Exploring the Wild Beauty of Þórsmörk, Iceland

First Impressions: South Coast Charm
Our Icelandic adventure has officially begun! Leaving the vibrant city of Reykjavik behind, Liam and I set off to explore the South Coast. Today was all about soaking in the initial sights, sounds, and tastes of this incredible island. It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with a place. The air is so fresh, and the landscapes are already stealing my breath.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Midgard Restaurant & Bar in Hvolsvöllur. It was the perfect way to fuel up for the adventures ahead. The restaurant had a lovely, relaxed vibe, and I was thrilled to see they focus on using local ingredients. I opted for a traditional Skyr with berries and Liam had some eggs. We chatted about our plans for the day and felt the excitement building as we looked over the map.


Experience the essence of Icelandic cuisine at Midgard Restaurant & Bar—where traditional flavors meet modern culinary art.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we continued our drive along the Ring Road, eager to catch the Vestmannaeyjaferjan Herjólfur ohf. It was a scenic drive with rolling green hills and the occasional glimpse of the ocean. We boarded the ferry, ready to discover the Westman Islands. The ferry ride itself was an experience, with stunning views of the coastline and the dramatic basalt columns that characterize this region. The sea was relatively calm, and we enjoyed the fresh sea air as we approached the islands.


Explore the stunning Vestmannaeyjar islands effortlessly with Herjólfur Ferry, your gateway to Icelandic natural beauty and history.

The Westman Islands are truly something special. Emerging from volcanic activity, the landscape is rugged and raw, yet teeming with life. The main town, Heimaey, is charming and colorful, with brightly painted houses and a bustling harbor. We spent a few hours exploring the island, taking in the sights and learning about its fascinating history. The islands are known for their puffin colonies, but unfortunately, we didn't spot any today. Maybe next time!

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

Lunch was at Gott restaurant, which lived up to its name – Gott meaning good in Icelandic. The restaurant is family owned and the owners clearly transcend their passion and ambition into the presentation and taste of their food. Liam had the fish of the day, which he raved about, declaring it the freshest fish he'd ever tasted. I opted for their vegan burger, which was equally delicious. Everything is made from scratch, from the sauces to the bread, and you can really taste the difference. It was the perfect fuel for more exploration. It was a vibrant, healthy and creative restaurant. I can see why it gets excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, and is rated the top restaurant in Westman Island.


Experience the best of Icelandic flavors at Gott restaurant in Vestmannaeyjar, where local ingredients meet culinary passion in a cozy setting.

After lunch, we took a walk along the harbor, watching the fishing boats come and go. We learned about the volcanic eruption of 1973, which dramatically reshaped the island and forced the evacuation of its residents. It's incredible to see how the community has rebuilt and thrived since then. The spirit of the islanders is truly inspiring.

Back on the mainland, we made our way to Skógar, eager to see the majestic Skógafoss waterfall. As we approached, the mist from the falls was visible from a distance, creating a magical atmosphere. We parked the car and walked towards the waterfall, feeling the spray on our faces as we got closer. Skógafoss is truly impressive, cascading down from a height of 60 meters. We climbed the stairs to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It was worth every step!

For dinner, we decided to try the Skogafoss Bistro Bar, located near the waterfall. We were both starving after our hike up to the top of Skógafoss. It was so convenient, as it was situated inside the Skogafoss hotel. Liam ordered the lamb shank and I had the lamb burger. After dinner we sat at the comfy hangout area, enjoying our drinks.


Savor authentic Icelandic cuisine at Skogafoss Bistro Bar near stunning waterfalls – an unmissable culinary experience!

Before heading back to our campsite, we made a stop at Rammagerðin to pick up a few souvenirs. I found a beautiful hand-knitted wool scarf, perfect for keeping warm on chilly evenings. Liam bought a small Icelandic flag to put on our campervan. It's always nice to have a little memento of our travels.


Discover unique Icelandic souvenirs at Rammagerðin, a charming store near the Lava Centre, perfect for tourists seeking local treasures.

As the day drew to a close, we found a cozy spot to set up our tent, nestled amongst the rolling hills. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We sat outside, sipping hot chocolate and reflecting on our first day in Iceland. It's been a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and experiences, and we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're excited to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Þórsmörk. Our itinerary includes exploring the stunning landscapes and hiking through Básar, Þórsmörk. We'll start our day with breakfast at Volcano Huts Húsadalur, followed by a hike and lunch at Básar, Þórsmörk. In the evening, we plan to unwind at Hygge Restaurant & Bar and perhaps visit Lundinn (Original Puffin Bar) for a nightcap. I'm especially excited to capture the unique flora and fauna of Þórsmörk with my camera, and Liam is eager to explore the hiking trails. We've heard so much about the breathtaking views and challenging terrain, and we're both ready for the adventure.

One thing I forgot to pack was sunscreen, so I will need to purchase some tomorrow.

Tonight, as I write this from our cozy tent, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Iceland has already exceeded all of our expectations, and we're only just getting started. Stay tuned for more updates from our adventure!