Blábjörg Guesthouse

In Borgarfjörður Eystri is the starting point for one of the best hiking areas in the country, the so-called "Víknaslóðir" or "The trails of the Inlets". This area is an extensive one but the trails are clearly indicated. A 10 days hike in the area is recommended - or a 5-day hike either around the Southern or the Northern area. In the village of Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður eystri the traveler will be provided with good preparatory assistance in most fields relating to a visit to Víknaslóðir.

On the doorstep to the illustrious and famed cliff Álfaborg, placed at the outskirts of the village, stands the church Bakkagerðiskirkja. Formerly, the church stood at the vicarage Desjarmýri, the present building was consecrated in 1901. The church boasts an exceedingly remarkable altarpiece, painted by the famous local artist Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval in 1914. Christ is depicted giving the Sermon on the Mount, standing on top of the Álfaborg with the Dyr Mountains as a background. This piece is one of Kjarval's most famous works, attracting tourists visiting Borgarfjörður.

A delightful short walk from Afrétt in the innermost part of Borgarfjörður Eystri takes the wanderer to Urðarhólar; idyllic scenery with hilly terrain and small ponds, rich birdlife, and colorful view of the mountaintops. The marked trail is 3 km. But should you wish to extend it, there is much to see!

Brúnavik is an inlet in the vicinity of Borgarfjörður Eystri renowned for its serene surroundings. A hike back and forth from Borgarfjörður across pass Brúnavikurskarð (360 m) down to the ruins of the farm is approx. 12 km. Crossing at the mouth of the river is an absolute must in order to appreciate the colorful beach. The way back crosses the Brotagil ravine across the bridge to pass Hofstrandaskarð (320 m). The walk takes about 5-6 hours. It is marked by trails.

Unaós ("The Estuary of Uni" is a beautiful inlet on the east coast of Héraðflói bay. It is named after the settler Uni Garðarsson but according to the Book of Settlements (12th.century), he docked in the estuary. Uni was the son of one of the three discoverers of Iceland, Gardar
Svavarsson.
He was sent to Iceland by King Haraldur Fairhair of Norway in order to convince the
Icelanders to become his subjects. His mission was however unfruitful. Uni docked his ship at a cliff in Selfljót river called Knörr. In the estuary of the river, there´s a promontory called Krosshöfði by which was the principal harbor of the region, Óshöfn, until a passable road to the village Borgarfjörður eystri came about in the late 1940ties. The harbor was a primitive one since total calm and favorable currents were needed in order to bring the merchandise ashore. The area presents several points of interest and several walking trails are to be found there.

Borgarfjörður eystri is known for its unique beauty and rich history. Lindarbakki, a small, beautiful turf house, has captivated many visitors and is an unmissable attraction when visiting the town. The house is typical of its time, around 1859 when Borgarfjörður got commercial rights and the town began to take shape.

Right by the village, the legally protected hill of Álfaborg, which the "fjord of Borg," Borgarfjörður Eystri is named after, rises about 30 m high. Accessed by an easy trail and with an observation point on top, Álfaborg is home to the queen of the Icelandic elves. In addition, Borgarfjörður has numerous stories of relations between its elfin and human residents. Many places are connected with elves and "hidden people," including the church of the elves Kirkjusteinn: a huge, appropriately shaped rock in Kækjudalur valley.

Several stories tell of trolls in the mountains.

One of East Iceland's most illustrious spots is the Stórurð ("The Giant Boulders"), located to the east of the road leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. Stórurð lies below the small glacier west of Dyrfjöll mountains. It consists of gigantic tuff boulders, charming meadows, and attractive ponds. This wonderful scene can be reached in 2.5 hours on foot from Vatnsskarð pass. To enjoy Dyrfjöll and Stórurð a whole day plan is highly recommended.

The magnificent mountain range Dyrfjoll near the fjord Borgarfjordur Eystri is 1136 meters high and only experienced hikers should do this hike. It is possible to contact a local professional hiking guide to hike with up the mountain.

Dyrfjoll mountain is an old volcano and is famous for the huge gap in the middle of the mountain. The view from the top is extraordinary and won't let anyone down!

The historical trading point of Krosshöfði, by Stapavík inlet, lies in a magnificent setting. The trail to the inlet starts above the farmstead of Unaós, leading to the river Selfljót, continuing along its banks to the mouth at Krosshöfði., The trail continues still to the cliffs of Stapavík. In the early 20th century, this trading point was important for the broad valley of Fljótsdalshérað, and goods were brought ashore in the inlet until the late1940s when a road was built over the mountain range to Borgarfjörður Eystri which offers excellent harbor facilities.

Until the year 1949, when a passable road came about, all traffic through the scree between Njarðvík and Borgarfjörður eystri was either on foot or on horseback. Once upon a time, an awe-inspiring monster called Naddi occupied a den beneath the scree, harassing, attacking and killing the innocent wayfarers. Naddi was endowed with a human torso whereas he was shaped in the form of an animal below the waist. Finally, a valiant farmer from Borgarfjörður managed to overcome the ominous monster and force him into the sea. Thereupon a cross was erected at the site of the ferocious duel and eversince this religious token has been present in the scree. The present cross bears the following inscription in Latin: "Whoever goes by should bend down and honour this sign of Christ.
In the year 1306."
Travellers often bent their knees before the cross, praying for a safe journey.

.

The gorge Innra-Hvannagil is located in Njarðvík near Borgarfjörður Eystri and is accessible from a parking by the road. After about 100 meters you find yourself at the mouth of this marvelous rhyolite canyon, where numerous dark basalt dikes crisscross the bright slopes.

The "Hafnarhólmi" in Borgarfjörður Eystri is an area highly suitable for birdwatching. On the premises, there is a staircase leading up to a platform where one can get closer to puffins and the birds of the sea than ever imaginable. The puffins arrive in April and disappear overnight around August 15th. Underway to Hafnarhólmi one enjoys good close-ups of vivid birdlife and the arctic tern nests along the shore and on banks of the river. The harbor proudly raises the blue flag indicating that the inhabitants are respectful and attentive towards their surroundings.

One of the marked trails in the vicinity Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri leads to the mountainous terrain of Kúahjalli and Hrafnatindur. The trail follows the banks of Bakkaá up to Mt. Hrafnatindur, offering a remarkable view over Borgarfjörður Eystri. Thereupon the trail continues to Kúahjalli and to Geitavik, the childhood foyer of the renowned Icelandic painter Kjarval. The duration of the hike is about 3 hours.