Lets talk about…..Borgarnes

Borgarnes is closely connected to Egil's Saga, one of Iceland's greatest medieval literary works. The saga's hero, Egill Skallagrímsson, is deeply woven into the landscape, and many streets in the historic part of town bear the names of characters from the saga, including Egilsgata, Skallagrímsgata, and Brákarbraut. The peninsula on which the town stands was formerly known as Digranes.

One of Borgarnes' most popular green spaces is Skallagrímsgarður, a beautiful public park featuring a striking sculpture depicting Egill carrying the body of his son Böðvar, who drowned at the mouth of the Hvítá River. The park is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or spend time outdoors with family and friends.

Just a short walk from the park is the town's popular geothermal swimming pool, offering indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, hot tubs, and a steam bath. The facility is enjoyed year-round by both locals and visitors of all ages.

One of Borgarnes' most important attractions is the Settlement Center (Landnámssetrið), housed in one of the town's oldest buildings near Brákarey Island. The centre combines an excellent restaurant with immersive exhibitions that bring the stories of Iceland's settlement and Egil's Saga to life through modern multimedia displays. Nearby stands the sculpture Brák, by Bjarni Þór Bjarnason, commemorating Þorgerður Brák, the servant of Skallagrímur who cared for Egill during his childhood.

A scenic and easy coastal walking path follows the shoreline from Brákarsund to Englendingavík, where English merchants established trading activities centuries ago. The beautifully restored historic warehouses now house a popular restaurant and a toy museum. From there, it is only a short walk to Bjössaróló, a unique handcrafted playground built by local volunteers that has become one of Iceland's most beloved family attractions.

The Borgarnes Museum and Library hosts changing exhibitions showcasing local history and art, while the welcoming public library offers another pleasant stop for visitors interested in the town's cultural life.

Whether you are interested in Viking history, scenic walks, family-friendly attractions, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of a vibrant Icelandic town, Borgarnes provides an excellent starting point for discovering the many treasures of West Iceland.