We started the day very early and excited for the grand hiking adventure ahead! We walked to the docks in Isafjörður where we geared up: packing lunches and bug nets to ensure that we could have the most enjoyable hike possible. We then set sail for an hour to Sæból, an Icelandic coastal village that was abandoned in the ‘60s. Currently, the village is only occupied during the summer time and by travelers like us looking for a good hike!

We took a beautiful walk to Hesteyri, a small town located in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. On the hike, we trekked through moss, attempted to avoid mud, crossed a freezing river, and hopped across miniature waterfalls. We admired the wonders of Iceland’s fjords and wildlife along the walk. Midday we stopped for lunch, tired from the uphill portion of our hike. After eating a combination of sandwiches, oat bars, apples, and juice we set off for the second portion of the hike.

Finally, we arrived in Hesteyri where our tour guide surprised us with a delicious treat: Icelandic pancakes!!!  We gobbled up these sugary crepes with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Next, half of us continued our journey (with more hiking!) to the ruins of the Whaling Station. There we learned from our guide the history of whaling in this location, found old green glass in the beach, and skipped the perfect skipping rocks. Lastly, we all returned to the boat to travel back to Isafjörður, where we enjoyed a dinner of burgers and sandwiches. We are both sad that this trip is coming to an end and excited for our last day!

– Grace & Graham