Exploring the Wild Beauty of Þórsmörk, Iceland

A Day of Exploration and Icelandic Flavors

Today was a day filled with the kind of experiences that make traveling so rewarding – a blend of stunning natural beauty, a touch of adventure, and of course, some delicious food. Liam and I set out early, eager to explore more of what Þórsmörk and the surrounding areas had to offer. It’s days like these that remind me why I love photography so much; every corner turned reveals a new, breathtaking vista just waiting to be captured.

Our first stop was Höfðabrekkuheiði, a hiking area that promised panoramic views and a chance to stretch our legs. The drive there was beautiful, with the Icelandic landscape unfolding before us like a movie scene. Even though I forgot to pack extra memory cards, I was determined to make the most of what I had and capture as much as possible.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Höfðabrekkuheiði, an Icelandic hiking gem offering diverse trails and stunning vistas.
The hike itself was invigorating. The trails were well-marked, and the air was crisp and clean. As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly stunning. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and sprawling vistas stretched out before us, creating a dynamic backdrop for our adventure. I couldn't resist snapping photos at every turn, trying to capture the essence of this mesmerizing place. Liam, ever the supportive husband, patiently waited as I framed each shot, offering his own perspectives and spotting unique angles I might have missed. He really does have an eye for this, too, even if his day job is in software engineering! I am thinking I need to get him behind the camera more often!

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

One of the highlights of Höfðabrekkuheiði was the chance to witness the area’s remarkable geological features. We explored fascinating lava fields and glacial remnants, marveling at the power of nature that had shaped this landscape over millennia. The vibrant flora added another layer of beauty, with colorful wildflowers dotting the hillsides. I made a mental note to research more about the specific types of plants that thrive in this unique Icelandic climate. I am thinking of doing an article on this, as I am sure my readers will find it interesting, too.

We also kept an eye out for wildlife, spotting several bird species soaring above. The tranquility of the surroundings made it an ideal spot for reflection and connection with nature. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of sustainability and conservation, values that Liam and I try to incorporate into our travels as much as possible.

After a satisfying hike, we were ready for a change of pace. Our next destination was Ægissíðufoss Waterfall, a picturesque cascade on the Ytri-Rangá river. The drive from Höfðabrekkuheiði to the waterfall was relatively short, and soon we found ourselves in a peaceful spot surrounded by rocks and lush grassy fields.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ægissíðufoss Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder in Iceland, perfect for photography and nature lovers.
Ægissíðufoss isn’t one of Iceland’s towering waterfalls, but its broad cascade and serene setting made it incredibly charming. The waterfall is located a few kilometers south of the town of Hella, flowing through a rugged landscape. The sound of the water was soothing, and the area was perfect for a relaxing stroll. I took the opportunity to capture some long-exposure shots of the water, creating a soft, ethereal effect.

I learned that the Ytri-Rangá river is one of the best places to fish for salmon in Iceland, with thousands of salmon migrating through the river each year. Ægissíðufoss even has a salmon ladder to help the fish navigate the falls. While we didn’t see any salmon jumping today, it was fascinating to learn about the river’s importance to the local ecosystem.

By this point, we were both starting to feel a bit peckish, so we decided to head to Flúðir for a late breakfast. We stopped at Farmers Bistro, a charming spot known for its fresh, local ingredients. The bistro is operated by the same owners as Flúðasveppir, the only mushroom farm in Iceland, and Flúða-Jörfi, a horticulture farm where they grow bell peppers, tomatoes, and various other vegetables. It’s a true farm-to-table experience, and I was excited to try some of their offerings.


Experience the essence of Icelandic cuisine at Farmers Bistro in Flúðir—where fresh local ingredients meet exceptional flavors.
I ordered a mushroom soup, which was served with homemade garlic bread. It was absolutely divine! The soup was rich and creamy, with a deep, earthy flavor that only fresh mushrooms can provide. Liam opted for a bell pepper and mushroom tapenade, which he spread on a slice of sourdough bread. He declared it to be one of the best things he’d eaten on the trip so far. We both appreciated the bistro’s commitment to using local, organic ingredients and supporting sustainable farming practices.

For lunch, we decided to try something a bit different and headed to Restaurant Minilik, an Ethiopian restaurant also located in Flúðir. I had read about it online and was intrigued by the idea of Ethiopian food in rural Iceland. It turns out that Minilik is Iceland's first Ethiopian restaurant, founded by two couples who wanted to share their traditional dishes with the locals and tourists alike. We love Ethiopian food, as it is perfect for sharing and so delicious!


Experience authentic Ethiopian flavors at Restaurant Minilik in Flúðir, where tradition meets taste in an enchanting rural setting.
The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with Ethiopian posters and decorations adding a touch of authenticity. We ordered a combination platter, which included a variety of lentil, chickpea, and split pea dishes served on injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff flour. The food was flavorful and satisfying, and it was a fun and unique culinary experience. The owner, Azeb Khasai, was incredibly friendly and shared stories about her journey from Addis Ababa to Iceland. It’s always inspiring to meet people who are passionate about sharing their culture through food.

As the day wound down, we made our way back towards Þórsmörk, but not before making a pit stop at Moe's Bar for a quick drink. It was a cozy little place, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking and exploring. I opted for a local Icelandic beer, while Liam tried a glass of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature spirit. We chatted with some of the locals, learning more about life in this remote part of the world. It’s these small, spontaneous interactions that often become some of the most memorable moments of a trip.


Discover the vibrant nightlife at Moe's Bar, Reykjavík's local gem offering a relaxed atmosphere and an extensive drink menu for every taste.
For dinner, we decided to try Skjól Bistro - Amazing Tours Basecamp, located near our campsite. The bistro is known for its traditional Icelandic dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. I ordered the lamb schnitzel, which came highly recommended, and Liam went for the Arctic char. Both dishes were delicious, showcasing the fresh, local ingredients that Iceland is known for. The lamb was tender and flavorful, and the Arctic char was perfectly cooked. We savored each bite, reflecting on the incredible day we had just experienced.


Discover Skjól Bistro in Selfoss: A Culinary Gem Offering Local Flavors and Cozy Atmosphere for Every Traveler.
As we sat there, enjoying our meal, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful country. From the panoramic views at Höfðabrekkuheiði to the serene cascade of Ægissíðufoss, and the delicious meals at Farmers Bistro, Restaurant Minilik and Skjól Bistro, today had been a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culinary delights.

Tomorrow marks the end of our adventure in Þórsmörk. We plan to pack up our campsite and head towards Reykjavik. Before leaving the area, we will visit Vöruhúsið, a shop I am keen to explore as I heard they have some great local photography prints I want to check out. We are thinking of having breakfast at Nordic Restaurant and lunch at Restaurant Kanslarinn, before ending our trip with a farewell dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn. Of course, no trip is complete without a bit of souvenir shopping, so we'll make a stop at Seljalandfoss Shop before heading to the airport.

As I write this, I'm already looking forward to the next chapter of our Icelandic adventure, but I know I'll always cherish the memories we made in Þórsmörk. It’s a place that has captured my heart, and I can’t wait to return someday.

And yes, I will remember to buy more memory cards next time!