Borgarfjörður Eystri
Austurland
Borgarfjörður Eystri is a picturesque fjord located in East Iceland within the municipality of Múlaþing. The area is sparsely populated, with the main settlement being the village of Bakkagerði, home to about 91 inhabitants as of 2024. The fjord is renowned for its natural beauty, including a well-vegetated valley that extends approximately 10 kilometers into the Austfjarðafjall mountains, and striking views of nearby mountains such as Dyrfjöll, Staðarfjall, Geitfell, and Svartfell. Borgarfjörður Eystri is particularly famous for its large puffin colony, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The local culture is deeply intertwined with Icelandic folklore, especially elf legends, with the Álfaborg (Elf Rock) believed by some locals to be the home of the queen of the elves. The village also honors its artistic heritage through the Kjarvalsstofa museum, dedicated to the painter Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, who grew up in the area. A unique feature of the local church is a painting by Kjarval depicting Jesus on the cross on an elf hill, which sparked controversy with the local bishop. Since 2004, a summer music festival has attracted visitors, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of this tranquil and enchanting fjord. Additionally, the fjord gained cinematic recognition as the filming location of the movie "Heartstone."
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Tip: The best time to visit Borgarfjörður Eystri is during the summer months when hiking trails are accessible and the puffin colony is active. It is advisable to check local schedules for the summer music festival if planning a visit in that season. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets or bookings for accommodations in advance due to the area's small population and limited facilities. Respect local customs and nature preservation rules, including restrictions on stone collecting. Guided tours are recommended for those interested in learning about the elf folklore and local history.
Interesting facts
- •Borgarfjörður Eystri hosts one of Iceland's largest puffin colonies, attracting birdwatchers worldwide.
- •The local church features a unique painting by Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval depicting Jesus on the cross on an elf hill, which was controversially not blessed by the bishop.
- •The fjord was the filming location for the Icelandic movie "Heartstone."
- •Since 2004, a summer music festival held here has drawn thousands of visitors, significantly boosting local tourism.
History
Borgarfjörður Eystri has historically been a small settlement primarily focused on sheep farming and small-scale fishing.
The village of Bakkagerði, often synonymous with the fjord itself, has been inhabited for centuries.
The area is culturally significant due to its association with the renowned Icelandic painter Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, who grew up nearby and whose legacy is preserved in the local museum.
In recent decades, the fjord has become a cultural hub with the establishment of an annual summer music festival starting in 2004, which has grown in popularity.
The region’s folklore, particularly concerning elves believed to inhabit the Álfaborg, has long been an integral part of local identity and attracts folklore enthusiasts.
Place Guide
Álfaborg (Elf Rock)
A prominent rock formation believed by locals to be the home of the elf queen, central to local folklore and cultural identity.
Kjarvalsstofa Museum
A museum dedicated to Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, a famous Icelandic painter who grew up in the area. It showcases his life and works, emphasizing his connection to the local landscape.
Bakkagerði Church
The local church houses a notable painting by Kjarval depicting Jesus on the cross on an elf hill, a unique blend of religious and folkloric imagery.
