Things to do in Borgarbyggd

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Western Region

Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar is located in the Borgarbyggd region of Iceland and is a unique waterfall view in Iceland. The waterfall is formed by hundreds of small streams seeping from the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and flowing directly into the Hvítá River along the base of a rock formation approx. 900 m long. It resembles hundreds of silver silk curtains cascading simultaneously from the rock crevices, creating a very unique appearance. The adjacent Barnafoss is turbulent, forming a sharp contrast with the gentle appearance of Hraunfossar. Nearby, you can also explore Víðgelmir, Iceland's longest lava cave, as the entire area features a rich and diverse geological landscape.

Barnafoss

Barnafoss, meaning "Children's Waterfall," is located in the Borgarbyggd region of Iceland and is famous for its unique natural scenery and mysterious legends. The name originates from a tragic legend: it is said that in the past, two children fell into the water while crossing a natural stone bridge above the waterfall, and their grief-stricken mother subsequently destroyed the stone bridge to prevent similar tragedies from happening again, adding a mysterious aura to this waterfall. In terms of natural scenery, the turbulent water flows through a series of narrow canyons and rock crevices, creating spectacular water formations, with the white spray on the water's surface contrasting sharply with the blue-green water. Whether you are a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, this is a wonderful place to explore the natural wonders of Iceland.

Deildartunguhver

Deildartunguhver is located in the Reykholtsdalur valley in western Iceland and is known as the hot spring with the highest flow rate in Europe, with a water temperature of approximately 97°C and a flow rate of approximately 180 liters per second. It is considered one of the most powerful natural hot springs in the world. The boiling hot water surges and bubbles on the ground, with billowing steam, creating a spectacular scene. This geothermal energy is transported via long-distance pipelines to surrounding towns for district heating, making it a classic example of Iceland's efficient use of geothermal resources. A unique species of fern grows near the spring, which is not found anywhere else in the world, adding unique ecological value to this hot spring.

The Settlement Center

Housed within two historic buildings in the town of Borgarnes, this museum focuses on the history of early settlement in Iceland and the culture of the Sagas. The museum highlights the legends of the famous Icelandic hero Egill Skallagrímsson, using sound and light displays along with immersive dioramas to transport visitors into the world of medieval Icelandic settlers. The Icelandic Sagas are an important part of Nordic heritage, and since the area around Borgarnes is the setting for many of these stories, the museum holds unique geographical and cultural significance.

The Cave Vidgelmir

The Cave Vidgelmir is a large lava cave near the Borgarfjörður region in Iceland. It is the largest lava cave in Iceland and one of the most spectacular lava tube caves in the world. This underground lava tunnel, with a total length of approx. 1,600 m, was formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. It preserves various lava stalactites and stalagmites inside, and spectacular ice formations also form in winter. A wooden walkway is built inside the cave to facilitate safe tours for visitors. Along the way, you can observe the folds and bubble-like rock walls left by solidified lava flows up close and experience the geological wonders deep within the earth. The cave is not far from Deildartunguhver, the geothermal hot spring with the largest water volume in Europe, and is often included in the itinerary of the West Iceland Silver Circle route.

Glanni Waterfall

Krauma

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal hot spring on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, set amid a stark black volcanic lava field. Its water comes from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station—after deep geothermal water is extracted for power generation, the mineral-rich residual water flows into low-lying areas between the lava, gradually forming this geothermal lagoon. The water has a high silica content, and it is this silica that gives the lagoon its distinctive milky blue color, which stands out strikingly against the surrounding black lava. Steam rises from the surface year-round, and from a distance it looks like a glowing blue sapphire in the wilderness. The signature experience at the Blue Lagoon is to visit the in-water mask bar and apply silica mud to your face, enjoying a natural mud mask. This white silica mud is formed from minerals deposited from the geothermal water; it feels fine and silky to the touch and is a bathing ritual unique to the Blue Lagoon. The hot spring area also has a sauna, a steam room, and a steam cave, where you can alternate between steam bathing and outdoor soaking to experience the shift between hot and cold. If you happen to visit on a snowy day, soak in the warm water and look up as snowflakes fall onto the black lava—the contrast of ice and fire is unforgettable. The pale blue water of the entire lagoon, wreathed in steam, together with the rugged lava landscape, creates a scene full of Icelandic character.

Snorrastaðir Campsite

Hótel Húsafell