Exploring the Enchanting Fjords of Isafjordur with Friends

Coastal Charms and Thrifty Finds

Today was a day of exploring the lesser-known corners of Ísafjörður, a town that continues to surprise me with its blend of natural beauty and unique local experiences. It’s amazing how much character a place can have, and today, Ísafjörður really showed its true colors.

After another delicious breakfast at Mánagisting Guesthouse, I felt ready to take on the day. I'm starting to feel like a local here, which is a feeling I always cherish when traveling. There's something special about finding your rhythm in a new place, even if it's just for a little while. Maximilian always teases me that I could make friends with a rock, but I think it's my genuine curiosity that helps me connect with people and places so easily.


Discover the charm of Ísafjörður at Mánagisting Guesthouse - your cozy home away from home in Iceland's stunning Westfjords.

Our first stop was the Önundarfjörður Pier, a gem tucked away in the Westfjords. The drive there was stunning, with snow-dusted mountains rising on either side of the fjord. The pier itself was a simple wooden structure, but the views were anything but ordinary. The pier stretches into Önundarfjörður, a 20 km long fjord located between Dýrafjörður and Súgandafjörður. The still waters reflected the sky, creating a mirror image of the landscape. It was so peaceful. I took some photos, trying to capture the serene beauty of the place, but honestly, no picture could truly do it justice. I could have stayed there for hours, just breathing in the fresh, crisp air and enjoying the quiet.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Önundarfjörður Pier in Holt, Iceland, where stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere await every traveler.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly.

Önundarfjörður Pier is also known as Holt í Önundarfirði, and is a hidden gem in the Westfjords of Iceland. It has a stunning golden sand beach surrounded by sand dunes and grasses. The pier is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Next, we headed to Steypuhúsið 1903. It’s a building with a unique history, and I was eager to explore it. While I learned a lot, it made me reflect on Cholula, my hometown, where the echoes of the past are just as palpable, if not more so. I felt a pang of longing for the familiar sights and sounds of Cholula, the bustling markets, the scent of traditional foods, and the warmth of my family. I made a mental note to call my mom later; I know she loves hearing about my travels, but I also miss our chats about everyday life back home.


Explore the charm of Steypuhálið 1903, a historical attraction in Ísafjörður that showcases Iceland's rich culture and stunning natural landscapes.

After soaking in the history, it was time for lunch. We stopped at Faktorshus in Haestikaupstadur. This delightful restaurant offers an authentic taste of Icelandic cuisine, making it an essential stop for food lovers exploring this beautiful region. The warm and inviting atmosphere welcomes visitors to indulge in a variety of traditional dishes that highlight local ingredients and flavors. From fresh seafood caught from the surrounding waters to hearty lamb dishes, every meal is crafted with care and attention to detail. I decided to try their seafood soup, and it was absolutely divine. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. Maximilian opted for a burger, and he said it was one of the best he’s had in a long time.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Faktorshus in Ísafjörður, where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to do a little shopping. I had heard about Geðræktarmiðstöðin Vesturafl - Nytjamarkaður, a local thrift shop, and I was excited to check it out. You know how much I love finding unique, pre-loved items, and this place did not disappoint. Geðræktarmiðstöðin Vesturafl is a mental health support center that aims to improve the quality of life for people who, due to illness and/or other temporary circumstances, experience reduced quality of life and are therefore unable to actively participate in society, work, or at home. The role of the mental health center is to break social isolation and encourage users to participate in society. I found a beautiful hand-knitted Icelandic sweater for Elena, and Maximilian scored a vintage camera bag. We both felt good about supporting a local organization while finding some great treasures.


Explore Geðræktarmiðstöðin Vesturafl in Ísafjörður for sustainable shopping, unique second-hand fashion, and a community-focused experience.

For dinner, we decided to try Thai Tawee, a Thai restaurant in town. After so many days of Icelandic food, we were both craving something a little different. The food was delicious, and it was a nice change of pace. It reminded me of some of the amazing Thai food I had in Berlin a few years ago.


Experience a unique blend of authentic Thai cuisine infused with local Icelandic ingredients at Thai Tawee in Ísafjörður.

As the day winds down, I’m reflecting on how much I’ve enjoyed exploring Ísafjörður. It’s a town that has so much to offer, from its stunning natural landscapes to its unique local businesses. I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience it all, and I’m excited for what tomorrow brings.

Tomorrow is our last day here in Isafjordur, and while I am sad to leave, I am also excited for our journey back. We’ll start the day with breakfast at Hótel Ísafjörður, followed by lunch at Jötunn restaurant. For our final dinner, we plan to visit Edinborg Bistro, and maybe even enjoy a drink at their bar. It’s the perfect way to wrap up our adventure in this magical place.


Experience comfort and adventure at Hotel Isafjordur Horn, the perfect base for exploring Isafjordur's stunning landscapes and activities.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine. This quote resonates deeply with me, as each day of this trip has felt like turning a new page in a captivating story. Tonight, as I prepare for our final day in Ísafjörður, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences we’ve had and the memories we’ve made. I can’t wait to share more stories from our travels soon. Goodnight, everyone!