Are you planning a self-drive adventure through the dramatic landscapes of West Iceland? If so, you will quickly discover that Borgarnes, Iceland, serves as the ultimate gateway to your northern and western adventures. Nestled along the shores of the Borgarfjörður, this charming town of just over 2,000 residents offers a blend of rich saga history, striking natural beauty, and highly practical travel logistics. Let us dive into why you should make Borgarnes, Iceland a central spot on your self-drive itinerary, helping you unlock the secrets of this remarkable Nordic region.
Why Borgarnes is a Useful West Iceland Base
When you plan a road trip, choosing the right base camp can make or break your travel experience. Fortunately, Borgarnes, Iceland provides an incredibly practical and strategic hub for exploring the western region thanks to it´s:
- Excellent Infrastructure: The town boasts critical amenities for motorists, featuring large supermarkets like Bónus and Nettó, modern gas stations, and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
- Hassle-Free Parking: Parking in Iceland can be tricky but in this town, it remains simple, widely available, and free of charge.
- Eliminate Backtracking: Staying in West Iceland, especially Borgarnes, allows you to return to the same spot after a long day of exploring rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and valleys.
Location Between Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes and North Iceland
Geography plays a massive role in making Borgarnes, Iceland, such a beloved stop. The town sits directly along Route 1, widely known as the Ring Road, approximately 75 kilometres (46 miles) north of Reykjavík. This strategic location means you can easily reach the town in just over an hour of driving from the capital city.
From this central coastal point, the breathtaking landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lie just a short drive to the west, while the majestic fjords of the north remain easily accessible via Route 1.
Photo via Flickr user/yashima
Best Things to Do in Borgarnes
While many travellers initially view Borgarnes, Iceland as a convenient transit hub, the town itself offers plenty of engaging activities that warrant a longer stay. In fact, it is celebrated as a must-visit spot in the top 9 cities and towns in Iceland, offering a perfect mix of cultural stops and scenic views. Before you reach the town from Reykjavík, you can even enjoy the famous Glymur waterfall hike which leads you to one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls through deep canyons and lush trails. This stunning hike serves as a fantastic introduction to the dramatic landscapes of West Iceland.
Settlement History, Museums, Coastal Walks and Local Food
To truly understand this region, you must explore its rich cultural heritage. This table compiles your must-stop visits that will leave you feeling renewed:
| Place to visit | What to expect |
| The Settlement Centre of Iceland | One of the premier attractions in Borgarnes, Iceland, housing two award-winning, interactive exhibitions. One exhibition details the early Norse settlement of the island, while the other focuses on the famous Egil’s Saga, a legendary Viking tale. |
| Borgarfjörður Coastal Walks | Scenic walking paths wind directly along the edge of the fjord, offering peaceful views of the water and the chance to spot local birdlife. |
| Englendingavík Restaurant | A beautiful culinary spot set in restored historic buildings right by the water, where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and traditional Icelandic lamb. |
| Krauma Geothermal Baths | Wind down and rest after a day of activities in these beautiful natural pools. Directly from Deildartunguhver, the water is cooled down to the right bathing temperature with cold water from Rauðsgil. |
How to Drive from Borgarnes to Snæfellsnes
The journey from Borgarnes, Iceland, to the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula stands out as one of the most popular scenic drives in the country. Often referred to as Iceland in Miniature, Snæfellsnes packs glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs into a relatively small area. Driving from Borgarnes to Snæfellsnes is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to easily explore the entire peninsula on a day trip.
To elevate your travel safety, our local driving experts have compiled crucial regional logistics for navigating around Borgarnes:
- The Borgarfjörður Bridge (Borgarfjarðarbrú): As you enter or leave Borgarnes from the south on Route 1, you will cross Iceland’s second-longest bridge. This expanse is highly susceptible to severe coastal crosswinds. Always keep both hands on the wheel, especially when driving high-profile vehicles like motorhomes or campers.
- Sheep and Wildlife Hazards: Route 54 and secondary roads in West Iceland cut directly through farming pastures. During the summer, livestock roam freely. If you see sheep near the road shoulder, slow down immediately as they are highly unpredictable.
- Speed Cameras: Be aware that fixed, automated speed cameras are operational along Route 1 both inside the Hvalfjörður tunnel and just as you approach the township bounds of Borgarnes. Speeding fines are substantial and are processed automatically via your rental agreement.
Before heading out for adventures, make sure you check weather and road conditions on safe.hertz.is so you can plan your trip safely. Because your safety is our main priority, we offer 24/7 national highway emergency assistance. Note that towing and recovery costs remain the renter’s responsibility unless additional coverage is selected; always consult safe.hertz.is before driving.
Driving Route map from Reykjavik to Borgarnes
Route options, driving time and stops along the way.
The most direct route from Borgarnes, Iceland to the peninsula begins by taking Route 1 north for a short distance before turning onto Route 54. This scenic road leads you directly along the southern coast of the peninsula, offering stunning views of rugged mountains on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The drive from the town centre takes approximately 40 minutes, while reaching the westernmost point near Snæfellsjökull National Park takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous driving.
