Family Adventure in Iceland's Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

A Dream Takes Flight

Hello, fellow adventurers! Today marks the beginning of our family's long-awaited journey to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Iceland. After months of planning and dreaming, the day has finally arrived, and the excitement is palpable. This trip means so much to me, as it combines my love for the Arctic with the joy of sharing unforgettable experiences with Markus and Aino. I can already tell that this adventure will be one for the books, filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and moments of pure family connection.


The journey began in Helsinki, our current home, where we boarded our flight to Reykjavik. As always, leaving Finland brings a tinge of melancholy, but the promise of Iceland's raw beauty quickly overshadowed any lingering sadness. Aino, ever the curious one, peppered us with questions about the glaciers, the Arctic foxes, and whether we’d see any elves. Markus, ever the pragmatist, double-checked our gear, ensuring we had everything we needed for our camping adventure. I, meanwhile, gazed out the window, lost in anticipation of the landscapes to come.


After a smooth flight, we landed in Reykjavik and hopped onto a domestic flight to Ísafjörður, a charming town nestled in the Westfjords. The views from the plane were simply stunning – a tapestry of fjords, mountains, and rugged coastline. As we descended, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale and unspoiled nature of this place. It was a stark contrast to the familiar forests and lakes of Finland, yet it resonated with a similar sense of peace and tranquility.

Upon arrival in Ísafjörður, we were immediately captivated by its quaint charm. The colorful houses, the bustling harbor, and the friendly locals all contributed to a welcoming atmosphere. After collecting our bags, we made our way to Edinborg Bistro for a well-deserved breakfast.

Discover the flavors of Iceland at Edinborg Bistro - where local ingredients meet culinary excellence in Ísafjörður.

The bistro was cozy and inviting, with a menu featuring local delicacies. I opted for the traditional Icelandic skyr with berries, while Markus chose the hearty fish soup, and Aino, of course, went for the pancakes. Refueled and ready for the day, we set out to explore Ísafjörður before our boat transfer to Hornstrandir.

Our first stop was the Ísafjörður Maritime Museum, where we learned about the town's rich seafaring history. Aino was particularly fascinated by the old fishing boats and the stories of daring sailors who braved the Arctic seas. As a librarian specializing in Arctic and Nordic literature, I appreciated the museum's collection of old maps and manuscripts, which offered a glimpse into the past.

Next, we wandered through the town's narrow streets, admiring the colorful houses and soaking in the local atmosphere. We stopped at Rammagerð Ísafjarðar, a charming shop filled with traditional Icelandic crafts and souvenirs. Aino, of course, wanted to buy everything she saw, but we managed to convince her to settle on a small, hand-knitted puffin.

Lunchtime found us at Tjöruhúsið, a renowned seafood restaurant that came highly recommended. This place is famous for serving the freshest seafood, caught daily by local fishermen. The restaurant itself is located in an old fisherman's hut, adding to its rustic charm. There's no set menu; instead, they offer whatever the local fishermen caught that day. We were lucky enough to try langoustine, halibut, and cod cheeks – all cooked to perfection. Aino, who is usually a picky eater, surprised us by devouring a plate of fish soup, declaring it the best she had ever tasted. Markus and I savored every bite, knowing that this was a true taste of Iceland.

Discover authentic Icelandic seafood at Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður—where every dish tells a story from the sea.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and ours began with a delicious meal in a charming Icelandic town.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we made our way to the harbor to catch our boat to Hornstrandir. The boat ride itself was an adventure, as we navigated through the stunning fjords, surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic cliffs. The air was crisp and clean, and the scenery was simply breathtaking. As we approached the nature reserve, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. This was it – the moment we had been waiting for.

As the boat neared the shore, we were greeted by the sight of Hornstrandir's rugged coastline, a landscape of untouched beauty and raw wilderness. The mountains rose sharply from the sea, their peaks shrouded in mist, while the valleys were carpeted in lush green vegetation. It was a scene straight out of a postcard, and I knew that we were in for an unforgettable experience.

After disembarking, we made our way to our campsite, a secluded spot nestled in a valley near the coast. Setting up camp was a family affair, with everyone pitching in to assemble the tent and organize our gear. Despite having packed meticulously, I realized I had forgotten a few essentials – a portable solar charger, extra batteries, and a waterproof phone case. Note to self: always double-check the packing list.

With camp set up, we decided to take a short hike to explore our surroundings. The trails were well-marked, and the scenery was simply stunning. We passed cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and meadows filled with wildflowers. Aino was in her element, running ahead and discovering hidden treasures along the way. Markus and I followed at a more leisurely pace, taking in the views and enjoying the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

As we hiked, we kept our eyes peeled for wildlife. Hornstrandir is home to a variety of animals, including Arctic foxes, seals, and numerous bird species. We were lucky enough to spot a few Arctic foxes in the distance, their white coats blending seamlessly with the snow-capped mountains. Aino was thrilled, exclaiming that they looked like fluffy ghosts.

For dinner, we headed to Jötunn restaurant in Ísafjörður, known for its unique sushi and friendly atmosphere. I had heard amazing reviews about the sushi, so I was excited to try it out. The restaurant was cozy, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I decided to try the sushi, while Markus opted for a burger, and Aino went for pizza. The sushi was indeed delicious – fresh, flavorful, and unlike anything I had ever tasted. Markus enjoyed his burger, and Aino devoured her pizza. Overall, it was a great dining experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Ísafjörður.

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

As the day drew to a close, we gathered around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows. The sky was clear, and the stars were out in full force, creating a magical atmosphere. Aino, snuggled between Markus and me, pointed out the constellations, while I shared stories of Nordic mythology. It was a perfect end to a perfect day, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Kvíar Lodge and do some shopping at Rammagerð Ísafjarðar. I can't wait to see what adventures await us!

Reflecting on our first day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and excitement. The journey to Hornstrandir was long and tiring, but it was all worth it. This place is truly special, and I can't wait to explore its hidden corners and discover its secrets with my family. Stay tuned for more updates from our Hornstrandir adventure!

Until tomorrow,

Jennifer