Family Adventure in Hornstrandir: An Icelandic Wilderness Escape

A Day of Westfjords Delights

Today was a delightful blend of relaxation, exploration, and culinary adventures in the Westfjords. It’s amazing how much this region has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its charming local spots. I'm so glad we decided to venture beyond the typical tourist routes to experience the true essence of Iceland.

Our day began in Bolungarvík, where we fueled up for the day at Víkurskálinn Bolungarvík. This place is a gem! Who would have thought that a gas station could house such a fantastic little restaurant? Markus opted for the American-style cheeseburger, while I went with the deluxe burger. Both were incredibly tasty, and the portions were generous. Aino, of course, was thrilled with her fries and a chocolate milkshake. It’s these simple, satisfying moments that make traveling with family so special. The staff were incredibly friendly, adding to the cozy atmosphere. It felt like a true local spot, filled with Icelanders grabbing a quick and delicious bite. I made a mental note to try their doughnut burger next time – it sounds intriguingly Icelandic!


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Víkurskálinn Bolungarvík, where local flavors meet stunning views in a cozy setting.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off towards Krossneslaug, a geothermal pool that promised stunning ocean views. The drive itself was an adventure, taking us along winding gravel roads with breathtaking vistas of the fjords. I was grateful that Markus was behind the wheel, as he's much more comfortable navigating these types of roads than I am. I tried to capture the scenery through my camera lens, but photos simply can't do justice to the sheer scale and beauty of this landscape. The rugged cliffs, the shimmering water, and the vast open sky – it all felt so wild and untouched.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Reaching Krossneslaug felt like arriving at the edge of the world. The pool is perched right by the sea, offering an infinity-pool effect that's simply mesmerizing. The water was wonderfully warm, a perfect contrast to the cool Icelandic air. We spent a blissful couple of hours soaking in the geothermal waters, gazing out at the endless ocean. Aino was particularly excited, spotting various seabirds and even imagining she saw a whale in the distance. It was incredibly peaceful, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I couldn’t help but think about how lucky we were to experience this hidden gem, a testament to Iceland’s unique blend of natural wonders and human ingenuity. The pool was built in the 1940s by local farmers, and it's still maintained with a constant flow of hot spring water. It felt like we were connecting with the history and the heart of this region.


Discover the soothing geothermal waters of Krossneslaug, a thermal bath in Árnes, Iceland, surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes.

After our rejuvenating soak, we continued our journey, eventually making our way to Tálknafjörður for lunch. We stopped at Hópið, a charming restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and local cuisine. Markus and Aino were craving pizza, and they were not disappointed. I opted for the fresh trout, which was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The staff were incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home. It was a delightful experience, a perfect example of Icelandic hospitality. As we ate, we talked about our plans for tomorrow, excited to explore more of the Westfjords and venture deeper into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the dramatic cliffs and hopefully spotting some Arctic foxes!


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Hópið in Tálknafjörður, where fresh ingredients meet warm hospitality.

Our final destination for the day was Ísafjörður, where we checked out Jötunn restaurant for dinner. This place came highly recommended, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The restaurant has a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, with large windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and waters. We decided to try their sushi and prawns, and it was absolutely delicious. The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the prawns were cooked to perfection. Aino was especially thrilled with the sushi, declaring it the best she's ever had! The service was excellent, and the staff were knowledgeable about the menu and eager to share their passion for Icelandic food with us.


Discover Jötunn Restaurant: A must-visit culinary destination in Ísafjörður offering exquisite Icelandic-style sushi amidst stunning landscapes.

To cap off the evening, Markus and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at Skúli Craft bar. It was a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring. The bar has a fantastic selection of local and international craft beers, with 14 rotating taps that offer something for everyone. I decided to try a local IPA, while Markus opted for a classic lager. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with cozy wooden accents and soft lighting. It was the perfect spot to savor the unique flavors of Icelandic beer culture and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.


Discover Skúli Craft Bar in Reykjavík: A vibrant hub for craft beer lovers and a lively taste of Iceland's nightlife.

As I sit here now, writing in my travel journal, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. The Westfjords have exceeded all my expectations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. I’m also grateful that I didn’t forget any of the essentials for this trip, as forgetting something like a portable solar charger would have been a disaster! I'm excited for what tomorrow holds, as we continue our family adventure in Hornstrandir. I know it will be another day filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking scenery. Tomorrow we are going to have breakfast at Café Riis Hólmavík, lunch at Restaurant Galdur and dinner at Tjöruhúsið, and I can't wait!

It's interesting to think that tomorrow we will be in Hornstrandir itself. It's hard to imagine that there are even more remote and untouched places than what we have seen today. I feel like the librarian in me is coming out, as I'm constantly making mental notes of all the interesting facts and stories I'm learning along the way. I can't wait to share these experiences with my readers and hopefully inspire them to embark on their own Icelandic adventures.

I think this trip has brought us closer together as a family. There's something about experiencing new things together that creates a special bond. Whether it's marveling at a stunning landscape, trying a new dish, or simply sharing a laugh, these moments are what make travel so meaningful. And as much as I love exploring the world, it's always extra special to share these experiences with Markus and Aino. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

As I think about tomorrow, I can't help but wonder what the weather will be like. The forecast looks promising, but in Iceland, you never know! I'm hoping for clear skies so we can fully appreciate the beauty of Hornstrandir. I'm also looking forward to visiting Hampiđjan, a shop that I've heard has some unique and interesting items. It's always fun to discover local crafts and souvenirs.

Well, it's time to get some rest. Tomorrow will be another early start, but I'm excited to see what adventures await us. Until then, good night from the Westfjords!

I cannot wait to share more of our adventures with you all!