We had an amazing time in Isafjordur! Yesterday we explored the town with an extraordinary guide. Her name was Lísbet and she showed us the parts of the city that we otherwise might not have known about. Not only did she tell us about the history, but entertained us with riveting, local gossip about the townspeople. Our walk included a visit to the only operating fish warehouse in Isafjordur and a private “concert” of traditional Icelandic Christmas songs at the local library. After our tour, Lísbet joined us for some delectable hot chocolate at a local café, where she told us stories about the elves that live in her house, life in Isafjordur, and how important feminism is to the country. We concluded our stay at the guesthouse with a surprise visit from Lísbet and two of her children, Sarah and Höðhur. They were the cutest and sweetest kids!
Lísbet and her kids, with the addition of her three-year-old daughter, Björt, joined us for a visit to the Natural History Museum. The most impressive artifact was a set of blue whale jaw bones! After saying goodbye, we hiked the Dynjandi Waterfall. Despite it being one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, it is in a very deserted area, causing it not to be a popular tourist attraction. We felt very fortunate to see such a magnificent natural wonder. Our bus ride also turned to dirt roads at this point, and the bus showed it!
Ninjas at the waterfall.
The drive to Dynjandi Falls.
Is that a Viking?
After the waterfall hike it was on to the Sea Monster museum in Bildudalur, which sits on a fjord famous for sea monster sightings throughout Iceland. The museum held real accounts from locals describing the most common monsters sighted along the shores around town and by local fisherman while they were out to sea.
Sea monsters!
Our final stop of the day was Patreksfjordur, where we will be spending the next few days hiking the Latrabjarg cliffs which are famous for its puffin population, meeting with local fisherman to learn about the fishing trade in town, and soaking in, you guessed it, geothermal hot springs overlooking the ocean.
This post includes contributions from Nina and Abigail.
Trying to pet a fox at the Arctic Fox Preserve.
The road to Bildudalur.
Getting our photo taken for the article in the paper! (See our previous post!)
At the fish market.
At the Arctic Fox Preserve.
A very dirty bus 🙂