Exploring the Untouched Wilderness of Hornstrandir with Friends

A Taste of the Westfjords
The journey to Hornstrandir began today, and what a start it has been! Leaving behind the familiar streets of Berlin, I embarked on this adventure with my closest friends, eager to explore the untouched beauty of Iceland's remote nature reserve. This first day was all about embracing the local culture and savoring the unique flavors of the Westfjords. From delightful meals to cozy bars, every moment was a step deeper into the heart of Ísafjörður. I am excited to share the experiences of the day with you.

The day started early with a flight from Reykjavik to Ísafjörður. The views from the plane were breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the rugged coastline and dramatic fjords that characterize this part of Iceland. As we descended, I could feel the anticipation building – Hornstrandir was just a boat ride away!

Our first stop was Jötunn restaurant for breakfast. Nestled in Arnardalur near Skutulsfjörður, it was a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant was in an old barn and cowshed, transformed into a warm, inviting space with a heavenly view of Djúpið. I had heard about their sushi, so I had to try it. The food was delicious, and the service was friendly. Astrid would have loved the chicken burger, which I heard was one of the best. It was a perfect way to fuel up for the day's adventures. The coffee was strong, just the way I like it, and the pastries were fresh and delightful. I made a mental note to bring Maximilian and Astrid here someday; they would adore the cozy ambiance and stunning views.


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

After breakfast, we explored Ísafjörður, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming town. The colorful wooden houses and corrugated tin roofs were a sight to behold. The town is so picturesque! It felt like stepping back in time. We strolled along the harbor, watching the fishing boats bobbing in the water, and breathed in the crisp, clean air. It was invigorating. We needed to arrange our boat transport to Hornstrandir, which was straightforward. The anticipation of reaching the untouched wilderness was growing with every passing minute.

Lunchtime found us at Tjöruhúsið, a renowned seafood restaurant that came highly recommended. It was said to be the best fish restaurant in Iceland. The restaurant is in an old house made entirely of wood. The atmosphere was cozy and convivial, with patrons sitting at large communal tables. The owner was hilarious and made the experience feel like dinner and a show. We were introduced to the fisherman who caught the food we were about to eat. The seafood soup with salmon, halibut, langostino, wine, brandy, and cream cheese was one of the best things I have ever tasted. The main courses were a buffet of freshly caught fish, including plaice, salted cod, wolf fish, cod cheeks, and haddock. I am not usually a big fan of buffets, but this was an exception. The fish was incredibly fresh and flavorful, prepared in various imaginative ways. It was a true celebration of Icelandic seafood, and I savored every bite. I made sure to try the cod tongues, which were surprisingly delicious – creamy and crunchy.


Discover authentic Icelandic seafood at Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður—where every dish tells a story from the sea.

Embracing the local culture and savoring unique flavors, every moment deepened my connection with Iceland.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we spent the afternoon exploring more of Ísafjörður. We visited the Westfjords Heritage Museum, where we learned about the town's maritime history and saw a collection of old fishing boats. It was fascinating to hear stories of the fishermen and their families who had braved the harsh seas for generations. I felt a deep connection to the town's history and a newfound appreciation for the resilience of its people.

As evening approached, we checked into our accommodation and freshened up before heading out for dinner. We chose Logn, restaurant & bar, located on the ground floor of Hótel Ísafjörður. The restaurant had a varied menu with a good selection of wine, cocktails, and interesting gin drinks. The cozy lounge area by the bar was perfect for relaxing in a relaxed atmosphere. I opted for a local dish, while my friends tried the pizza. We all agreed that the food was excellent, and the service was attentive. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of travel and exploration.


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

After dinner, we decided to experience Ísafjörður's nightlife and visited Dokkan Brugghús, the Westfjords' first and only brewery. Founded in October 2017, this small family business has become a cornerstone of the local community. I sampled a few of their craft beers, made from pristine artesian spring water sourced from the remote mountains of the Westfjords. The water, naturally filtered through a 14-million-year-old volcanic lava pile, gave the beers a unique and refreshing taste. I particularly enjoyed the Dynjandi IPA. The brewery had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about their beers. I learned that Iceland only legalized beer in 1989. It was a fun and informative experience, and I left with a newfound appreciation for Icelandic craft beer.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Iceland at Dokkan Brugghús, where craft beer meets exquisite local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we took a final stroll through the town, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and reflecting on the day's adventures. The weather was cool, around 45°F, and cloudy. The sun had set around 7:57 PM. I am so glad I packed warm clothing. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this remote and beautiful corner of the world with my friends. The sense of remoteness was strong, and the tranquility was unmatched.

As I lay in bed, I thought about tomorrow's itinerary. We will be visiting Kvíar Lodge and Drangaskörð [the itinerary of tomorrow]. I am eager to see the untouched wilderness and hike through the scenic trails. I am also looking forward to trying the local cuisine at Kaffi Norðurfjörður and Einarshusid [the itinerary of tomorrow]. I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of Arctic foxes and towering cliffs.

Today was more than just a day of travel; it was a day of immersion into the local culture and flavors of the Westfjords. From the hearty breakfast at Jötunn to the exquisite seafood at Tjöruhúsið and the craft beers at Dokkan Brugghús, every experience was a delight. As I prepare for our trek into Hornstrandir tomorrow, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. The beauty and tranquility of this place have already captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what else this untouched wilderness has in store.

Tomorrow, we venture deeper into Hornstrandir, with plans to visit Kvíar Lodge and Drangaskörð. The anticipation is palpable as we prepare to immerse ourselves fully in the untouched wilderness. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of hiking through the scenic trails and, of course, keeping an eye out for the elusive Arctic fox. Plus, I'm eager to sample more of the local cuisine at Kaffi Norðurfjörður and Einarshusid, continuing our culinary exploration of the Westfjords.

Until then, takk fyrir and goodnight!