Borðeyri brings together the history of a once-important trading port and tangible points of interest around the village. On a walk, you can see old houses and read a history sign. Riis Hús was built in 1862 and renovated to its original appearance. In 2018, the oldest part of Borðeyri on Borðeyrartangi was designated a protected settlement area under Icelandic law; the corresponding proposal was confirmed in April 2019. This means local points of interest range from individual buildings to the protected oldest part of the village on Borðeyrartangi. Riis Hús is a tangible reference point for the history of the buildings, while the history sign and old houses add to the walking route.
Trading Port and Local History
Borðeyri was once an important trading port and was recognized as a licensed trading post in 1845. In the 19th century, it was one of the largest export ports in northern Iceland. In the second half of the century, Borðeyri was a center for large-scale exports of live sheep. For a long time, the village was also an important trading center for the surrounding communities. The recognition in 1845 and the large-scale sheep exports in the second half of the century mark different stages in the history of trade; the village’s importance to surrounding communities adds a local perspective to the regional exports. Emigration is also part of the story: large groups of people left from Borðeyri, seeking a better life in the Western world. Trade and emigration thus broaden the picture beyond the history of the buildings.
Birdlife, Café, and Accommodation
Borðeyri’s campsite is home to a variety of birdlife, and especially beautiful sunsets can often be seen from there. Hot and cold water are available at the campsite. Check these amenities before you set off. This lets you combine a historic walk around the village with wildlife watching at the campsite. The seasonal café at Riishús opens on July 1. Before your visit, check whether it will be open in your travel year. Tangahús offers accommodation year-round. Confirm current availability before booking.
The Westfjords: A Regional Perspective
For broader travel planning in the Westfjords, think on a larger scale. The Westfjords Way is an approximately 950-kilometer circular route through the Westfjords of Iceland and can be travelled as a full road trip or in shorter sections. The route follows long fjords, crosses mountain passes, and passes through tunnels; some sections are still gravel roads. Another regional travel decision concerns Hornstrandir: the most common way to get there is by sea, with scheduled departures from Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík, and Norðurfjörður on the Strandir coast. Schedules vary by season and should be checked before travelling. The circular route and seasonal departures to Hornstrandir represent different regional planning considerations.
Discover more destinations: Kirkjuból, Thingeyri, Prestbakki, Ísafjörður, Staður, Bolungarvík, Suðureyri, Holt
For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.
