Exploring the Wild Beauty of the Westman Islands

A Symphony of Seabirds and Serenity

Today on the Westman Islands, Lena and I experienced a day filled with the raw beauty of nature and the quiet reverence of history. It was a day that reminded us why we set out on this journey in the first place – to discover the hidden gems of Iceland and to share those moments with you.
Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Street Food. It wasn’t the most glamorous of places, but it was perfect for fueling up before our puffin tour. The simple, no-fuss dishes were exactly what we needed to prepare for a day of exploration. I’ve always appreciated how a good, honest meal can set the tone for the adventures ahead. Lena, ever the early bird, was particularly excited about seeing the puffins. I must admit, I was equally eager, though I tried to maintain my usual pragmatic composure. After all, I'm a software developer, not a wildlife enthusiast, but even I couldn't deny the allure of these charming birds.
We met our guide at the harbor, and soon we were aboard Eyjatours’ boat, heading out into the brisk Atlantic air. The sea was choppy, and the wind threatened to steal my hat, but the excitement in the air was palpable. As we approached the cliffs, the sky erupted with puffins. Thousands of them, circling, diving, and perching on the rocky ledges. It was an awe-inspiring sight, a true spectacle of nature. Lena was in her element, snapping photos with her camera, trying to capture the perfect shot of these comical birds. I, too, was captivated, watching their clumsy takeoffs and landings, their beaks full of sand eels. It was a far cry from the sterile environment of my Berlin office, and I found myself appreciating the wild, untamed beauty of this place.

Experience the majestic puffins and stunning volcanic landscapes of Iceland with Eyjatours, your gateway to unforgettable wildlife adventures.
The puffin tour lasted a couple of hours, and by the time we returned to shore, we were both invigorated and hungry. We decided to grab a quick bite at Friðheimar, a tomato farm and restaurant. I know, it sounds a bit odd, but trust me, it was an experience. The greenhouse was filled with rows upon rows of tomato plants, and the air was thick with the sweet, earthy scent of ripe tomatoes. We sat down at a table surrounded by greenery and ordered their famous tomato soup. It was simple, fresh, and utterly delicious. Lena, inspired by the sustainable practices of the farm, was already talking about starting her own herb garden back in Berlin. I smiled, knowing her enthusiasm would wane after a week or two, but I admired her spirit nonetheless.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of moments, like watching puffins soar or savoring a bowl of homemade tomato soup.

After lunch, we decided to visit Stafkirkjan, a stave church located on Heimaey. As someone with a keen interest in history and European culture, I was particularly looking forward to this. The church is a replica of a medieval Norwegian stave church, and it stands as a testament to Iceland’s Viking heritage. As we approached the church, I couldn't help but think of my own roots in Czechia. The history of Europe is so intertwined, each country with its own unique story to tell.

Experience the serenity of Stafkirkjan, a charming church in Vestmannaeyjar, blending spirituality with the stunning beauty of Iceland's landscapes.
The interior of Stafkirkjan was dimly lit and filled with the scent of wood. The intricate carvings and the soaring roof transported us back in time. It was a place of quiet contemplation, a sanctuary from the harsh realities of the world outside. I sat in one of the pews, closed my eyes, and allowed myself to be immersed in the peaceful atmosphere. Lena, ever the artist, was sketching in her notebook, capturing the details of the church’s architecture. I thought about the generations of people who had sought solace within these walls, and I felt a sense of connection to the past.
Leaving Stafkirkjan, we decided to explore the local shops. We stumbled upon UNA Local Product / Sveitabúðin Una, a charming little store filled with handmade crafts and local delicacies. Lena, always on the lookout for unique souvenirs, spent ages browsing the shelves. She eventually settled on a hand-knitted scarf and a jar of local jam. I, on the other hand, was more interested in the local delicacies. I bought a bag of dried fish, much to Lena’s amusement. I’ve always enjoyed trying new and unusual foods, and dried fish is definitely one of those.

Explore the essence of Iceland at UNA Local Product, your go-to destination for authentic souvenirs and local delicacies in Hvolsvöllur.
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves craving something comforting and familiar. We decided to have dinner at Pizza 67. It wasn’t exactly traditional Icelandic cuisine, but sometimes you just need a good pizza. We ordered a large pepperoni pizza and sat outside, watching the sun set over the harbor. The sky was ablaze with color, and the air was filled with the sound of seagulls. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Experience delectable pizzas in Vestmannaeyjar at Pizza 67 - where local flavor meets culinary delight.
Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Viking Wax Museum and the Þrídrangaviti lighthouse. I’m particularly intrigued by the lighthouse, which is said to be one of the most isolated in the world. Lena, on the other hand, is more interested in the Viking Wax Museum. I suppose it’s a matter of personal preference. But I’m sure, whatever we do, we’ll find something interesting and memorable to share with you.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences we’ve had today. The Westman Islands have exceeded all my expectations. The puffins, the tomato farm, the stave church, the local shops, and the pizza – it all added up to a day of discovery and delight. And as I look forward to tomorrow’s adventures, I know that this journey is far from over. There’s still so much to see, so much to learn, and so much to share. So stay tuned, my friends, because the best is yet to come.
This trip with Lena has been a wonderful experience so far. It is nice to take a break from my work as a software developer and appreciate the beauty of nature. Lena's enthusiasm and artistic eye complement my pragmatic nature, and we make a great team. I look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you all.