Bakkargerdi (Iceland, Borgarfjordur Eystri)

Bakkagerði, also known as Borgarfjörður Eystri, is a remote nature-focused call in Iceland’s East Fjords. The principal attractions are the seabird colony at Hafnarhólmi, the tiny village, and the surrounding mountains. There is no conventional cruise terminal, and transport beyond the landing area is limited.

At a Glance

• Arrival: Cruise vessels anchor in the fjord, with passengers brought ashore by Zodiac.
• Independent sightseeing: Easy around the landing area; transport or an organized excursion is useful for combining the harbor with Bakkagerði village.
• Best for: Puffins in season, other seabirds, coastal scenery, village walks and hiking.
• Terrain: Harbor surfaces, boardwalks, uneven paths and exposed hillsides.
• Main limitation: Zodiac operations and outdoor activities depend heavily on wind and sea conditions.

Getting Ashore

Ships call at anchorage rather than alongside a cruise pier. Passengers normally disembark by Zodiac at Borgarfjarðarhöfn, the small working harbor beside Hafnarhólmi. Follow the ship’s instructions for landing and return times, as weather can affect the operation.

The harbor has visitor facilities but is not a full cruise terminal. Hafnarhólmi is beside the landing area, while Bakkagerði village is several kilometers away by road. Do not assume that taxis, rental cars or scheduled public transport will be waiting. Use any transfer arranged by the ship if you want to visit both areas.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time

Hafnarhólmi Seabird Colony

This is the simplest independent activity if the Zodiac lands at Borgarfjarðarhöfn. A boardwalk and viewing platforms provide close views of nesting seabirds without requiring a long hike. Atlantic puffins are normally present from approximately mid-April until early August; later calls should not expect to see them. Kittiwakes, fulmars and common eiders may also be visible.

Allow 45–90 minutes. Remain on the constructed paths, avoid blocking narrow platforms and protect cameras from rain and sea spray.

Bakkagerði Village and Álfaborg

With a ship transfer or arranged local transport, allow 1.5–2.5 hours to explore the village. Highlights include the red-roofed Lindarbakki turf house, the small Bakkagerðiskirkja church and Álfaborg, a protected rocky hill associated with local elf folklore.

The trail to Álfaborg’s viewpoint is short and considered easy, but it includes a climb on an outdoor path. The summit overlooks the village, fjord and surrounding mountains. Check whether the church is open before planning to see its painted altarpiece.

Short Scenic Hike

Marked trails begin around the village and provide views of the fjord and colorful mountains. Choose a route recommended locally for the available time and current conditions. Waterproof clothing and footwear with good grip are important, even on relatively short walks.

Kúahjalli and Hrafnatindur

This more demanding marked hike takes about three hours and includes approximately 350 m (1,148 ft) of ascent. It follows the Bakkaá valley toward Hrafnatindur before continuing across Kúahjalli. Attempt it only during a sufficiently long call, in suitable weather and with clear directions for the trail and return transport.

Stórurð

The dramatic boulder field and blue-green pools at Stórurð require a substantial mountain hike, usually around four to five hours from the relevant trailheads. Snow can remain into mid-summer. For cruise visitors, an organized guided outing is preferable because the trailheads require road transport and the route leaves little flexibility if conditions deteriorate.

Self-Guided Walks

Easy Harbor and Puffin Walk

Route: Zodiac landing at Borgarfjarðarhöfn – harbor viewpoint – Hafnarhús area – Hafnarhólmi boardwalk – seabird platforms – return to the landing.

• Walking distance: Approximately 1 km (0.6 mi), depending on the exact landing point and how much of the harbor is accessible.
• Pure walking time: About 20 minutes.
• Recommended total time: 60–90 minutes with birdwatching.
• Difficulty: Easy, although surfaces may be wet and exposed to strong wind.
• Return: Retrace the same route and arrive at the Zodiac meeting point before the ship’s stated deadline.

Village and Álfaborg Walk

Use this route only if your ship provides transport between the harbor and Bakkagerði.

Route: Village drop-off – Lindarbakki turf house – village center – Bakkagerðiskirkja – Álfaborg trail and viewpoint – transfer meeting point.

• Walking distance: Approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi), depending on the drop-off location.
• Pure walking time: About 45 minutes.
• Recommended total time: 1.5–2 hours.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with an uphill path and potentially slippery ground at Álfaborg.
• Return: Confirm the pickup point and departure time before leaving the vehicle.

Practical Tips

• Dress in warm layers and carry a waterproof outer shell; conditions can change quickly.
• Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear for Zodiac landings, wet boardwalks and trails.
• Facilities, shops and food choices are limited, and seasonal businesses may not be open for every call.
• Stay on marked paths around nesting birds and never approach burrows.
• Do not plan to walk between the harbor and village unless the ship confirms that the road route is suitable and sufficient time is available.
• Allow a generous margin for the return. Passengers must still queue, board a Zodiac and travel back to the anchored ship.