A Solo Escape to Iceland's Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Arrival in Ísafjörður: The Adventure Begins

After months of planning and anticipation, my solo adventure to Iceland's Hornstrandir Nature Reserve has officially begun! The journey here was long, with a flight from Zurich to Reykjavik and then a domestic flight to Ísafjörður. But as soon as I stepped off the plane and breathed in the crisp Icelandic air, I knew it was all worth it. The promise of untouched wilderness and serene landscapes filled me with excitement.


Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife of Hornstrandir, a hidden gem in Iceland's Westfjords, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Ísafjörður, nestled in the Westfjords, is a charming town surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjords. It feels like a world away from the bustling cities I'm used to. I made my way to Jötunn restaurant for a hearty breakfast. The cozy atmosphere and the delicious Icelandic flavors were the perfect welcome. Fuelled and ready, I decided to explore the town a little before my final boat transfer to Hornstrandir.

Wandering through Ísafjörður, I found myself drawn to Rammagerð Ísafjarðar, a local shop filled with beautiful Icelandic crafts. I couldn't resist picking up a small, hand-knitted wool scarf – a perfect memento of my trip and a practical addition to my hiking gear. I’m sure Sophie would love to have something like this too. Maybe I should come back here later in the trip to get her a souvenir. I also took a moment to appreciate the colorful buildings and the tranquil harbor, a scene that felt both familiar and utterly unique. It reminded me of the small villages near Lake Sarnen.

Lunch was at Tjöruhúsið, a renowned fish restaurant that I had read about. The restaurant is in one of the oldest houses in town, near the harbor. The buffet of fresh, fried fish was an absolute delight. The portions were generous, and the quality was outstanding. It was exactly the kind of honest, wholesome meal I needed before heading into the wilderness.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

In the afternoon, I savored the last moments of civilization at Logn, restaurant & bar, a restaurant and bar in Hotel Ísafjörður, where I enjoyed a satisfying dinner. The staff was friendly, and the food was delicious. I savored every bite, knowing that the next few days would be spent mostly on trail mix and energy bars. I made sure to charge my portable charger fully, as I knew electricity would be a luxury in the coming days. I double-checked my backpack, ensuring I had everything on my essentials list – tent, sleeping bag, hiking boots, waterproof clothing, maps, compass, camera, journal, first aid kit, and binoculars. It was only as I was doing this that I realised I had forgotten insect repellent and extra batteries. As I would be mostly hiking, I wasn’t too concerned about the insect repellent, but the extra batteries would have been useful.

As the day wound down, I found myself reflecting on the journey ahead. Hornstrandir is known for its unpredictable weather, and October can be particularly challenging. The average temperature is around 4°C (39.2°F), and daylight hours are limited. I knew I had to be prepared for anything – snow, rain, fog, and strong winds are all possibilities. But I also knew that the rewards would be immense. The chance to witness the raw beauty of the Arctic landscape, to hike through untouched trails, and to connect with nature on a deeper level was worth the risk. I was also excited about the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, a spectacle that I had always dreamed of witnessing.

Tomorrow, I plan to take the boat to Kvítar Lodge and then hike to Drangaskörð. I’ve heard stories of the stunning views from there. I'm eager to set up camp and truly immerse myself in the wilderness. I also hope to find a nice little bar called Verbudin. It will be nice to relax there after a long day of hiking.

For now, I'm off to get some rest. The real adventure begins tomorrow, and I can't wait to share it all with you!

As I settled into my accommodation for the night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this incredible journey, gratitude for the support of my family and friends, and gratitude for the chance to experience the magic of Iceland. I know that the next few days will be challenging, but I also know that they will be transformative. I'm ready to embrace the unknown, to push my limits, and to discover the hidden wonders of Hornstrandir.

This trip is not just about seeing beautiful landscapes or ticking off another destination on my bucket list. It's about finding solitude, reflecting on my life, and reconnecting with myself. It's about challenging my comfort zone and proving to myself that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. It's about embracing the simplicity of nature and appreciating the small things in life. And most importantly, it's about creating memories that will last a lifetime. I am so excited to be here!

Before drifting off to sleep, I opened my journal and wrote a few lines about my first day in Iceland. I wanted to capture the emotions, the sights, and the sounds of this magical place. I wanted to remember this moment forever. As I closed my eyes, I whispered a silent prayer for a safe and fulfilling journey. And with that, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of arctic foxes, towering cliffs, and endless horizons. What a wonderful start to the trip!