Exploring the Wild Beauty of Þórsmörk, Iceland

Chasing Ice and Myths in Iceland's South

Today was a sensory overload in the best possible way. From the crunch of crampons on ancient ice to the echoing rush of a hidden waterfall and the hearty flavors of a Viking-inspired meal, Liam and I experienced the raw, untamed beauty and rich history of Iceland. It's days like these that remind me why I traded the predictability of a 9-to-5 job for the life of a freelance photographer and travel blogger. The spontaneity, the unexpected discoveries, and the chance to share these incredible moments with all of you – it's what fuels my soul.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Heima Bistro in Vik. I opted for a traditional skyr with berries and Liam had their fish and chips, fueling up for our glacier hike. The bistro was charming, with a cozy atmosphere that made us feel right at home, even thousands of miles from Canmore. I made a mental note to try and recreate their fish and chips when we get back home.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Heima Bistro in Þorlákshöfn - where every dish tells a story.

After breakfast, we drove to Sólheimajökull glacier, eager to experience Iceland's icy landscapes up close. I double-checked my camera bag, making sure I had plenty of memory cards – a lesson learned from yesterday's near-disaster! The landscape transformed as we approached, from green fields to a stark, volcanic terrain, a prelude to the icy giant ahead. The weather was kind to us, with the sun peeking through the clouds, casting an ethereal glow on the glacier.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sólheimajökull, Iceland's stunning glacier, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

We joined a guided glacier walk, and after a quick safety briefing and gear fitting – crampons, helmets, and ice axes – we set foot on the ice. The experience was surreal. The glacier was a labyrinth of ice sculptures, deep crevasses, and otherworldly formations. The blue ice sparkled in the sunlight, and the air was crisp and clean. I felt a sense of awe and respect for the power of nature.

The earth has music for those who listen.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights about the glacier's formation, its movement, and the impact of climate change. It was sobering to learn about the rapid rate at which Sólheimajökull is retreating. It reinforced my commitment to sustainable travel and raising awareness about environmental issues through my photography and writing. I snapped photos constantly, trying to capture the glacier's beauty and fragility. Liam, ever the adventurer, was in his element, exploring every nook and cranny of the icy landscape. At one point, he even managed to fill up his water bottle with fresh, incredibly pure glacier water.

After our glacier adventure, we drove to Nauthúsagil, a hidden gorge with a waterfall tucked away inside. The drive itself was an adventure, as the road turned into a rough F-road, requiring careful navigation in our trusty 4x4. When we parked, there was a small sign on the right hand side named: Nauthúsagil. The hike to the waterfall was short but challenging, requiring us to wade through the river and climb over rocks using chains and ropes. It felt like something straight out of an adventure movie.


Discover Nauthúsagil, a breathtaking canyon in Iceland that offers stunning waterfalls, unique geological formations, and serene hiking trails.

The effort was well worth it. As we rounded a corner, we were greeted by a stunning waterfall cascading into a small pool, surrounded by moss-covered cliffs. The sunlight filtering through the narrow opening created a magical atmosphere. It was a secluded, serene spot, far from the crowds of the more popular waterfalls. I took my time capturing the scene from different angles, experimenting with long exposures to create a sense of motion and drama.

The history of the place added another layer of intrigue. Nauthúsagil translates to bull house canyon, named for its past use as a grazing area for bulls. There are even stories of the place being haunted. Standing there, surrounded by the canyon's natural beauty and steeped in its history, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to Iceland's past.

After our adventurous hike, we were both ravenous. We drove towards Þórsmörk, making a pit stop at Vík Market / Saga Wool. I picked up a beautifully knitted wool scarf as a souvenir, while Liam found a cozy sweater to keep him warm on our future hikes. Supporting local artisans and businesses is something I always try to do when we travel.


Explore the best of Icelandic outdoor fashion and equipment at Vík Market / Saga Wool, your one-stop shop in the heart of Vík.

For lunch, we stopped at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant, eager to experience Iceland's Viking heritage through its cuisine. The restaurant was an experience in itself, built in the style of a Viking longhouse, complete with wooden carvings, shields, and pelts. It felt like stepping back in time.


Discover authentic Viking cuisine at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant in Ölfus – where tradition meets flavor in an immersive dining experience.

We decided to indulge in their Viking Feast, a three-course meal that included wild game soup, a steak platter with grilled beef tenderloin, fried rack of lamb, and glazed pork belly, and baked cheesecake with blackberries and candied nuts. The food was hearty and delicious, and the presentation was impressive. Liam particularly enjoyed the steak platter, while I was a big fan of the wild game soup. It was a truly immersive dining experience, and I couldn't help but imagine what it must have been like to feast in a Viking longhouse centuries ago. The restaurant is located on the southwest coast of Iceland, about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, surrounded by the country's distinctive black volcanic rock and lush green pastures. It is framed by Mount Ingólfur, which, like the restaurant itself, was named after the island's first settler.

After such a filling lunch, we decided to skip dinner at Tjöruhúsið. Instead, we opted for a light meal of skyr and fruit at our campsite, enjoying the tranquility of the Icelandic wilderness. We spent the evening reviewing my photos, reliving the day's adventures, and planning our itinerary for tomorrow. We are going to explore Þorolfsfell and Þrastaskógur, and I am eager to see what photographic opportunities they hold. I'm particularly excited about Þrastaskógur, as I've read that it's one of the few forested areas in Iceland, offering a unique contrast to the country's more typical landscapes.


Experience authentic Icelandic seafood at Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður – where fresh flavors meet stunning fjord views.

As I write this, nestled in our tent, surrounded by the sounds of nature, I feel incredibly grateful for this experience. Iceland continues to surprise and inspire me at every turn. It's a land of contrasts, where fire and ice collide, where ancient history meets modern innovation, and where the beauty of nature is both breathtaking and humbling. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Tomorrow, we're planning on exploring Þorolfsfell and Þrastaskógur, and Liam is already excited about checking out Grillby's bar in the evening. I am looking forward to capturing the unique beauty of Þrastaskógur, one of Iceland's rare forested areas.

Good night from Þórsmörk.