Exploring the Wild Beauty of the Westman Islands

Farewell, Westman Islands!

As our incredible journey through the Westman Islands draws to a close, I wanted to share our experiences from today, our final day here. It was a day filled with history, maritime adventures, and of course, delicious Icelandic cuisine. Lena and I are already feeling a bit nostalgic, but excited to bring back a treasure trove of memories and stories to share on Evendo.

Our morning started with a hearty breakfast at Gott restaurant. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. I opted for the fish of the day while Lena enjoyed one of their vegan options. The fresh ingredients and the cozy atmosphere made it a delightful start to our day.

After breakfast, we headed to Skógar Museum, a place I had read so much about. It's located a short drive from Skógafoss waterfall, which we visited a few days ago. The museum is actually a complex of three museums: the Open Air Museum, the Technical Museum, and the Folk Museum. We decided to start with the Technical Museum, especially since the weather was a bit unpredictable. The museum showcases the evolution of transport, communication, and technology in Iceland during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was fascinating to see the old vehicles, phones, and other gadgets. Lena, with her graphic design background, was particularly intrigued by the communication exhibits.


Explore the essence of Iceland's cultural heritage at Skógar Museum, where history and art come alive in a breathtaking setting.

The Open Air Museum was next, and it was like stepping back in time. The museum features a collection of historical buildings that have been relocated from various parts of Iceland. We explored turf houses, a traditional church, and a schoolhouse, all furnished to reflect different periods of Icelandic history. It gave us a real sense of how people lived in the past, and it was incredible to see how well-preserved everything was. I was particularly impressed by the intricate details in the turf houses, and Lena was captivated by the textiles and traditional clothing on display.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

After immersing ourselves in history, we drove back to Vestmannaeyjabær for lunch. We decided to try Pizza 67, a place that's apparently quite popular here. It's known for its delicious pizzas and friendly service. We ordered a couple of unique pizzas, including the TNT SPICY! one, which definitely lived up to its name. The staff was super enthusiastic, and the pizza was indeed tasty. It was a fun, casual meal that perfectly hit the spot.


Experience delectable pizzas in Vestmannaeyjar at Pizza 67 - where local flavor meets culinary delight.

Our afternoon was dedicated to maritime history. We visited The Maritime Museum of Þórður Rafn, a museum dedicated to Iceland's maritime heritage. Þórður Rafn, the founder, has been collecting maritime artifacts for over 40 years, and his passion is evident in the museum's collection. We saw various boats, fishing equipment, and ship models, each with its own story to tell. I was particularly interested in the exhibits about the brave fishermen who faced the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic, and Lena was fascinated by the intricate details of the ship models.


Explore Iceland's maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum of Þórður Rafn in Vestmannaeyjabær, showcasing rich seafaring history and interactive exhibits.

As the day wound down, we decided to have our farewell dinner at Slippurinn. I had read glowing reviews about this place, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The restaurant is family-run and located in a historic shipyard building. Chef Gísli Matt focuses on locally sourced ingredients, and the menu is a celebration of Nordic cuisine. We started with the langoustine soup, which was absolutely divine. For our main courses, I had the whole cod head, glazed with chicken glaze and burnt honey. It was an adventurous choice, but the flavors were incredible. Lena opted for the lamb with locally sourced rhubarb, which she said was equally memorable. We finished off the meal with a chocolate mousse with buttermilk and liquorice meringue, a perfect blend of sweet and savory.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with local ingredients at Slippurinn in Vestmannaeyjabær - a culinary gem with stunning ocean views.

After dinner, we decided to have one last drink at Moe's Bar. It's a cozy little place with a friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed some local brews and mingled with the locals, sharing stories and laughter. It was the perfect way to end our trip, a final toast to the Westman Islands and the incredible experiences we've had here.


Discover the lively atmosphere of Moe's Bar in Reykjavík, where drinks, games, and local culture come together for an unforgettable night out.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for this adventure. The Westman Islands have captured our hearts with their stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. I'm excited to share more photos and stories on Evendo, and I hope our journey inspires others to explore this hidden gem. Tomorrow, we head back to Reykjavik, and then it's back to Berlin. Until next time, takk fyrir, Westman Islands!

This trip has been more than just a vacation; it’s been a journey of discovery, both of the world around us and of ourselves. I think that’s what I love most about traveling, the way it broadens your perspective and deepens your appreciation for the world's diverse cultures and landscapes. As a software developer, I often find myself immersed in the digital world, so it’s incredibly refreshing to disconnect and reconnect with nature and history. And as a husband, it’s been wonderful to share these experiences with Lena, strengthening our bond and creating lasting memories.

I am already looking forward to planning our next adventure, and sharing it with all of you on Evendo. Stay tuned for more travel stories and tips!