Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Hornstrandir

Homeward Bound: Reflecting on Hornstrandir
As our adventure in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a tinge of sadness, of course, at leaving this pristine wilderness, but also a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had. Hornstrandir has a way of seeping into your soul, leaving an indelible mark on your memory. It's a place where the raw beauty of nature overwhelms you, where the silence is broken only by the calls of seabirds and the crashing of waves. And it's a place I know I'll carry with me, always.


Discover the untouched wilderness of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife await your exploration in Iceland.

Our final day began, as most had, with a hearty breakfast at the Jötunn restaurant in Ísafjörður. After eight days of mostly camping and hiking, a proper meal was a welcome treat. I savored every bite, knowing it would be our last taste of restaurant fare for a while. Liam and I reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip as we ate. He was particularly fond of our encounter with the Arctic foxes, while I cherished the quiet evenings spent photographing the dramatic cliffs at sunset.


Discover Jötunn Restaurant: A must-visit culinary destination in Ísafjörður offering exquisite Icelandic-style sushi amidst stunning landscapes.

The weather in Hornstrandir in June is relatively cold, with average temperatures of 43-47°F, so the warm restaurant was quite pleasant, and we spent a bit longer there than we had planned, relishing the warmth and comfort before heading back out into the elements. The weather forecast promised a mix of sun and clouds, typical for this time of year, so we knew we had to make the most of it.

Our last day in Iceland was a flurry of travel logistics and poignant farewells. We savored a final glimpse of the dramatic landscape that had captivated us for the past week, knowing we'd carry its beauty in our hearts long after we departed. It was a bittersweet symphony of endings and beginnings, a fitting conclusion to our Hornstrandir adventure.

Before leaving Ísafjörður, we took one last stroll through the town, soaking in the atmosphere of this charming Icelandic settlement. We popped into a few shops, picking up some souvenirs to remind us of our time here. I found a beautiful hand-knitted wool sweater, perfect for the chilly evenings back in Banff, while Liam chose a bottle of local Icelandic gin to share with friends.

For lunch, we decided to try Café Riis Hólmavík, a restaurant and pizzeria known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. The reviews I had read online raved about their seafood soup and pizzas, so we were eager to give it a try. It certainly lived up to its reputation. The seafood soup was rich and flavorful, packed with fresh fish and shellfish. Liam opted for a pizza topped with local lamb, which he declared to be the best he'd ever tasted.


Discover delicious pizzas and authentic Icelandic cuisine at Café Riis Hólmavík - the perfect stop for tourists seeking culinary delights.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the most remote places.

After lunch, we made our way to the airport for our domestic flight back to Reykjavik. The flight was smooth, offering stunning views of the Icelandic coastline as we soared above the fjords and mountains. As we descended into Reykjavik, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of exploring the capital city.

Once we arrived in Reykjavik, we checked into our hotel and freshened up before heading out for our final dinner in Iceland. We chose Logn, restaurant & bar, located in Hótel Ísafjörður, drawn by its varied menu and cozy atmosphere. We were not disappointed. I ordered the catch of the day, a perfectly grilled cod served with roasted vegetables. Liam opted for a traditional Icelandic lamb dish, which he devoured with gusto.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Logn in Ísafjörður – where fresh local ingredients meet warm hospitality.

After dinner, we decided to check out Skúli Craft bar for a nightcap. Skúli Craft Bar is known for its extensive selection of Icelandic craft beers, and we were eager to sample some local brews. The bar had a warm and inviting interior, with wooden tables and chairs and brick walls. We settled in at the bar and ordered a couple of beers, chatting with the friendly bartender about our adventures in Hornstrandir.


Discover Skúli Craft Bar in Reykjavík: A vibrant hub for craft beer lovers and a lively taste of Iceland's nightlife.

The bar was named after Skúli Magnússon, an important figure in the history of Reykjavík during the Age of Enlightenment, which I found pretty fascinating. It was the perfect way to wind down our final evening in Iceland, savoring the flavors of local beer and reflecting on our incredible journey.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our hotel room in Reykjavik, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. We faced challenges, pushed our limits, and immersed ourselves in the beauty of nature. We discovered hidden gems, encountered incredible wildlife, and forged memories that will last a lifetime. And as much as I love Banff, there's something about the Nordic landscapes that call to me, reminding me of my heritage and the simple, rugged beauty of life.

Hornstrandir is not for the faint of heart. It's a place that demands respect and preparation. But for those willing to embrace its challenges, it offers an unparalleled reward: a glimpse into a world untouched by time, a connection to nature in its purest form, and an experience that will stay with you long after you've left its shores.

Tomorrow marks the end of our Icelandic adventure. We'll be catching our flight back to Calgary, eager to return home and share our stories with friends and family. But a part of me will always remain in Hornstrandir, wandering its wild landscapes and breathing in its crisp, clean air. And I know, without a doubt, that we'll be back someday to explore more of this incredible country.

As we prepare to leave, I find myself already dreaming of future adventures. Perhaps we'll explore the Icelandic Highlands, hike the Laugavegur Trail, or even venture further north to the Arctic Circle. The possibilities are endless, and the spirit of exploration burns bright within me. It is time to return home, to Banff, to our brewery manager and wildlife photographer lives, with new stories to tell and photographs to develop.

Thank you, Iceland, for opening your arms to us and sharing your untamed beauty. Until we meet again...

P.S. I almost forgot! I did end up forgetting a portable phone charger and extra memory cards for my camera. Rookie mistake, but luckily Liam had an extra charger, and I managed to ration my memory cards carefully! A lesson learned for future trips, no doubt.