Borgarnes

In Borgarnes, experiences range from museum and saga history to a small park and a children’s playground. Those planning a stay can therefore explore the town from different perspectives: cultural institutions, historical connections and places to take a break outdoors all contribute to its character.

Museums and Icelandic history

The Borgarnes Museum houses the local library, municipal archives, a natural history museum, the district museum and an art gallery. The different institutions cover a range of subjects, from natural history and art to local heritage. The exhibitions at the Borgarnes Museum are free and open to everyone. For travellers who want to focus on cultural interests, the museum is a versatile place to visit in town.

The Settlement Center offers another way to explore Iceland’s history. It is located in two of the oldest buildings in Borgarnes. Its exhibitions present Iceland’s early history and the Icelandic sagas; Egil’s Saga is also brought to life as an important part of Icelandic cultural heritage. Those interested in storytelling traditions and the country’s early history will find a different focus here than in the wide-ranging collection at the Borgarnes Museum.

The Settlement Center also includes a licensed restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop. These facilities complement the cultural themes of the center with dining options and the chance to buy a keepsake.

Park, playground and special places

Skallagrímsgarður is a small public park in central Borgarnes and is a suitable place for a picnic. The site is also connected with Egil’s Saga: the burial mound of Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, Egil’s father, is in the park. The park therefore offers both a place to take a break and a direct connection to saga history. Those interested in these stories can see the burial mound as part of the town’s historic landscape.

Bjossarolo is a children’s playground in Borgarnes. Its features include swings, slides, an old boat and a castle. One distinctive feature of the playground is that it is made entirely from discarded objects. This gives Bjossarolo a different character from the cultural institutions: here, the play equipment and the unusual choice of materials take center stage. Families can consider the playground as a separate point of interest when deciding whether to visit Borgarnes.

Brákarey is also part of the town’s landscape. The name refers to two small rocky islands, known locally as Greater and Lesser Brákarey. The larger island is connected to the mainland by a bridge built in 1929. The islands and historic bridge add a distinct geographical and historical dimension to the cultural and recreational attractions.

Englendingavík, a picturesque and peaceful bay, lies in the old part of Borgarnes. The historic buildings at the far end of the bay once served as a regional center for trade and commerce. This former purpose is part of the site’s history; it describes the buildings’ role in the past, not how they are used today.

What kinds of travel interests suit Borgarnes?

When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether you are especially interested in museums and saga history, or whether the park, playground, bay and islands catch your attention. These different themes give Borgarnes a variety of points of interest, without implying a particular daily itinerary. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Borgarnes, this mix can help you decide whether the town’s cultural and local features match the focus of your trip.

More destinations

If you’d like to discover more places: Kleppjárnsreykir, Reynivellir, Ólafsvík, Leirá, Búdardalur, Grundarfjördur, Akranes, Miklholt.

For the broader travel overview: Vesturland.