Family Adventure in Hornstrandir: An Icelandic Wilderness Escape

Homeward Bound: Reflections on Hornstrandir
As our Icelandic adventure draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a sense of accomplishment, having navigated the rugged terrain of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with my family, and a touch of sadness, knowing that we're leaving behind a place of such raw, untamed beauty. This journey has been more than just a vacation; it's been an immersion into nature, a test of our resilience, and a bonding experience that I know we'll cherish for years to come. Today, we prepare to leave this remote paradise, carrying with us memories that will last a lifetime.


Discover the untouched wilderness of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife await your exploration in Iceland.

Our final morning in Hornstrandir began with a hearty breakfast at our campsite. Kaffi Sól provided a delightful start to the day. The crisp morning air was invigorating, and the views were simply breathtaking. After breakfast, we packed up our gear, ensuring we left no trace behind. It's crucial to respect this pristine environment, and we made every effort to leave our campsite as we found it. Aino helped me pack up my travel journal, filled with notes and sketches from our journey. She seems to have really enjoyed my daily recounts of Nordic folklore around the campfire. Markus, ever the practical one, made sure all our equipment was stowed safely and securely. He even commented on how much lighter our packs felt now that we'd consumed most of our food supplies.


Discover the charm of Kaffi Sól in Flateyri – a perfect blend of cozy ambiance, delightful cuisine, and exceptional coffee in the heart of Iceland.

Before heading to the boat, we took one last hike around the area, wanting to soak in every last bit of Hornstrandir's beauty. We walked along the coastline, marveling at the dramatic cliffs and the vibrant green valleys. The wildflowers were in full bloom, adding splashes of color to the landscape. We even spotted a few Arctic foxes in the distance, their white coats blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

The wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask.

Our boat ride from Hornstrandir was smooth, offering us a final panoramic view of the nature reserve. As the coastline receded into the distance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Hornstrandir had challenged us, inspired us, and left us with a profound appreciation for the power and beauty of nature. Aino was especially excited, as she took picture after picture of the landscape. She told me that she wants to show all her friends back in Helsinki what an amazing place Iceland is.

Upon arriving in Ísafjörður, we had lunch at Faktorshús in Hæstikaupstaður, a charming restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. The food was delicious, and it was a welcome change from our camping fare. We savored every bite, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. Aino was especially fond of the puffins we saw, while Markus enjoyed the challenging hikes. For me, it was the overall sense of peace and tranquility that I found so captivating. It was a wonderful way to reflect on our journey and savor the last moments of our wilderness adventure.


Savor authentic Icelandic flavors at Faktorshus in Ísafjörður – where local ingredients meet culinary creativity.

After lunch, we visited The Fjord Hub, a local shop in Ísafjörður. I had read about it online, and it seemed like the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs and last-minute supplies. The shop was filled with unique items, from handcrafted woolen goods to locally made snacks. I purchased a beautiful knitted scarf for myself, a reminder of our time in Iceland. Aino picked out a small stuffed puffin, while Markus found a practical multi-tool for his hiking kit. I was impressed to see that they also offer bike rentals and repair services, as well as bike box services. It's great to know that there are places like this that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and promote sustainable tourism.


Discover the best bicycles and outdoor gear at The Fjord Hub in Ísafjörður, your one-stop shop for adventure in Iceland's stunning Westfjords.

Before dinner, we explored Ísafjörður a bit. The town is small but charming, with colorful buildings and a friendly atmosphere. We walked along the harbor, watching the fishing boats come and go. The air was filled with the scent of salt and the sound of seagulls. We also visited the Westfjords Heritage Museum, learning about the history and culture of the region. It was fascinating to discover the stories of the people who had lived in this remote corner of Iceland and the challenges they had faced. It really made me appreciate the resilience and resourcefulness of the Icelandic people.

For our final dinner in Iceland, we chose Thai Tawee, a restaurant in Ísafjörður. We were all craving something different, and Thai food seemed like the perfect choice. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. We enjoyed sharing stories and laughing about our adventures in Hornstrandir. It was a perfect way to end our trip, celebrating our shared experiences and the bonds we had strengthened along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they also have Icelandic cuisine, so I ordered some traditional Plokkfiskur fish stew, while Markus went for Pad Thai. Aino enjoyed her chicken satay and rice.


Experience the best of authentic Thai cuisine fused with Icelandic flavors at Thai Tawee in Ísafjörður.

As we prepare to leave Iceland tomorrow, I'm already looking forward to our next adventure. While Markus is already thinking about our return to Helsinki and his software engineering work, Aino is making plans for a summer camp. As for me, I'm excited to get back to my library and share my experiences with others. I know that the memories we've made in Hornstrandir will stay with us forever, inspiring us to continue exploring the world and embracing the beauty of nature. This trip has reinforced my belief in the importance of sustainable travel and the power of family bonding. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have experienced this incredible journey with my loved ones, and I can't wait to see what adventures await us in the future.

Reflecting on our 11-day journey, I realize how much we've grown as a family. We've learned to rely on each other, to support each other, and to appreciate the simple things in life. We've also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our planet and protecting its natural wonders. Hornstrandir has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and I know that we'll carry its spirit with us wherever we go. I'm already dreaming of our next adventure, perhaps a trip to the Finnish Lapland to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. Until then, I'll cherish the memories we've made in Iceland and continue to share our stories with the world.

As I sit here, writing this final blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Our family adventure in Hornstrandir has been everything I had hoped for and more. We've explored a remote and breathtaking landscape, we've challenged ourselves physically and mentally, and we've strengthened our bonds as a family. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have experienced this incredible journey, and I know that it will stay with us forever. Thank you, Hornstrandir, for the memories, the lessons, and the inspiration. Until next time...