The following post features student writing.

We’ve had a great stay at our cozy guesthouse in Patreksfjordur. On our first day in the village we followed a local hiking path up a hill that gave a fantastic bird-eye’s view of the town. After spending some time at the top, we split into two groups. Some students went to go spend time at the local swimming pool, which in typical Icelandic fashion included several hot tubs, a main pool, a wading pool, and a sauna — not bad! After signing the guest book at the mountain top cairn, the hiking group decided to venture off the path and continue to explore, before heading back the guesthouse for lunch. After lunch we headed to some natural hot pots which were surrounded by miles of sand overlooking the ocean. The hot spring bubbled up directly through the earthen floor of the hot pool — it was amazing!

To conclude the day, local fisherman invited us on onto their boat so that we could try some sea angling of our own. Many of us succeeded in catching our own cod and haddock! The owner of the biggest (and now only) fishing company in Patreksfjordur told us about current fishing practices and shared more about the many dangers of their job. In high and low seas the fishermen put out 30 miles of line that takes two days to bring in. He also told us that fish farming is becoming more and more popular in the Westfjords. For example, Norway has begun farming organic salmon that they export to various countries, including Whole Foods across the United States.

The next day felt like an especially long day. One highlight was definitely the Latrabjarg bird cliffs where we were able to photograph puffins up close. Since puffins are protected in Iceland they are not afraid of humans, allowing visitors to get within feet of their nests. The cliffs were a sheer drop off and the views were spectacular.

Other highlights included stops at a picturesque, abandoned house on the ocean and a local fisherman’s museum.  The day finished with a trip to Raudasandur beach, or the “Red Sand Beach,” a 14-kilometer stretch of golden (not red!) sand.

Dinner was back at our guesthouse where we enjoyed fresh rainbow trout, salad, potatoes, and cheese cake. Palmo, one of our fishing guides from the night before, joined us for dinner and shared more about his experiences at sea. Before the night was over some of us enjoyed a soccer game with Palmo and a friend of his, while others simply took a walk or sat and enjoyed the bright evening sky.

The following morning we caught the ferry from the Westfjords down to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where we are staying in the small seaside town of Olafsvik. It is hard to believe our trip is winding down, but we’ve got more adventures ahead before heading back to Reykjavik.

More to come soon!

– Nina H.