Exploring the Wild Beauty of the Westman Islands

Wax Vikings and Distant Beacons

Today was a day of contrasts, blending the immersive history of the Westman Islands with the stark, isolated beauty of its coastal landscapes. Lena and I dove deep into Viking sagas and gazed upon one of the world's most remote lighthouses. It's days like these that make travel so rewarding, piecing together the stories of a place and feeling connected to its past.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Pitsugerdin. It's a cozy spot, and after a quick search I learned that they are known for their authentic wood-fired pizzas and local beer from Brothers Brewery. I opted for something lighter, a traditional Icelandic pastry and strong coffee, while Lena enjoyed a savory skyr parfait. Fuelled up, we were ready to explore the Viking Wax Museum.


Explore Viking history at the Viking Wax Museum in Vestmannaeyjabær, where Norse legends come to life in stunning wax displays.
The Viking Wax Museum, or Herjolfstown as it's also known, turned out to be an unexpectedly captivating experience. It's not just a collection of wax figures; it's a recreation of the first farmstead on the islands, bringing the Viking era to life. The museum pays tribute to Herjólfur Bárðarson, the island's first settler around 900 AD. It's fascinating to imagine what life was like back then, braving the harsh North Atlantic elements and building a community on this remote outpost. Lena, with her keen interest in history, was particularly enthralled by the detailed exhibits showcasing traditional Viking clothing, artifacts, and recreations of daily life. The life-size wax figures of Herjólfur, his wife Freyja, and their children made the experience feel incredibly immersive. The museum is well-located a pleasant distance from the main town, and boasts stunning views of cliffs and sea.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

After immersing ourselves in Viking history, we grabbed a quick lunch at Tvisturinn. This fast-food joint is a local institution, serving up classic Icelandic comfort food. I went for the *Búkolla* sandwich, roast beef with bernaise sauce, which I learned is named after a magical cow in an Icelandic folktale. Lena had a hot dog, a staple here, and we shared a portion of fries. It wasn't fancy, but it was satisfying and gave us a taste of everyday life on the islands. While we were there, I overheard a couple of locals chatting about the Sailor's Day celebrations that happen here at the beginning of June, which includes cheap ribsafari rides and rowing competitions. We might have to come back next year to see that!

With our bellies full, we set our sights on the Thridrangar lighthouse.


Explore the Thridrangar Lighthouse, a historical gem in Southern Iceland, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich maritime heritage.
Now, you can’t actually visit the lighthouse itself unless you have a helicopter, which, sadly, we didn’t have access to. However, we were determined to get the best possible view of this iconic structure. We drove to a vantage point on the coast and gazed out at the distant, solitary beacon. Perched atop a 120-foot basalt stack, the lighthouse looks like something out of a fairytale. It's hard to believe that it was built in 1938-39, before World War II, by a team of mountaineers who had to scale the cliffs by hand. They even had to form a human pyramid at one point because their climbing tools were useless! The lighthouse is 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) off the southwest coast of Iceland, in the archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar. It's often described as one of the most isolated lighthouses in the world. Knowing the history behind its construction made the view even more awe-inspiring. It really made me think about the determination and ingenuity of those who built it.

In the evening, we decided to try Ranya Kebab for dinner.


Experience delicious kebabs at Ranya Kebab – your go-to fast food destination in Vestmannaeyjabær for flavor-packed meals.
It’s a popular spot in Vestmannaeyjabær, known for its kebabs, pizzas, and burgers. I opted for a classic kebab, while Lena tried a vegetarian pizza. The staff were friendly, and the service was quick. It was a satisfying end to a day filled with exploration and discovery. I read that Ranya Kebab is conveniently located, making it an ideal stop after visiting nearby attractions or taking in the landscapes.

To cap off the evening, we ventured out to Cocktail Lounge Kormáks & Skjaldar.


Discover the vibrant Cocktail Lounge Kormáks & Skjaldar in Hveragerði, Iceland, where delightful cocktails meet a chic ambiance for an unforgettable night.
Now, I know this cocktail lounge is actually located in Hveragerði, which is about an hour and a half away from where we are in Vestmannaeyjar. I was a little confused when I saw it on the itinerary, but I am guessing that it was a mistake. Instead, we found a cozy local bar and enjoyed a couple of Icelandic beers. It was a relaxing way to reflect on the day and plan our adventures for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into the islands' history at Sagnheimar and hopefully catch a glimpse of the Reynisdrangar Cliffs. I'm also hoping to find some time to do some souvenir shopping at Icewear. I've heard they have some great quality Icelandic wool products. It's hard to believe we're already more than halfway through our trip! Time really does fly when you're having fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what other wonders the Westman Islands have in store for us.

As I sit here writing this, I am reminded of a quote I once read: The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask. Today certainly did that. Good night from the Westman Islands!