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Borg á Mýrum
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Landmark
Borg á Mýrum is a history-rich site near Borgarnes, closely linked to Egil's Saga. The location was originally settled by Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, the father of the famous Viking poet and warrior Egill Skallagrímsson, in the 9th century. It served as the seat of the Mýramenn family for generations and is considered the cradle of one of the most powerful family lines in early Iceland. The current church at this site stands on historical ground where the region's first Christian chapel was once erected. In front of the church is the impressive monument 'Sonatorrek' by sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson, depicting Egill Skallagrímsson mourning his drowned son. Borg á Mýrum symbolizes the deep connection between the Icelandic literary landscape and the actual physical geography of the country. The surroundings with their vast marshes and view of Borgarfjörður reflect the rugged beauty that inspired Egill's poetry.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Skallagrímsgarður · Borgarkirkja · Safnahús Borgarfjarðar
- Nearby: Akranes (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 1 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 134 | 124 | 119 | 94 | 73 | 64 | 77 | 90 | 136 | 109 | 114 | 136 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Borg á Mýrum is a historic site linked to the saga hero Egill Skallagrímsson. The grounds are freely accessible, with an information board explaining the history.
Typical hours
As an open historic site, there are no set opening hours. You can visit at any time, preferably during daylight.
Photography
Photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the landscape and the memorial plaque. The surroundings with the river and hills offer appealing subjects.
Time needed
Plan about 15 to 20 minutes to view the site and read the information board. For a deeper immersion into the saga story, allow 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine with the nearby town of Borgarnes and the Settlement Center. The region around Borg á Mýrum is rich in saga sites and nature.
Getting there
Borg á Mýrum is located along Ring Road 1, about an hour north of Reykjavik. Park on the roadside; the site is signposted.
Insider tip
Read the Egils Saga before your visit to better understand the site's significance. Bring binoculars to explore the surrounding mountains and valley.
Geography
Facts
- Settlement site of Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson in the late 9th century.
- Primary setting for Egil's Saga, a literary masterpiece.
- Site of one of the oldest known Christian places of worship in the region.
- The 'Sonatorrek' monument commemorates Egill Skallagrímsson's lyric poetry.
- Ancestral seat of the powerful Mýramenn clan.
- The name 'Borg' refers to the prominent rock formations nearby.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Borg á Mýrum (7)
Kaupgangur
Attraction in Borg á Mýrum, recalls old trade.
The Settlement Center🏛 museum
Museum in Borg á Mýrum, focuses on Iceland's settlement history.
Borgarfjarðarbrú
Bridge in Iceland, spans the Borgarfjörður.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Borg á Mýrum famous?
It was the home farm of the famous Viking and poet Egill Skallagrímsson.
Can you visit a monument there?
Yes, the sculpture 'Sonatorrek' by Ásmundur Sveinsson commemorates Egill's famous poem.
Is there a church in Borg?
Borgarkirkja is an appealing church located at this historically significant site.
Where is the site located?
Near Borgarnes in West Iceland, easily accessible from the Ring Road.
What does the name Borg mean?
Borg means 'fortress' or 'town', but here it often refers to prominent rock formations.
Borg á Mýrum: where is it located?
Borg á Mýrum is located in Iceland.
Borg á Mýrum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Skallagrímsgarður, Borgarkirkja, Safnahús Borgarfjarðar.
Borg á Mýrum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Borg á Mýrum: why is it worth visiting?
Borg á Mýrum is a history-rich site near Borgarnes, closely linked to Egil's Saga.
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