Krauma baths using Deildartunguhver's hot spring water and modern spa facilities.
Grábrók crater hikes - Climb Grábrók crater for easy hikes and expansive lava-field views nearby.
Small local galleries and craft shops - Browse tiny galleries showcasing regional art, woollen goods, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Day Trips

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss - Drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss to see layered lava waterfalls and rushing rapids.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Spend a day exploring Snæfellsnes with dramatic coastlines, fishing villages, and a glacier.

Best Time to Visit Borgarnes #

Summer offers the best window for visiting Borgarnes-long daylight and accessible roads for exploring West Iceland. Winters are stormy with short daylight but spectacular when the skies clear.

Winter

December - February · -5 to 4°C (23-39°F)

Unpredictable, stormy winter with short daylight and frequent gales; dramatic landscapes, fewer tourists, and good chances for northern lights on clear nights.

Spring

March - May · 0 to 10°C (32-50°F)

Slowly lengthening days, thawing snows, and improving roads; shoulder season feels raw but rewarding for photographers and quiet scenic drives.

Summer

June - August · 7 to 14°C (45-57°F)

Cool summers with steady winds and long daylight; ideal for hiking, coastal drives, and whale-watching, but pack warm layers and waterproofs.

Best Time to Visit Borgarnes #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (786 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulyAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

23°

Warmest Month

-15°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-4° – 2°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

78 mm

Rainfall

7.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.0

UV Index

Low

5.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-3° – 2°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

7.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.0

UV Index

Low

8.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Freezing

0°C

Temperature

-3° – 2°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

77 mm

Rainfall

7.1 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.2

UV Index

Low

11.5h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

0° – 5°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

50 mm

Rainfall

6.5 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

14.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

3° – 8°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

47 mm

Rainfall

5.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

6° – 11°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

43 mm

Rainfall

5.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

20.4h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

8° – 13°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

51 mm

Rainfall

5.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

19.3h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

8° – 12°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

70 mm

Rainfall

5.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

16.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

5° – 10°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

6.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.3

UV Index

Low

12.8h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

2° – 6°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

76 mm

Rainfall

6.4 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-1° – 3°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

73 mm

Rainfall

6.7 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.0

UV Index

Low

6.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Freezing

0°C

Temperature

-3° – 2°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

7.1 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.0

UV Index

Low

3.6h daylight

How to Get to Borgarnes

Borgarnes is best reached from Reykjavík or Keflavík by regional coach or rental car - Iceland has no passenger rail service. Bus timetables are seasonal so book or check schedules in advance during shoulder seasons.

By Air

Keflavík International Airport (KEF): The main international airport for Iceland. Driving from KEF to Borgarnes takes roughly 75-110 minutes (depending on route and weather); bus services (e.g., Reykjavík Excursions / Strætó connections) run between KEF or Reykjavík and Borgarnes with journey times from Reykjavik about 50-75 minutes. Coach fares from Reykjavik to Borgarnes are commonly ISK 1,800-2,500.

Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV): Domestic flights arrive into Reykjavík city airport; from Reykjavík you can reach Borgarnes by bus or rental car in about 50-75 minutes.

By Train & Bus

Train: Iceland has no passenger rail network.

Bus: Intercity buses (Strætó and private coach operators) link Reykjavík, Keflavík and Borgarnes. Timetables vary seasonally; coaches are the practical public transport option to reach Borgarnes and onward to Snæfellsnes or West Iceland.

How to Get Around Borgarnes #

Borgarnes is a small regional service town best reached and explored by car; it’s walkable around the centre and harbour. Regional buses (Strætó) connect Borgarnes with Reykjavík and other West Iceland destinations, but schedules are limited. Taxis exist but are scarce; for flexible sightseeing a rental car is recommended.

Where to Stay in Borgarnes #

Budget

Town centre - ISK 6,000-12,000/night

Borgarnes has a small selection of budget hotels and guesthouses. Expect simple amenities and good value for exploring West Iceland.

Hotel B59 Borgarnes - Simple, budget-friendly rooms near town
Guesthouses and hostels (listings) - A few small affordable stays available

Mid-Range

Town centre / coastal road - ISK 12,000-22,000/night

Mid-range hotels provide comfortable rooms and hearty breakfasts, convenient for Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes day trips.

Hotel Borgarnes - Comfortable rooms, good breakfast
Hotel Hamar - Country-style rooms, scenic surroundings

Luxury

Regional / Reykjavik for luxury - ISK 22,000+/night

Borgarnes itself has limited luxury offerings; for top-tier lodges and resort experiences, plan to stay closer to Reykjavik or remote luxury farms.

Deplar Farm (region) - High-end remote lodge (long drive away)
Luxury: larger properties in Reykjavik - Best luxury options in the capital

Where to Eat in Borgarnes #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Borgarnes's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Fish

Italian

Shopping in Borgarnes #

Shopping in Borgarnes is small-scale: a few galleries, souvenir shops and practical stores for visitors. The Settlement Centre and local craft outlets are the main places to pick up regional handicrafts and books.