Kolbeinsfjara is a stretch of shoreline on the fjord at Borgarfjörður eystri, in East Iceland. It is classed as a nature preserve. People stop for the view across the water to the mountains on the far side, and for the chance of whales in the bay: they have been seen from land here, by walkers rather than from a boat. The shore is open all year, and a visit takes as long as you choose to give it.
Kolbeinsfjara
Whales have been seen from this shore by walkers who came for the view, not for the whales.
- Parking
- Parking about 95 m from the shore. A second car park, paid and asphalted, is about 525 m away.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Borgarfjörður - Fjarðarborg, about 2.9 km from the shore.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day of the week.
- Address
- Bakkagerði, Borgarfjörður eystri
What makes it special
The draw here is whales, seen from land. One visitor came across them while hiking in the bay, without having come to look for them. Nothing about that is scheduled — the animals move through the fjord on their own time, and most visits are spent watching water and mountains instead. Kolbeinsfjara faces across the fjord to the ridges that close it in, and that view is what the shore is rated for. It is a quiet stop, and it does not draw crowds.
Good to know
- Toilets — free public toilets stand about 620 m from the shore.
- No drinking water — there is no drinking water point within 5 km. Bring what you need for the day.
- Information boards — two boards stand within about 700 m of the shore.
- With children — the shore is listed as suitable for a visit with children.
Getting there
Kolbeinsfjara is reached by car. Parking sits right at the shore, so there is no approach walk to speak of once you have stopped; a second car park, paid and surfaced with asphalt, lies back along the road. Public transport gets as far as Borgarfjörður eystri and no further, and from the bus stop the rest of the way is on foot.
Best time to visit
Best: summer. The whale reports from this shore were posted in July and September.
Avoid: midwinter, when East Iceland has little daylight.
The sightings are chance events, so no hour of the day improves the odds. Give the water a long look before you move on.
Sun & daylight
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Frequently asked questions
What is Kolbeinsfjara?
A stretch of shoreline on the fjord at Borgarfjörður eystri, in East Iceland, classed as a nature preserve. People stop for the view across the water and for the chance of whales in the bay.Can you see whales from Kolbeinsfjara?
Yes, from land. One visitor came across whales while hiking in the bay here. Sightings are a matter of chance, and no boat is involved.Can you get to Kolbeinsfjara by bus?
Only part of the way. The nearest stop is at Borgarfjörður eystri, and the rest is on foot.Is Kolbeinsfjara a good stop with children?
Yes. The shore is listed as suitable for a visit with children, and free public toilets are within walking distance.