Matkaopas: Borgarfjörður eystri

Borgarfjordur eystri is a fjord with a population of around 130 people, located in East Iceland. Its main settlement is Bakkagerdi. The area is renowned for its natural beauty.

Explore this region on a self drive tour in Iceland.

Photo above from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by the Rohit. No edits made.

Sheep farming, fishing and fish work is the Bakkagerdi's main economy, as well as tourism, though this is only during the summer months. 

Hiking is highly popular in the area and many great routes are available, but the most notable hiking destination is beyond doubt Stórurð ("The Giant Boulders") and the mountain ring is also particularly attractive. South of the fjord rhyolite mountains dominate, but at the bottom of the fjord and to the north the mountains are of basalt. Birdwatching is also popular, as many puffins nest in the area. Elves are also said to reside there.

Johannes Kjarval, one of Iceland's greatest painters, grew up in the area and the town has a great exhibition of his work. For further artwork by Kjarval, we recommend Kjarvalssafn museum in Reykjavik. The altarpiece of Bakkagerdi church was also made by Kjarval.

Since 2005 the annual Braedslan music festival has been celebrated at Borgarfjordur Eystri in June, in an old herring factory. In 2010 the festival got the Eyrarros award for outstanding cultural achievement in the countryside. Notable musicians who've played there include Of Monsters and Men, Belle & Sebastian, Mugison, Emiliana Torrini and Damien Rice.