Exploring the Wild Beauty of Þórsmörk, Iceland

A Day of Icelandic Contrasts

Today was a day of dramatic contrasts, from the rugged volcanic landscapes to the serene beauty of cascading waterfalls. Iceland continues to surprise and enchant me with its ever-changing scenery. I'm so grateful to be sharing this adventure with Liam, whose enthusiasm for the outdoors matches my own, even when I drag him into wool shops.

The day started with a hearty breakfast at Hvönn Restaurant in Skálholt. The restaurant is located within the Hotel Skalholt, offering creative cuisine and dishes made from local ingredients. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. The drive to Tindfjöll was breathtaking. The landscape transformed into a rugged, mountainous terrain, living up to its name, which translates to Peak Mountains. I learned that Tindfjöll is a mountain ridge that runs south from the glacier and volcano Tindfjallajökull. Formed in an eruption 54,000 years ago, the area is a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The weather was perfect, with clear skies that allowed us to see for miles. We parked the car and set off on a trail that promised panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike was challenging, but the views were more than worth it. I made sure to take lots of photos, trying to capture the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape. Liam, ever the supportive husband, carried my extra lenses and tripod, occasionally stopping to point out interesting geological formations.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tindfjöll, a majestic mountain peak in Iceland, perfect for hiking, photography, and nature exploration.

The beauty of Iceland lies in its ability to surprise you at every turn, offering a new perspective and a deeper connection with nature.

After spending a few hours hiking around Tindfjöll, we drove towards Fremri-Fellsfoss, a waterfall located on the lower course of the Skógá River along the Fimmvörðuháls trail. As we approached, the sound of rushing water grew louder, and soon we were greeted by the sight of the majestic waterfall cascading down the cliffs. The sun was shining, creating a rainbow in the mist, adding to the magical atmosphere. The hike to the base of the waterfall was relatively easy, and we took our time, enjoying the scenery along the way. I couldn't resist taking more photos, trying to capture the perfect shot of the water as it plunged into the pool below. Liam, meanwhile, was busy skipping stones and trying to see how many times he could get one to bounce. After taking in the views of Fremri-Fellsfoss, we were both hungry. We decided to have lunch at Valhalla Restaurant in Hvolsvöllur. I had heard great things about this Viking-themed restaurant, and I was excited to experience it for myself. The restaurant was just off the main road back to Reykjavik from Vik, making it a convenient stop for travelers. The interior was decorated with long tables and benches, reminiscent of a Viking hall, and there was even a museum on-site with interesting exhibits about Viking history. We ordered burgers, which came highly recommended, and they did not disappoint. They grill the burgers over an open fire grill and it really brings the flavor of the smoke out in the burger. As we ate, we talked about our favorite moments from the day so far and made plans for the rest of our trip. Liam was particularly excited about tomorrow's itinerary, which includes a visit to Höfðabrekkuheiði and Ægissíðufoss Waterfall, followed by drinks at Moe's Bar.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Fremri-Fellsfoss, a stunning waterfall nestled in Iceland's Fimmvörðuháls region, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

After lunch, we decided to do some shopping at Icewear / Vík Wool in Vík. I had been wanting to buy a traditional Icelandic wool sweater, and I knew this was the place to find one. The store offered a unique selection of Icelandic wool sweaters and other products made of Icelandic wool. I tried on several different styles before finally settling on a beautiful grey sweater with a traditional pattern. Liam, of course, teased me about buying yet another sweater, but I knew he secretly approved of my purchase. After all, he would be the one benefiting from my warmth on those cold Icelandic nights.


Discover high-quality outdoor clothing and authentic Icelandic wool products at Icewear / Vík Wool, a shopping haven in Vík.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Reykjavik, where we had reservations for dinner at Kol Restaurant. I had heard that Kol is an elegant restaurant with a moody atmosphere. Kol's interior is characterized by three elements: concrete, wood and leather. This gives the whole place a consistent ambiance. The food was amazing and introduced sweet flavors where you don't expect them, with a great emphasis on texture. We started off the evening with cocktails. The bartender made us some great cocktails throughout the evening. For starters I enjoyed a langoustine soup, giving it a slightly sweet taste. The langoustine was, of course, caught in Icelandic waters and tasted fresh and good! We also had great wine pairings accompanying all our courses. The mood at Kol is sophisticated with a modern Scandinavian vibe. The first thing you notice when you step into Kol Restaurant is that the lighting is very moody. There are stylish hanging lamps over the tables, designed by revered British designer Tom Dixon, and light also comes from underneath the wooden boards mounted on the wall. It's a little bit dark, giving it a perfect atmosphere for a date night. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day. As we walked back to our accommodation, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Iceland had once again exceeded my expectations, and I knew that the memories we were making would last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we're off to explore more of Iceland's hidden gems, and I can't wait to see what adventures await us.


Experience the essence of Icelandic fine dining at Kol Restaurant, where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

I'm also realizing I forgot to pack sunscreen! Note to self: add that to the essential packing list for the next adventure. I guess my fair Danish skin is more sensitive than I thought, even in Iceland. I will need to get some tomorrow before we head out again.