Your visit to Borgarfjörður Eystri and Mývatn is not soon forgotten; the amazing views, the deep fjords, the mystic elf sites, the lava fields, the breath taking lake and the picturesque fishing village and it surrounding farms will stay with you for years to come.

Don’t forget your camera!

If you have any questions or would like to book a tour please contact us by email or call us.
Elftours / Guesthouse Álfheimar
E: info@elftours.is
MOB: +354 8613677

From Vatnskarð pass (431 m), we start the day’s hike by going up and crossing the mountain Geldingafjall (640 m), then continuing inland west of Súlur peaks. There are excellent views over Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað valley, the black sandy beach of Héraðsflói bay and perhaps even to Vatnajökull glacier and Mt. Snæfell in the eastern part of the central highlands. We then go down into Stórurð, an expanse of enormous rocks intersected by a small river. Calm turquoise-coloured basins of icy water lie hidden among the huge boulders, often with flat banks of short, tender, green grass. Returning from this mysterious place, we can opt either for the hike along the Dyrfjöll (Door Mountains) or the easy way down the valley below Rjúpnafell peak.

Day two is a day of Stapavík to Njarðvík. It is a hike around 11 km, traverses 415 m. A 15 minutes drive from Borgarfjörður and stop at Unaós farm.

We hike along Selfljót river to the seashore and to the Stapavík cove, a former unloading place for ships. From Stapavík we take a rather easy hike along Gönguskörð pass largely along an old riding trail.

This was the main route between Borgarfjörður and Fljótsdalshérað valley for 1000 years, until the road over Vatnskarð pass was finished in 1955. Pick up at Njarðavík farm and drive to Borgarfjörður.

Day three is a day of the beauties of Breiðavík. It is an easy hike of about 15 km. Traverses 400 m of elevation. Transport to Afrétt and then an easy hike over moors and gravelly ground, including the light brown rhyolite around Urðarhólavatn, and farther on to Gæsavötn and Víknaheiði, before reaching Breiðavík inlet. The rhyolite mountains along the way display an incredible range of pastel colours.

After a short stop on the black sands of Breiðavík beach with its Siberian driftwood, we hike up to Gagnheiði ridge (479 m), which has a viewpoint indicator and fabulous panorama. Then it is back to Bakkagerði after an eventful day with wide views over many of the area’s amazing mountains.

Day four is a day of Borgarfjörður valley. It is a rather easy day, walking about 12 km and traversing 400 m of elevation. We start the day with 3 hours hike in the village, Old turf house, concert hall, local fish factory, from rock to art, and many interesting stops are on our way.

After a light lunch we hike on unmarked trails in the valley of Borgarfjörður. From the village, we take sheep trails up to Dimmidalur (the Dark Valley) and Jökuldalur (Glacier Valley) to see their rugged, beautiful landscape, right under the Door Mountains.

Not only do we walk on our way through the elf community of Lobbuhraun, but come to their home in Dimmidalur valley. When we return to Bakkagerði village, we walk through it, noticing its many interesting aspects and of course also visiting the queen of the elves at Álfaborg (Elf Hill).

Day five is a day of Brúnavík Bay. It involves walking about 16 km and traversing 700 m of elevation. We start the day after transport to the environmentally friendly harbour of Borgarfjörður, Hafnarhólmi, to visit the puffins and other birds nesting there. Next we hike up from the coast through vegetated mountain screes to Brúnavík pass, at 345 m, and
down to Brúnavík inlet. There we visit another beach of black sand, with lots of beautiful stones lying on it, and listen to the waves. After taking our shoes off to ford the small stream, we enjoy a relaxing barefooted walk to the other end of the beach. On our way back we hike over Hofstrandarskarð pass, 321 m high, and walk beside Helgárgil colourful canyon towards Bakkagerði village.

Along the way we will enjoy the hospitality of local people through their services, their knowledge of the area and its culture and their fresh food at their local restaurants.
Bird watching is a frequent pastime on our routes, and sidetracks will take us to deserted inlets that tell us the story of a past far removed from mobile phone contacts.

The walks are rather medium, so that anyone able to go for 3-4 hours Brisk walk can join the tour. On the other hand we recommend that you exercise during at least the
week or two before your tour, for example
by taking brisk walks of 1-2 hours, 3-4 times per week. Please read the following brief description of the daily program.