Exploring the Wild Beauty of the Westman Islands

Waves, Wildlife, and Wonderful Flavors

Today was all about embracing the raw beauty and exhilarating experiences that the Westman Islands have to offer. Lena and I set out on a day filled with high-speed adventure, stunning landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you’re surrounded by such unique and captivating scenery.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Slippurinn. This family-run restaurant, housed in a refurbished old machinery workshop, has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The history of the building, combined with the aroma of fresh, local ingredients, made for a perfect start to our adventures. I opted for their traditional Icelandic breakfast, while Lena enjoyed a lighter, more modern dish. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle the day's itinerary.


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

Next on the agenda was our much-anticipated Ribsafari tour. We chose the two-hour tour, eager to see as much of the archipelago as possible. Ribsafari offers tours on RIB speedboats, providing an exhilarating way to explore the islands, sea caves, and wildlife. The adrenaline rush of speeding across the waves was incredible, and the views were simply breathtaking. I made sure to bring my camera to capture the stunning landscapes, though photos hardly do justice to the real thing.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and thrilling adventures of Vestmannaeyjabær with Ribsafari's unforgettable speedboat tours.

The RIB boat sliced through the water, giving us a thrilling ride past the dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations that define the Westman Islands. Our guide was fantastic, sharing stories about the islands' history, geology, and wildlife. We zipped past the famous Elephant Rock, which looks uncannily like an elephant drinking from the sea. It’s one of those natural wonders that you have to see to believe.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

One of the highlights of the tour was exploring the sea caves. The RIB boat was able to navigate into these hidden grottoes, revealing stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The acoustics inside the caves were incredible, and our guide even played a tune on a small horn, creating a haunting melody that echoed through the chambers. Lena was particularly thrilled by this part of the tour, her eyes wide with wonder as we explored each new cavern.

Of course, no trip to the Westman Islands would be complete without seeing the puffins. We were fortunate enough to spot several colonies of these adorable birds nesting on the cliffs. They’re such comical creatures, with their bright orange beaks and clumsy flight. I managed to snap a few good photos, but mostly I just enjoyed watching them waddle around and dive into the sea.

After our exhilarating boat tour, we were ready for a more relaxed pace. We headed to Geysir Glima restaurant for lunch. Despite its name, this restaurant is not located near the Geysir geothermal area, but here in Vestmannaeyjar! Geysir Glima is known for its fresh ingredients and traditional Icelandic dishes. I had heard about *glíma*, Iceland's unique form of wrestling, being celebrated here. Although we didn't witness any wrestling matches, the restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the food was excellent.


Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine at Geysir Glima restaurant amidst stunning geothermal landscapes.

I opted for the lamb, which was cooked to perfection and seasoned with local herbs. Lena chose the fresh salmon, which she said was some of the best she’d ever tasted. The restaurant's location provided stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making our lunch even more enjoyable. It was a perfect way to recharge after our morning adventure.

In the late afternoon, we decided to explore the town of Vestmannaeyjabær on foot. We wandered through the charming streets, admiring the colorful houses and soaking in the local atmosphere. The town has a rich history, and it’s evident in the architecture and the stories shared by the locals. We stopped by a few shops, picking up some souvenirs to remind us of our trip. I found a beautiful handcrafted wooden puffin, which I knew would look perfect on my desk back in Berlin.

As evening approached, we made our way to Höllin, a local bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and selection of drinks. It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. The bar was cozy and inviting, and we quickly struck up a conversation with some locals, who shared their insights into the island's culture and history.


Experience the lively spirit of Vestmannaeyjabær at Höllin, a local bar offering a fantastic selection of drinks and a cozy atmosphere.

I tried a local Icelandic beer, while Lena enjoyed a glass of wine. The atmosphere was lively, with music playing in the background and people laughing and chatting. It was a great way to experience the local nightlife and connect with the community. Berlin has great nightlife of its own of course, but there's something special about unwinding in a small Icelandic town after a day of exploring.

For dinner, we chose Einsi kaldi restaurant, located on the ground floor of Hotel Vestmannaeyjar. This restaurant has a reputation for culinary perfection and specializes in exotic dishes made from local ingredients. The chef, Einar Björn Árnason, is known for his intuitive cooking and excellent service. We were excited to experience his creations.


Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Einsi Kaldi Restaurant in Vestmannaeyjar, where fresh local ingredients meet cozy ambiance.

We started with the *Under the Sea* starter, a mix of delightful shellfish that tasted incredibly fresh. For the main course, I opted for the lamb, while Lena chose the seafood platter. Both dishes were expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and friendly service made for a memorable dining experience.

As we savored our meal, we discussed our plans for tomorrow. We’re scheduled to visit the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Loftsalahellir Cave. I'm particularly excited about the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, as I've always been fascinated by these magnificent creatures. It’s incredible to think that we’ll have the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. Lena is looking forward to exploring Loftsalahellir Cave, eager to discover its hidden wonders.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we took a final stroll along the harbor, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and the stunning views of the sea. The Westman Islands have a unique charm that’s hard to describe. It’s a place where you can experience thrilling adventures, connect with nature, and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage.

Back at our campsite, as I write this, I feel a deep sense of contentment. Today was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights. It’s moments like these that make travel so rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible destination with Lena, and I’m excited to see what tomorrow brings. I made sure to charge my camera and phone, as tomorrow is Iceland's National Day on June 17th, and I'm sure we'll see festivities in town.

Good night from the Westman Islands!