Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2019, Side 37

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Best Hike

Kaldbakur
Dýrafjörður
Directly between Dýrafjörður and
Arnarfjörður lies Kaldbakur, the highest
point of the “Alps of the Westfjords.” Unlike
the flat-topped, glacier-shaped mountains
you might expect in Iceland, this one is
steep and pointy and, as such, it’s recom-
mended that only those who are physically
fit, with good hiking gear attempt this hike.
That said, the view is worth it, with a 360°
expanse of valleys, lakes, mountains, and
grasslands for your eyes to drink in. B7
Runners Up
Hornbjarg
Hornstrandir
The crowning jewel of Hornstrandir—the
uninhabited northernmost point of the
Westfjords—is Hornbjarg. Only accessible
by a boat ride and five hour hike, it’s a se-
ries of lush, green cliffs that drop abruptly
down into the harsh Arctic waves below,
with nothing standing between you and
the North Pole. E5

Seljalandsdalur to Syðridalur
Seljalandsdalur
The valley of Syðridalur is a prime loca-
tion for spotting eiders, bar-tailed god-
wits, black-headed gulls, and many other
winged inhabitants of Iceland. It’s also sur-
rounded by awe-inspiring views. Start in
the skiing area in Seljalandsdalur and hike
six hours to a beautiful vista overlooking
the picturesque Hnífsdalur and Ísafjörður.
C6
Best Bathing Spot
Krossneslaug
Route 643, past Árneshreppur
Straight up the road from Djúpavík, this
old-school bathing spot is quite literally
where the road ends. Sandwiched be-
tween the mountains and the sea, it offers
a wild and positively sublime pool expe-
rience. “By the time you make it there on
that rough road you’re exhausted, and
jumping in the pool is that much more re-
warding,” said the panel. “Those views out
to the sea from the edge of the pool are just
incredible.” D7
Runners Up
Pollurinn
Tálknafjöður
A few kilometres outside of Tálknafjöður,
this idyllic fjordside bathing spot offers an
unforgettable, jaw-dropping view of the
surrounding mountains. There are a couple
of hot pots of different temperatures. It’s
open 24/7, so feel free to arrive late to soak
while the sun sets. C8
Heydalur
Ísafjörður
Heydalur offers four choices: two indoor
pools, a warm swimming pool, and a hot
tub. Housed in a greenhouse surrounded
by fruit trees, it’s a true oasis. Don’t miss
the natural hot pot—it’s only accessible
by walking across a cold, narrow glacial
stream. But that just makes it all the more
worth it, right? F6
Best Bar

Vagninn
Hafnarstræti 19, Flateyri
An almost unanimous pick, Vagninn is
without a doubt the most happening bar
in the Westfjords. “It’s a legendary spot,
and it always gets me in a good mood,”
said one panellist. Known for its tasty food,
great beer selection, live music, local vibe,
and rowdy crowd, Vagninn proves that you
can find that sweaty, smiley bar ambience,
even in the middle of nowhere. C7
Runners Up
Húsið
Hrannargata 2, Ísafjörður
“It’s a social hub,” said one panel member
in regards to Ísafjörður’s beloved Húsið.
“It has a decent selection of my favour-
ite Icelandic beers,” another agreed. “And
the atmosphere is really nice.” A café by
day, Húsið transforms into the best type
of small town pub later on. Expect to make
new friends. C6

Edinborgarhúsið
Aðalstræti 7, Ísafjörður
Edinborgarhúsið could best be described
as the cultural centre of Ísafjörður. With
everything from rowdy rock and rap gigs to
jazz nights, the venue is certainly a mixed-
bag, but one that works steadfastly to bring
the best of Icelandic culture all the way to
the far reaches of the Westfjords. C6
Best Café
Simbahöllin
Fjarðargata 5, Þingeyri
Who says you can’t get Belgian-style waf-
fles in the middle of nowhere? Certainly not
Simbahöllin. This cafe is nested in the tiny
fishing village of Þingeyri, and it was an-
other near-unanimous pick from the panel.
“It has the best coffee, the best waffles,
and the jam is magic!” exclaimed one pan-
ellist. “It’s also worth the stop just to sit
in thar beautifully restored old building,”
another added. They make a damn good
latte, too. C7
Newcomer
Heimabyggð
Aðalstræti 22b, Ísafjörður
Heimabyggð’s cosy, wooden interior
breeds relaxation. The panel praised the
café, which opened only this year, for their
coffee, fresh sourdough bread, beer selec-
tion and general atmosphere, which they
described as healthy and homey. Expect
large portions, larger lattes and lots of
laughter. C6
Runner Up
Stúkuhúsið
Aðalstræti 50, Patreksfjörður
Stúkuhúsið walks the line between diner
and café, but its warm atmosphere and
friendly service make it the perfect place
to stop for a bite of cake and a hot cup
of joe. “It’s like being at your grandma’s
house,” said one panellist. “And the cakes
are homemade!” B8