Álfaborg is a rocky hill that rises in the middle of Bakkagerði, a village in Borgarfjörður eystri in East Iceland. The name means elf rock: in Icelandic folklore the elves live inside the hill, and the elf queen among them. People climb it for the view. From the top the whole village lies below, with the fjord and the mountains around it. The ground underfoot is rocky, and the top is exposed to wind.
Álfaborg
In Icelandic folklore this rock is the palace of the elf queen, and the village of Bakkagerði stands around it.
- Entrance
- Free
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance. Reaching the viewpoint means climbing rocky ground.
- Parking
- Free — in Bakkagerði village
- Difficulty
- A climb over rocky ground rather than a walk.
- Transport
- Self-drive — Bakkagerði, Borgarfjörður eystri
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Bakkagerði, Borgarfjörður eystri
What makes it special
Álfaborg is a rock in the middle of a village, and the view from the top is what people climb it for. From up there the whole of Bakkagerði lies below, with the fjord and the mountains around it. The other half of the draw is the folklore. The rock is known as the palace of the elves, and the queen of Iceland's elves is said to live inside it. Come for a lookout point with a story attached. Arriving for the rock alone, without the story, leaves little to look at.
Good to know
- Wind: the top is exposed and it gets windy. Bring a jacket.
- Underfoot: the ground is rocky, and getting to the top is a climb. Wear shoes with grip.
- Manage expectations: it is a rock with a view and a story. Without the folklore there is not much to see.
- The view: the whole village lies below, with the fjord and the surrounding mountains beyond it.
Getting there
Álfaborg stands in the middle of Bakkagerði, in Borgarfjörður eystri, so the approach begins in the village itself and is made on foot. Getting to the top means climbing the hill, and the ground underfoot is rocky.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Álfaborg on the map
The climb is short but the top is open and unfenced and can be slippery in wet or windy weather — take care near the edges and keep an eye on children.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Álfaborg?
A rocky hill in the middle of Bakkagerði in East Iceland. You climb it for the view, and in folklore it is the palace of the elves.Why is it called Álfaborg?
The name means elf rock. Icelandic folklore puts the home of the elves inside the hill, with the elf queen among them.What can you see from the top?
The whole village of Bakkagerði below, and the fjord and mountains around it.Is Álfaborg suitable for wheelchair users?
No. There is no wheelchair-accessible entrance, and reaching the top means climbing rocky ground.What should you bring?
A jacket. The top of the rock is exposed and it gets windy. Shoes with grip help on the rocky ground.