Family Adventure in Iceland's Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Whispers of the Arctic Wind

Today was a symphony of solitude and local charm, a perfect blend that only Iceland can orchestrate. Leaving the cozy familiarity of our campsite, we ventured deeper into the heart of Hornstrandir, a place where the Arctic wind carries whispers of ancient tales and the landscape unfolds in dramatic, breathtaking vistas. It was a day of hiking, savoring local flavors, and simply being present in this untouched corner of the world.


The morning began with a hearty breakfast at Einarshusid. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Icelandic coffee filled the air, a comforting prelude to the day's adventures. I felt a pang of nostalgia, reminiscent of mornings back in Palmer, Alaska, where a good breakfast was the foundation for any outdoor excursion. After fueling up, we set off towards Drangaskörð.




Explore the breathtaking cliffs and serene landscapes of Drangaskörð, a hidden gem in Iceland's Westfjords, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

The hike to Drangaskörð was nothing short of spectacular. The trail wound its way through vibrant green meadows dotted with wildflowers, a stark contrast to the rugged, snow-capped mountains in the distance. Aino, ever the curious explorer, was fascinated by the tiny arctic flowers, each one a miniature masterpiece of nature. Markus, with his trusty camera, captured the panoramic views, promising to add them to our growing collection of Icelandic memories. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of the sea and the earth, invigorating our senses with every breath.



As we ascended, the landscape transformed into a more dramatic terrain. The wind picked up, testing our resolve, but the views became even more rewarding. Finally, we reached Drangaskörð, a cluster of sea stacks rising majestically from the ocean. The sight was awe-inspiring, a testament to the raw power of nature. I imagined Thorvaldr Asvaldsson, Erik the Red's father, settling here after being banished from Norway. It’s humbling to think of the resilience and resourcefulness it must have taken to survive in such a remote and unforgiving environment.

In the heart of Hornstrandir, solitude is not loneliness, but a profound connection to the earth.

We spent a long time simply absorbing the view, feeling the wind on our faces, and listening to the crashing waves. Aino, inspired by the landscape, started sketching in her notebook, capturing the essence of the place with her artistic flair. Markus and I sat in comfortable silence, content to simply be present in that moment, sharing a profound connection with each other and the natural world.


For lunch, we had packed sandwiches from Thai Tawee. I know, Thai food in Iceland sounds a bit strange, but it was a welcome change from the usual hiking fare, and the flavors were surprisingly authentic. It's funny how a taste of something familiar can feel so comforting in a foreign land.



After our hike, we decided to treat ourselves to a taste of local craft beer at Dokkan Brugghús in Ísafjörður. This family-run microbrewery is a gem, offering a variety of ales, lagers, and IPAs, all brewed with passion and local ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We sampled a few different beers, each one unique and flavorful. I particularly enjoyed the Arctic Pale Ale, a refreshing brew with a hint of citrus, perfect after a day of hiking. Markus, a connoisseur of craft beer, was impressed by the quality and creativity of the brews. Aino, of course, stuck to soda, but she enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the friendly banter with the locals.




Discover the vibrant flavors of Iceland at Dokkan Brugghús, where craft beer meets exquisite local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Later, we indulged in a seafood feast at Restaurant Galdur - Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant lived up to its name, casting a spell of culinary delight with its fresh and flavorful dishes. We savored every bite, reminiscing about the day's adventures and planning our itinerary for tomorrow. The thought of visiting Möngufoss (Hlíðarhús) and Stórurðarlundur fills me with anticipation. I am looking forward to the hike and the scenic views.


As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Dokkan Brugghús once more, drawn back by its warm ambiance and the promise of good company. We savored a final round of beers, chatting with fellow travelers and locals alike. It struck me how easily people connect in places like this, united by a shared appreciation for good beer, good food, and the beauty of the natural world. I even managed to pick up a few phrases in Icelandic, much to the amusement of the locals. I have always believed in the power of language to connect people, and tonight was a testament to that belief.



Before heading back to our campsite, we took a stroll along the harbor, watching the fishing boats bob gently in the water. The sky was ablaze with the colors of the setting sun, painting a breathtaking masterpiece across the horizon. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a reminder of the simple joys in life: good company, good food, and the beauty of nature.



As I sit here now, writing in my journal, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Hornstrandir has a way of stripping away the unnecessary, leaving you with only what truly matters: connection, presence, and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. It's a lesson I hope to carry with me long after we leave this magical place. Tomorrow, we venture further into this wilderness, ready to embrace whatever adventures await us. I can’t wait!