Family Adventure in the Heart of Þórsmörk, Iceland

South Coast Wonders: A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of contrasts, where the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland's landscapes met the comforting embrace of its local flavors. It was a day that reminded me why I love sharing these experiences with my family, and why Iceland will always hold a special place in my heart. From windswept heaths to dramatic coastlines, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Black Beach Restaurant in Vík. The restaurant's design is really unique, blending into the surrounding landscape with walls incorporating rocks from the beach. It was fascinating to learn that the restaurant was founded by five local farmers who own the surrounding land. The Black Beach Restaurant offered a breathtaking view of Dyrhólaey and the ocean. I opted for the traditional Icelandic skyr with fresh berries, while Maximilian enjoyed a smoked salmon sandwich. Clara, of course, went for the pancakes. Fueled up, we were ready to tackle the day's adventures.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with stunning ocean views at Black Beach Restaurant near Reynisfjara beach.

Our first stop was Höfðabrekkuheiði, a heath known for its stunning views and connection to Iceland's volcanic history. The drive there was an experience in itself, with black sand and glacial rivers surrounding us. As we drove along the gravel road, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the power of nature. Höfðabrekkuheiði is a tuff ridge formed during the last Ice Age when volcanic material forced its way from beneath the glacier following a sub-glacial eruption. It's amazing to think about the geological forces that shaped this landscape. The weather was a bit temperamental, with bursts of sunshine followed by brief showers, but that's Iceland for you! We managed to hike a portion of the heath, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers. It was easy to imagine scenes from Game of Thrones being filmed here, as Höfðabrekkuheiði portrays the frozen wastes of northern Westeros. I made sure to keep an eye out for the delicate vegetation, remembering to stick to the trails. I had forgotten our binoculars, which would have been useful for bird watching. Still, the views were incredible, and the fresh mountain air was invigorating.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Höfðabrekkuheiði, an Icelandic hiking gem offering diverse trails and stunning vistas.

Next on our itinerary was Reynisfjall, a tuff mountain towering beside the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Reynisfjall is home to a rich bird population. The peak of Reynisfjall is best known for towering beside two of the most popular sites of the South, Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar. Reynisfjara is a black-sand-beach, once voted one of the world's most beautiful stretches of non-tropical coastline. Reynisfjall's surroundings are famous for its ethereal, haunting appearance. The hike up Reynisfjall was invigorating, and the views from the top were simply breathtaking. We could see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black sand beach stretching out before us, and the dramatic coastline disappearing into the horizon. Clara was fascinated by the basalt columns and the cave Hálsanefshellir. Maximilian, ever the photographer, was in his element, capturing the dramatic scenery from every angle. I felt a sense of pride, showing my family the raw beauty of my homeland.


Explore the stunning Reynisfjall peak in Iceland, where breathtaking views and unique geological formations await every visitor.

The beauty of Iceland lies not just in its landscapes, but in the way it makes you feel small yet connected to something immense.

After our coastal adventures, we were ready for a late lunch. We drove to Flúðir, a charming village known for its geothermal activity, to visit Farmers Bistro. The bistro is operated alongside Flúðasveppir, the only mushroom farm in Iceland. The bistro focuses on the farm's very own mushrooms, bell peppers, and other vegetables and herbs, all organically grown and handpicked in nearby geothermal greenhouses. We enjoyed a delicious meal featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I opted for the mushroom soup, which was creamy and flavorful, while Maximilian enjoyed a bell pepper and mushroom pizza. Clara, surprisingly, devoured a plate of roasted vegetables. It's wonderful to see her trying new things and appreciating the flavors of Icelandic cuisine. The motto of this lovely slow-food bistro is “We serve what we grow”. The family affair was founded to offer food from the region.


Experience the essence of Icelandic cuisine at Farmers Bistro in Flúðir—where fresh local ingredients meet exceptional flavors.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we made our way towards Geysir for dinner. We ate at Geysir Glima restaurant, which opened in June 2012. The restaurant offers a variety of services and serves both as a restaurant and a coffeehouse as well as an ice cream shop. The restaurant was designed by Leifur Welding, and his inspiration for the design was sought entirely from the Icelandic nature. The opening hours are from 10:00 – 17:00. It was a perfect way to end our day, surrounded by the power and beauty of Iceland's geothermal landscape. Geysir Glíma serves a solid selection of the nation's classic fare, from Icelandic lamb to plokkfiskur 'plucked fish' stew with rye bread baked in the ground near the hot springs. After dinner, we took a stroll around the Geysir geothermal area, watching Strokkur erupt every few minutes. The kids were amazed by the power of the geysers, and I felt a sense of gratitude for being able to share these natural wonders with them.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Geysir Glima restaurant, where tradition meets innovation amidst breathtaking geothermal landscapes.

Before heading back to our campsite in Þórsmörk, we made a quick stop at The Brothers Brewery. The Brothers Brewery was established in 2012 by two friends who got their two brothers to help out with the process. I decided to try a local craft beer at The Brothers Brewery. The Brothers Brewery offers a variety of unique beer flavors that reflect the spirit of Icelandic brewing. From fruity ales to dark stouts, there's something to please every palate. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking and exploring. We savored the unique flavors of Icelandic craft beer. The Brothers Brewery offers tastings where you can sample a variety of brews and explore their new Ale House.


Experience the essence of Icelandic brewing at The Brothers Brewery in Vestmannaeyjabær, where craft beer meets local flavors.

As we drove back to Þórsmörk, I reflected on the day's adventures. We had hiked through history, savored local flavors, and witnessed the raw power of nature. It was a day that reminded me why I love Iceland and why I'm so grateful to be able to share these experiences with my family. The Brothers Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts looking to experience the local craft beer scene outside of Reykjavik.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Fremri-Fellsfoss and Vöruhúsið [if we can find it, that is], and perhaps do some shopping at Katla Wool Studio. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us in this beautiful country. Good night from Þórsmörk!