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150 km
About 2 h 20 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
West & Snæfellsnes · from KEF
About Reykholt (Borgarfjörður) and the drive
Reykholt in Borgarfjörður is a small village in the Reykholtsdalur valley in West Iceland, and one of the most important historic sites in the country. It was the home of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century chieftain, historian and poet who wrote the Prose Edda and Heimskringla. Snorrastofa, the cultural and research centre beside the church, tells his story, and Snorralaug, his medieval geothermal bathing pool, can still be seen. Not to be confused with Reykholt in Biskupstungur on the Golden Circle.
From Keflavík Airport the driver heads to Reykjavík, follows Route 1 north around Mount Esja and under Hvalfjörður through the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel, and continues to Borgarnes. Just north of town the road turns inland up the valley, past farms and steaming hot springs, to Reykholt. A short stop in Borgarnes for groceries is easy to add if you agree it in advance.
Many visitors stay in Reykholt or at farms and cottages nearby as a base for the upper Borgarfjörður valleys; the driver takes you to the door, so send the exact location if you are staying outside the village. The Deildartunguhver hot spring is on the way, and Hraunfossar, Barnafoss and Húsafell lie further up the valley. Read more in our Borgarnes and West Iceland guide.
Seasons and roads
In winter the valley roads can be icy and short daylight limits sightseeing on the way. The driver plans the route and timing to the conditions.
