Borgarfjordur Eystri & Hafnarholmi

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Spend the day venturing into the land where Vikings once roamed and the mountains were home to trolls and fairies. Not only will you witness the mesmerizing beauty of the East Fjords but your on-board guide will provide commentary on the area's history, points of interest, and entertain with local Norse legends.

You'll board your motorcoach for the two-hour journey to Borgarfjordur Eystri, a small fjord that's home to the quaint fishing village of Bakkaagerdi. As you wind your way through Seyðisfjörður, you'll pass a number of Iceland's best-preserved and brightly painted wooden structures. These homes, businesses and public buildings were imported from Norway in kit form between 1895 and 1922.

Heading into the remote landscape of rugged mountains and pristine valleys, you'll traverse Fjardarheidi Pass. You'll have a view Lake Lagarfljot. Gouged out over thousands of years by glaciers, legend has it that the lake is home to a mysterious sea creature. You'll then climb Vatnsskard Pass, which rises 1,200 feet above sea level.

Another photo opportunity - and fascinating myth - awaits you at a mountain slope called Njardvikurskridur. Local legend says that in the 12th century a terrible monster called The Rumbler inhabited the steep cliffs and rugged terrain. Whenever the loose rocks along the mountain began to crumble, it was believed that this half-human and half-animal beast was roaming about. One day, a valiant farmer battled the creature and forced him into the sea. A cross was erected at the site of the ferocious duel and since 1306 travelers often stop and pray for a safe journey.

Continuing on through the strikingly beautiful landscape you'll arrive at Bakkaagerdi. Here, you'll disembark for a typical Icelandic lunch of soup and bread, fish, vegetables, and refreshments including fresh, crisp drinking water from Iceland's snow-covered mountains.

After lunch, you'll tour this picturesque little hamlet. On your walk you may notice the rocky hill that that rests above the village. It may be hard to believe but this little hill is steeped in Norse myths. Called Álfaborg, it's the "capital of elves and fairies" and home of the fairy queen of Iceland. It's also a well-known nature reserve with easy walking paths. On the outskirts of Bakkaagerdi sits the Bakkagerdiskirkja, an enchanting 110-year-old church. The inside altarpiece was painted by famous local artist Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval in 1914 and depicts Christ giving the Sermon on the Mount standing atop Álfaborg.

You'll then reboard your motorcoach for the return trip to your ship. Along the way, you'll stop at Hafnarholmi, a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Kittiwakes, eider ducks, and puffins can often be seen flying in and out of the harbor. A staircase that leads to the top of town offers breathtaking views.

Special Notes:

This excursion is a scenic drive suitable to most passengers. Guests must negotiate a small number of steps when entering buildings. There are steep steps up Hafnarholmi to view the town and birds (steps are optional and guests can opt to stay at the parking lot while others walk up).

Wear comfortable, appropriate shoes for the terrain in this excursion; along with the appropritate clothing suited to the day's conditions. Bring a hat and a light, waterproof jacket.

Guests must also navigate several steps to get to the viewing platform. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and the birds, specifically puffins usually migrate mid-August.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced