11-Day Iceland Ring Road Adventure

July 14-24, 2025

🦜 Day 6: Borgarfjörður Eystri Exploration

July 19
Dramatic mountain landscape in East Iceland with vibrant green hills and ocean view

"The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark."

- John Muir

Day Summary

Immerse yourself in the remote beauty of Borgarfjörður Eystri, one of Iceland's most pristine regions. Today's adventures include a moderate hike to the stunning Brúnavík Beach with its otherworldly landscapes, exploration of a remote mountain road, and up-close encounters with puffins at one of Iceland's best viewing sites. The day combines spectacular hiking, breathtaking scenery, and unique wildlife opportunities in an area few tourists ever visit.

Total Driving: ~140 km (87 miles), 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Alfheimar Hotel to Brúnavík Beach Trailhead: ~5 km (3 miles), 10 minutes
  • Brúnavík Beach Trailhead to Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony: ~3 km (2 miles), 5 minutes
  • Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony to F946 Loðmundarfjarðarvegur: ~15 km (9 miles), 20 minutes
  • F946 Loðmundarfjarðarvegur to Ásgeirsstaðir Cottages: ~117 km (73 miles), 2 hours

Daily Schedule

Breakfast at Alfheimar Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting a day of hiking and exploration.

Drive to Brúnavík Beach Trailhead

Short drive from the hotel to the hiking trailhead near Kolbeinsfjara cliffs.

Brúnavík Beach Hike

Embark on a stunning 5-mile moderate hike to one of Iceland's most beautiful hidden beaches. The trail passes through colorful mountains, lush valleys, and offers panoramic coastal views before descending to the otherworldly Brúnavík Beach.

Drive to Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony

Short drive to the puffin viewing area located in Borgarfjörður Eystri.

Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony

Visit one of Iceland's best and most accessible puffin viewing areas, with wooden walkways and viewing platforms that bring you remarkably close to these charming birds. July is peak season for puffin watching.

Drive on F946 Loðmundarfjarðarvegur

Experience this remote mountain road in East Iceland leading through picturesque landscapes. The road is suitable for your 4WD Suzuki Vitara and offers stunning mountain and fjord views along the way.

Drive to Ásgeirsstaðir Cottages

Make the drive from Borgarfjörður Eystri to your accommodation in Eidar.

Check in at Ásgeirsstaðir Cottages

Arrive at your cottage accommodation and settle in for the evening.

Self-catered dinner at cottage

Prepare a simple dinner using the kitchen facilities in your cottage.

Key Highlights of the Day

  • Hiking to the stunning and secluded Brúnavík Beach
  • Exploring the turquoise pools and massive boulders at Stórurð Basin
  • Getting up close with puffins at Hafnarhólmi
  • Driving the remote F946 mountain road with spectacular views

Accommodations

Ásgeirsstaðir Cottages
Ásgeirsstaðir, Eidar, 701 Iceland

Cost: $246.00
Room Type: Standard Cabin, 1 Bedroom
Note: Remember to purchase groceries in Egilsstaðir before arriving at the cottages if you plan to self-cater, as there are no shops nearby.

Alternative Activities

  • Ker Cliffs (Þerribjörg Sea Cliffs): One of the most breathtaking coastlines in East Iceland with dramatic cliff formations. An easy 1.5-hour family hike with spectacular views.💎 Hidden Gem
  • Dyrfjöll Mountain Viewpoint: Short 1-mile hike to a viewpoint offering dramatic vistas of the 'Door Mountains' with their distinctive gap in the middle. Name translates to 'Door Mountains' due to the gap resembling an open door.
  • Lindarbakki Turf House: Traditional red-painted turf house in Borgarfjörður Eystri. One of the most photographed buildings in East Iceland, this charming historical house dates back to 1899.
  • Álfaborg (Elf Rock): According to Icelandic folklore, this large rock formation is home to the queen of the elves. A short walking path leads around the rock with informational signs about elf legends.
  • Icelandic Wilderness Center: Unique museum about life in the Icelandic highlands with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Option to stay overnight in replica turf houses or traditional working farm.

Bad Weather Alternatives

  • Elf Museum (Álfaheimar): Small museum dedicated to Icelandic folklore about elves and hidden people. Borgarfjörður Eystri is known as the elf capital of Iceland.
  • East Iceland Heritage Museum: Museum showcasing the cultural history and daily life in East Iceland through the centuries.
  • Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools with hot tubs - a classic Icelandic experience and perfect for bad weather days.

Hot Springs

  • Laugarfell Highland Hostel Hot Pots: Remote hot springs in the highlands offering a secluded bathing experience.
    Location: Highlands near FljótsdalurCost: 1,000 ISK (~$7) per person (for non-guests)
  • Laugarvalladalur Hot Spring Waterfall: A unique natural hot waterfall where warm water cascades down. Requires a detour but is one of Iceland's most special experiences.
    Location: Near KárahnjúkarCost: Free
  • Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool: Conveniently located on your route to your accommodation in Eidar, this facility has multiple hot pots of varying temperatures.
    Location: EgilsstaðirCost: 1,000 ISK (~$7) per person✨ Evening Relaxation

Notes

  • This is a day with two substantial hikes, so wear appropriate footwear and dress in layers.
  • Remember to cancel your Mývatn reservation as noted in your original plan.
  • The Ásgeirsstaðir Cottages are quite remote, so stock up on groceries in Egilsstaðir before arrival if you plan to self-cater.