Along the way, you should plan to stop at several iconic locations like the Gerðuberg basalt columns, the Ytri Tunga beach and the picturesque black church at Búðir. Imagine you are sitting in your rental car, turning the key in the town centre of Borgarnes, Iceland. Here is exactly how your road trip unfolds as you head west:
| Timeline & Journey Stage | Location & Route Transitions | Structural Highlights & What You Will See |
| Minute 0: Leaving Borgarnes | Start in the heart of town; head slightly north on Route 1 (The Ring Road) and exit left onto Route 54. | This is the main highway that runs along the entire southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. |
| Minute 40: Arriving at the Peninsula Gate | Paved, smooth, and easy-to-navigate roads cross into the official entrance of the Snæfellsnes region. | The landscape changes dramatically from wide farmlands to striking coastal mountains on your right and the Atlantic Ocean on your left. |
| Minute 45: First Stop – Gerðuberg Basalt Columns | Pullover area located just 5 minutes past the entrance gate, positioned right off Route 54. | A massive, structural cliffside wall made of perfectly symmetrical, hexagonal basalt columns in Iceland that look man-made but are entirely raw volcanic geology. |
| Minute 60 (1 Hour Out): Second Stop – Ytri Tunga Beach | Driven 15 minutes further west on Route 54 down a short access track. | A golden-sand beach famous for hosting a permanent wild seal colony. You can park and walk right down to the rocks to watch them lounge and swim. |
| Minute 75 (1 Hour, 15 Mins Out): Third Stop – Búðir Black Church | Transition off Route 54 and turn onto Route 574 (the glacier loop road). | A lone, pitch-black historic church that sits entirely isolated inside an ancient, moss-covered lava field with snow-capped mountains towering behind it. |
| Minute 90 to 120 (1.5 to 2 Hours Out): The Final Hub – Snæfellsjökull National Park | Deep stretch continuing along the paved lanes of Route 574. | The grand finale. Drive directly underneath the massive Snæfellsjökull glacier ice cap (the famous volcano from Journey to the Center of the Earth), surrounded by sea cliffs, black sand beaches, and volcanic craters. |
Best Rental Car for Visiting Borgarnes
Choosing the right rental car is key to enjoying a stress-free self-drive vacation. For travelling to Borgarnes, Iceland and the surrounding western regions, your choice should depend on the season of your visit:
- Summer Months (June–September): A standard 2WD economy or compact car from Hertz Iceland works perfectly. If you prefer a highly fuel-efficient, booking a tailored rental car for Iceland travel keeps your transit smooth. For those wanting a zero-emission journey, reserving an electric car rental in Iceland utilizes the excellent charging network along the western routes.
- Winter & Shoulder Seasons (October–May): We strongly recommend renting a robust 4WD SUVbecause Icelandic winter weather changes rapidly. Securing a premium vehicle engineered as a 4×4 for Iceland roads provides the necessary traction, stability, and ground clearance to keep you safe.
- Highland Exploration: If you plan to explore any of the unpaved highland interior roads (F-roads) during the summer, a 4WD vehicle is legally required by Icelandic law.
For your peace of mind, we created the following table detailing which vehicle from our fleet will serve you best depending on the season and scenario you choose:
| Vehicle Category | Best Travel Scenarios | Seasonal Suitability | Ground Clearance & Terrain Capabilities |
| Economy / Compact 2WD | Solo travellers or couples sticking to the main paved loop. | Summer Months Only(June–September) | Low. Designed strictly for asphalted corridors like Route 1 and Route 54. |
| Electric AWD (EV) | Eco-conscious motorists wanting a zero-emission trip. | Summer & Light Shoulder | Standard. Ideal for utilizing the robust charging network along western roads. |
| Mid-Size / Large 4×4 SUV | Families, photography groups, or those driving shoulder seasons. | Year-Round(Mandatory October–May) | Medium to High. Essential for dealing with sudden subarctic wind and snowstorms. |
| Specialized 4×4 SUV / Camper | Independent explorers heading into unpaved interior tracks. | Late Summer Opener(F-Road Opening Windows) | High. Legally mandatory under Icelandic law to navigate rugged Iceland F-roads safely. |
The dramatic fjords and rich saga lands surrounding Borgarnes are best explored on your own terms. Book your ideal rental car with us to secure a modern, reliable vehicle complete with premium roadside assistance across the entire western region.
Borgarnes: The Questions Every Road Tripper Asks
Is Borgarnes worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Borgarnes, Iceland is highly worth visiting, especially for road trippers. It serves as an excellent base for exploring West Iceland, offering a unique combination of history, museums and scenic coastal views.
What are the best things to do in Borgarnes?
The top things to do in Borgarnes include visiting the Settlement Centre, enjoying scenic coastal walks, dining on local seafood at Englendingavík, and exploring nearby natural attractions like the Silver Circle and local geothermal pools.
How far is Borgarnes from Reykjavík?
The town is located approximately 75 kilometres (46.5 miles) north of Reykjavík. The drive takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes along Route 1, passing directly through the Hvalfjörður tunnel.
Can you drive from Borgarnes to Snæfellsnes?
Yes, you can easily drive from Borgarnes to Snæfellsnes. The journey along Route 54 takes about 40 minutes to reach the entrance of the peninsula, and around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the Snæfellsjökull National Park.
What car should I rent for West Iceland?
We recommend a standard 2WD car for summer travel on paved coastal roads. However, for winter travel and gravel roads explorations, you should rent a 4WD SUV.
