Exploring the Wild Beauty of the Westman Islands

Arrival in Vestmannaeyjar

After months of planning, Lena and I have finally arrived in the Westman Islands! The journey itself was quite smooth, flying from Berlin to Reykjavik and then catching a smaller domestic flight to Heimaey. While I'm usually glued to my laptop, I'm hoping this trip will give me a chance to explore a new place with Lena and capture some stunning photos. Today was all about settling in, experiencing the local flavors, and getting a taste of what this unique archipelago has to offer.

Our day began, as most good days should, with a hearty breakfast. Slippurinn was our first stop, and it certainly set a high bar for the rest of our culinary adventures here. I'd read about Chef Gísli Matt and his dedication to locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant itself has a rustic charm, housed in what used to be a machinery workshop for the local shipyard. It felt authentic, a perfect introduction to the island's character. My wife, Lena, opted for the traditional Icelandic breakfast, while I decided to try their take on a continental breakfast. Both were delicious, setting us up perfectly for a day of exploring.


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

With our bellies full, we set off to explore one of the island's hidden gems: Gljufrabui. Now, I've seen my fair share of waterfalls, but Gljufrabui was something else entirely. Tucked away in a narrow canyon, it felt like stepping into another world. The term "Dweller of the Gorge" is very fitting. The short walk from the parking area was pleasant, and even though it was a bit misty, the views were stunning. I made sure to bring my camera, of course, though I was mindful of keeping it dry amidst all the spray. Lena was particularly thrilled with this spot, and I managed to capture some great shots of her with the waterfall in the background.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Gljufrabui Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland's stunning landscape, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones hidden just out of sight.

After our waterfall adventure, we were ready for lunch. Gott restaurant was our choice, and it lived up to its name – which means good in Icelandic. The restaurant is family-owned, and you can tell they put a lot of love into their food. Lena had the fish of the day, which was incredibly fresh, while I decided to try their vegan burger. It's always interesting to see how different cultures interpret vegetarian dishes, and this one was a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly, making us feel right at home.


Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Gott Restaurant in Vestmannaeyjabær – where local flavors meet culinary creativity.

In the afternoon, we decided to do a bit of shopping. We stumbled upon Vestmannstudio, a record store that felt like a step back in time. As someone who appreciates music and its history, I was immediately drawn in. The owner was passionate about music, and we spent a good hour browsing through the vinyl collection. I even picked up a couple of records by local Icelandic artists – something to remind me of this trip when I'm back in Berlin. Lena found a few CDs for her collection as well. It's always nice to support local businesses and discover unique cultural gems.


Discover the vibrant music scene in Vestmannaeyjabær at Vestmannstudio, your go-to record store for unique finds and local culture.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Kráin - Local Restaurant for dinner. After a day of more outdoorsy activities, we were looking for something casual. Kráin offered just that with a cozy atmosphere. I opted for a hearty lamb dish, while Lena chose a seafood option. The portions were generous, and the food was comforting – exactly what we needed after a long day. It was a great way to end our first day on the island, soaking in the local atmosphere and enjoying some good food.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kráin in Vestmannaeyjar - where every dish tells a story of local flavors.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we took a leisurely stroll along the harbor. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the water, and the air was crisp and clean. It was a perfect moment to reflect on our first day in the Westman Islands. The islands have a certain charm that's hard to describe – a mix of rugged natural beauty and a welcoming community. I am already looking forward to exploring more of what the islands have to offer.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to visit Skansinn and hopefully catch a glimpse of the famous Puffins of Westman Isles. We're also planning to have breakfast at Næs, lunch at Einsi kaldi restaurant, and dinner at The Brothers Brewery. I've heard great things about their craft beers, so I'm particularly looking forward to that. The weather forecast looks promising, so hopefully, we'll have a clear day for exploring. We might even check out The Brothers Brewery bar for a nightcap.

The Westman Islands have already exceeded my expectations. The combination of stunning landscapes, delicious food, and friendly locals has made a lasting impression. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings and to continue sharing our adventures with you. I am curious to see how the rest of our trip unfolds and what other hidden gems we'll discover along the way. As someone who appreciates sustainable living, I'm also interested in learning more about how the islanders preserve their unique environment and culture. The next few days promise to be filled with exploration, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

Until tomorrow!

P.S. I almost forgot! I realized I forgot my portable charger back in Berlin. Lena reminded me that she packed a travel adapter for the Icelandic outlets, which was a relief. It seems like we're already learning to adapt to island life!