Matkaopas: Berufjörður

Berufjörður is a fjord in east Iceland.

Geography of Berufjörður

Berufjörður is located in the south of the Eastfjords of Iceland; it is 20 kilometres long, and five kilometres wide at its widest. The fjord is most notable for being home to the village of Djúpivogur. Though home to less than 500 people, Djúpivogur is a major attraction, largely due to its public works of art, most notably ‘The Eggs of Merry Bay’ which sits along the coast of Berufjörður. 

It is also known for being a ‘Cittaslow’ town, meaning the community values a slow-paced way of life; having hot-tubs on the shore; and for its history of being the home of Iceland’s first black settler, escaped former slave Hans Jonatan.

Both Djúpivogur and Berufjörður are on Route 1, the road than encircles Iceland, meaning both are easily accessible throughout the year. This route, in fact, hugs the road around the fjord, providing picturesque views of its waters and surrounding cliffs.

As with all coastal areas in north Iceland, it is sometimes possible to see great whales and migratory seabirds in Berufjörður in summer, and seals and dolphins throughout the year.

Berufjörður is also home to the pyramid shaped mountain , a fascinating feature made of layers of basalt. At 1,069 metres tall, it is not one of Iceland’s greatest mountains, but due to its unique shape and the fact it is freestanding, it is still very impressive.

Getting to Berufjörður

Berufjörður is located 550 kilometres east of Reykjavík, by travelling the Ring Road along the South Coast. It is thus most often visited by those completing the full circle or half circle of the country, or by those spending several days exploring the south, as it is just two and half hours from the South Coast’s easternmost feature, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon..

Those staying in Egilsstaðir, the capital of the East, can reach Berufjörður by travelling Route 1 South for just over two hours. Egilsstaðir can be driven to throughout the year, or reached by taking a domestic flight from Reykjavík Domestic Airport.