Family Adventure in Seydisfjordur, Iceland

A Day of Heights and Flavors in Seydisfjordur

Today was all about embracing the stunning vistas and unique culinary experiences that Seydisfjordur has to offer. With my family in tow, I was eager to explore the heights of Bjólful Mountain, relive a bit of movie magic, and indulge in the local Nordic cuisine. It was a day packed with fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and delicious food – exactly what I hoped for when planning this Icelandic adventure.

Our day began, as most days here have, with a hearty breakfast at Hótel Snæfell. The spread was perfect to fuel our adventures, and after a quick check of our gear, we set off to conquer Bjólful Mountain and its famous avalanche barriers. Lena made sure Sofia had her jacket zipped up tight, while I double-checked that I had enough space on my camera’s memory card.


Experience the charm of Seydisfjordur at Hótel Snæfell, where comfort meets local culture. Enjoy cozy accommodations, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

The drive up to the Bjólful Mountain Avalanche Barriers was an experience in itself. The road wound its way up the mountainside, each turn revealing even more spectacular views of Seydisfjordur below. I could see the colorful houses of the town nestled beside the still, blue waters of the fjord, framed by the towering peaks that surround it. The engineering marvel of the avalanche barriers was truly impressive.


Explore the stunning Bjólful Mountain Avalanche Barriers in Seydisfjordur, Iceland – a perfect blend of nature, beauty, and engineering marvel.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

The barriers themselves are massive structures designed to protect the town from the potential threat of avalanches, but they also serve as an incredible vantage point. We parked the car and took a short walk along one of the trails that crisscross the area. Sofia was fascinated by the barriers, asking endless questions about how they worked and why they were needed. I did my best to explain, drawing diagrams in the dirt and pointing out the various features of the landscape.

The views from the top were simply stunning. We could see the entire town of Seydisfjordur laid out before us, the fjord stretching out to the open sea, and the surrounding mountains rising up on all sides. It was a truly breathtaking panorama, and I felt a sense of awe and gratitude to be able to experience such natural beauty with my family.

After soaking in the views at Bjólful Mountain, we decided to relive a bit of movie history by heading to the Walter Mitty longboard viewpoint. As a big fan of the film *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty*, I was excited to see the spot where Ben Stiller filmed the iconic longboarding scene. The drive to the viewpoint took us along winding roads that offered glimpses of the rugged Icelandic countryside. When we arrived, I immediately recognized the spot from the movie. The long, straight road stretched out before us, framed by rolling hills and dramatic cliffs. I could almost picture Walter Mitty himself, carving down the road on his longboard, embracing the thrill of adventure.


Explore the breathtaking Walter Mitty Longboard Viewpoint, a scenic gem in Seydisfjordur, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty.

Of course, I didn't attempt any longboarding myself – I'm not quite as brave (or perhaps as reckless) as Walter Mitty. Instead, we took some photos, soaked in the scenery, and imagined what it must have been like to film that scene. Sofia even tried to imitate Ben Stiller's pose, striking a goofy grin and pretending to ride an imaginary longboard. It was a fun and lighthearted moment that we all enjoyed.

After our movie-inspired adventure, our stomachs started to rumble, and we decided it was time for lunch. We headed to Salt Café & Bistro, a charming eatery in nearby Egilsstaðir that had been recommended to us by several locals. The drive to Egilsstaðir was scenic, taking us through rolling hills and past picturesque farms. I was immediately struck by the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The décor was rustic and charming, with wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and quirky artwork on display.


Experience the flavors of Iceland at Salt Café & Bistro in Egilsstaðir - where local ingredients meet culinary creativity.

The menu featured a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I opted for the Arctic char, while Lena chose the lamb burger. Sofia, of course, went for the pizza. The food was absolutely delicious. My Arctic char was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and a moist, flavorful flesh. Lena raved about her lamb burger, praising the juicy patty and the tangy sauce. Even Sofia, who can sometimes be a picky eater, devoured her pizza with gusto.

After lunch, we took a stroll around Egilsstaðir, exploring the town's charming streets and soaking in the local atmosphere. We stopped at a few shops, browsing the local crafts and souvenirs. I even picked up a small wooden carving of a puffin, a reminder of our time in Iceland. As the afternoon wore on, we decided to head back to Seydisfjordur for a bit of relaxation before dinner.

For dinner, we had reservations at Hótel Aldan, a restaurant known for its innovative Nordic cuisine. The restaurant was elegant and refined, with a sophisticated ambiance that set the stage for a memorable meal. The menu was a celebration of Icelandic flavors, with dishes that showcased the freshest seafood, tender meats, and locally grown vegetables. I started with the langoustine soup, which was creamy and rich, with a delicate sweetness that perfectly complemented the savory broth. For my main course, I chose the reindeer steak, which was cooked to perfection and served with a medley of roasted root vegetables. Lena opted for the pan-fried cod, which was flaky and moist, with a delicate lemon-herb sauce. Sofia, feeling adventurous, tried the Arctic char again and loved it just as much as she had at lunch.


Discover Hótel Aldan in Seyðisfjörður – where Icelandic cuisine meets cozy accommodations amidst stunning landscapes.

After dinner, we decided to cap off the evening with a visit to Nordic Restaurant for a nightcap. The bar had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. I ordered a local Icelandic beer, while Lena opted for a glass of wine. We sat back, relaxed, and savored the moment, reflecting on the incredible day we had just experienced.


Savor the authentic taste of Nordic cuisine in the heart of Seydisfjordur, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

As we sipped our drinks, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share such amazing experiences with my family. From the stunning views at Bjólful Mountain to the movie magic at the Walter Mitty viewpoint, from the delicious food at Salt Café & Bistro and Hótel Aldan to the cozy atmosphere at Nordic Restaurant, today had been a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and culinary delights. As we walked back to Hótel Snæfell, the cool Icelandic air nipping at our faces, I knew that this was a day we would cherish forever.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our Icelandic adventure. We plan to explore the Seyðisfjörður Marina and the town itself, soaking in the last moments of this picturesque location. Lunch will be at The Filling Station / Seyðisfjörður Food Coop, and we'll end our trip with dinner at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar. Of course, a final stop at Steinholt & Co. for some last-minute souvenirs is also on the agenda. It's bittersweet to think about leaving, but I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings and to carry these memories with us back to Berlin.