Bakkagerði, East Iceland, Iceland
A tiny fjord hamlet cradled by jagged rhyolite mountains, Bakkagerði draws expedition ships with its world-class puffin colony, elf folklore, and some of Iceland's most dramatic hiking.
A tiny fjord hamlet cradled by jagged rhyolite mountains, Bakkagerði draws expedition ships with its world-class puffin colony, elf folklore, and some of Iceland's most dramatic hiking.
There is no cruise terminal — tenders or Zodiacs bring you to Bakkagerði's small working harbor.
💡 Pro move: No cruise terminal, no shuttle buses. The village is tiny and walkable. For Stórurð or remote trails, arrange transport through your ship's excursion desk or local guides.
Bakkagerði is a tender-only port with no dedicated cruise infrastructure.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition & small luxury lines (Hapag-Lloyd, HX Hurtigruten, etc.) | Anchor in Borgarfjörður Eystri, tender to harbor quay📍 | Tendered |
| All vessels | No docking berth available — Zodiac or tender required📍 | Tendered |
Most excursions focus on Bakkagerði's twin draws: easy puffin access at Hafnarhólmi and the region's world-class hiking trails.
A wooden walkway leads to a small islet where thousands of Atlantic puffins nest May–August. Elevated viewing platforms put you eye-level with the birds — one of Iceland's most accessible puffin colonies.
A dramatic hike to a glacial boulder field surrounded by vivid rhyolite peaks and a turquoise lake. One of East Iceland's most photographed landscapes, typically accessible June–September.
Multi-stage hiking routes across once-inhabited fjords now returned to wilderness. The trails reveal old farmstead ruins, dramatic coastal scenery, and exceptional birdlife.
Climb the easy trail up Álfaborg — a basalt rock said to house the Elf Queen — for panoramic views, then explore the village church featuring an altarpiece by famed Icelandic painter Jóhannes Kjarval.
Zodiac or RIB tours around the fjord offer views of puffins from the water, plus chances to spot harbour seals, harlequin ducks, and white-tailed eagles along the dramatic coastline.
The village is tiny but the immediate surroundings offer easy, rewarding walks.
From the tender landing at the harbor, follow the path north along the waterfront to Hafnarhólmi. Cross the wooden walkway to the islet and use the viewing platforms to watch puffins at close range.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Walk from the village center to Álfaborg, a prominent basalt rock formation. A short trail leads to the summit with sweeping views of the colorful rhyolite mountains and the fjord below.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Bakkagerði, East Iceland, Iceland (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F / 2°C | 26°F / -3°C | 20 | 10:40 AM | 3:29 PM |
| Feb | 36°F / 2°C | 28°F / -2°C | 19 | 8:57 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Mar | 36°F / 2°C | 28°F / -2°C | 19 | 7:14 AM | 6:55 PM |
| Apr | 39°F / 4°C | 31°F / -1°C | 14 | 5:17 AM | 8:35 PM |
| May | 44°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 15 | – | – |
| Jun | 52°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 13 | – | – |
| Jul | 53°F / 12°C | 47°F / 8°C | 16 | – | – |
| Aug | 54°F / 12°C | 46°F / 8°C | 14 | 4:37 AM | 9:19 PM |
| Sep | 51°F / 11°C | 44°F / 7°C | 18 | 6:17 AM | 7:21 PM |
| Oct | 44°F / 7°C | 37°F / 3°C | 20 | 7:50 AM | 5:29 PM |
| Nov | 39°F / 4°C | 32°F / 0°C | 19 | 9:38 AM | 3:40 PM |
| Dec | 35°F / 2°C | 27°F / -3°C | 21 | 11:12 AM | 2:28 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The harbor quay is immediately adjacent to the village center — everything in Bakkagerði is within a few minutes on foot from the pier.
Shore excursions booked through your cruise line are the primary way to reach hiking trails, puffin colonies, and the surrounding East Fjords landscape.
A handful of local East Iceland operators offer private day tours around Borgarfjörður Eystri, but must be booked well ahead of arrival — no walk-up options exist.
Upcoming cruises that call at Bakkagerði, East Iceland, Iceland. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.