West Iceland
West Iceland runs from the sheltered fjords of Borgarfjörður out to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where fishing villages, lava fields and the Snæfellsjökull glacier sit within easy reach of Reykjavík.
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About Western
Borgarnes is a small coastal town in western Iceland, set on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður about 75 km north of Reykjavík. As the seat of the Western Region and a key stop on the Ring Road, it serves as a practical gateway to West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The town's identity is rooted in the Icelandic sagas. It is named after Borg á Mýrum, the farm of Egill Skallagrímsson, and the Settlement Centre (Landnámssetrið) explores the Viking settlement of Iceland and Egil's Saga. A small museum complex, a municipal park and a geothermal swimming pool add to the local character.
From Borgarnes, visitors can reach major natural attractions such as Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. The town is also the starting point for routes into Borgarfjörður, Reykholt and the Snæfellsnes peninsula with its glacier, basalt cliffs and fishing villages.
Despite its size, Borgarnes functions as a service hub for the region, with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops and a swimming pool. It offers a quieter base than Reykjavík and attracts both self-drive tourists and business travellers exploring West Iceland.
For travellers, Borgarnes combines saga heritage, easy Ring Road access and proximity to some of Iceland's most distinctive landscapes, making it a convenient and welcoming stop in the west.
Western Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August) brings long daylight hours and the most reliable weather for exploring waterfalls, hot springs and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Winter is quieter and offers a chance of northern lights, but daylight is limited and road conditions can be challenging.
How to Get Around
Borgarnes is compact and easy to explore on foot, while a car is the most practical option for reaching nearby attractions and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Strætó bus 57 links the town with Reykjavík and the north, though local public transport within Borgarnes is limited.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in and around Borgarnes includes small hotels, guesthouses and countryside farm stays. Staying in the town centre is convenient for restaurants and services, while rural options suit travellers continuing toward Snæfellsnes or Borgarfjörður.
Food & Drink
Borgarnes offers cafés and restaurants serving Icelandic lamb, fresh seafood and traditional dishes. The Settlement Centre café and local guesthouse dining are popular stops, along with a small supermarket for self-catering.
Ground Transportation Services in Western
Airport Transfers
Arrange private airport transfers between Keflavík International Airport or Reykjavík Domestic Airport and hotels, guesthouses and other addresses in Borgarnes.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book an hourly chauffeur for flexible travel around Borgarnes, Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes and nearby attractions, ideal for sightseeing, business trips and events.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Borgarnes or collect one at the airport for independent travel along the Ring Road, Borgarfjörður and the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Borgarnes, West Iceland attractions, airports and Reykjavík, suitable for tours, events and corporate travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Vogar
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Airports in Iceland
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Breiðdalsvík Airport (BXV)
Breiðdalsvík Airport is a small airfield serving the village of Breiðdalsvík and the Eastfjords region of East Iceland. From here, travelers can continue to Breiðdalsvík, nearby coastal villages and the regional hub of Egilsstaðir by car or pre-arranged transfer.
Blönduós Airport (BLO)
Blönduós Airport is a small general aviation airfield serving Blönduós in Northwest Iceland, with no scheduled passenger flights and occasional air ambulance use. The town sits along the Ring Road, providing road access toward the Vatnsnes Peninsula, Skagaströnd and Akureyri.
Bíldudalur Airport (BIU)
Bíldudalur Airport (BIU) is a small regional gateway to the village of Bíldudalur and the southern Westfjords of Iceland. Compare transfer options to Bíldudalur, Patreksfjörður, Tálknafjörður and other nearby destinations, and plan your onward journey with ease.
Borgarfjörður eystri Airport (BGJ)
Borgarfjörður eystri Airport is a small domestic gateway serving Borgarfjörður eystri and Iceland's Eastfjords. Compare transfer options from the airport to Bakkagerði, Egilsstaðir and nearby coastal and hiking destinations.