After 2 days and 1400kms (755 nautical miles) at sea we have arrived in Isafjordur Iceland. Time to find out if Iceland lives up to the hype.
A Visit To An Abandoned Village
Travel from Isafjordur to the Jökulfirdir Fjord by boat to visit a remote village deserted by all its residents over 60 years ago. The only way to get to Hesteyri is from the water; it’s about a 70-minute ride.
The tiny settlement never did have any roads leading to it, and no electricity or telephone links. What it did have – and still does – is an outstandingly picturesque setting amidst steep snow-dusted mountains and quiet, secluded coves. Notwithstanding the natural beauty, in the 1940s the 80 inhabitants decided they’d had enough, and by 1952 the last of them had moved away.
Many of their structures still stand, little changed from how they were then. And since the village has been an ecologically protected area for decades, the native flora and fauna have had a field day. Hikers here often encounter Arctic foxes, seals, and birds of many types. You’ll stroll around the eerily empty village with your guide, enjoying traditional Icelandic refreshments at a house where the doctor used to live. Don’t miss this chance for what will certainly be an excursion unlike any other you take this voyage.
The Trip to Hesteyri
After a short walk from the ship we boarded the boat for our scenic trip to the abandoned village.
Hesteyri
From the “beach” we wandered around the shore, through the a very small cemetery, where we heard that the doctor shut up shop because of a lack of business. Everyone who lived in Hesteyri was healthy and the doctor had no business. Our first and only stop was the doctor’s surgery which is now a cafe.
When we arrived at this bell our guide advised that we needed to let the elves know we were visiting so he rang the bell three times so that they new we were on the way.
Hesteyri Cafe
In the cafe we were served a snack and coffee or tea plus our host played a native instrument for us. It was then time for us to head back to the boat for our trip back to the ship.
Hesteyri is definitely an isolated place, so can understand why the original inhabitants decided to relocate. Definitely worth the trip though.
Return Trip
During the return trip we were lucky enough to see a WHALE…. Not the greatest shots the whale was toying with us.. One great whale tail shot..
An enjoyable day on the water and wandering around an abandoned village.
Dinner
Tonight’s dinner was in Prime 7 so I decided it was time drink a couple of the wines I bought on the cruise. IMHO a couple of the Australian reds.
2004 Penfolds Bin 707, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Australia
| Appearance | Deep youthful crimson |
| Nose: | There was a bit of funk on the nose, pepper, cherry, mocha aromas. |
| Palate: | Smooth with subtle enjoyable tannins |
| Finish: | Still going… very long an enjoyable |
| Oz’s Wine Rating | 4 out 5 Still evolving, glad I have another bottle… |
2006 Kilikanoon Oracle, Clare Valley, South Australia
| Appearance: | Deep garnet |
| Nose: | Perfumed combination of black pepper, black currant and truffle aromas |
| Palate: | Smooth, balanced with a residual sweetness |
| Finish: | Long with a very enjoyable tail |
| Oz’s Wine Rating | 4 out of 5 Great wine |
Dinner….
Isafjordur
The penultimate day of the cruise was an enjoyable one. Isafjordur and the visit to abandoned village of Hesteyri was a great start to Iceland. Definitely recommend the trip to Hesteyri. Dinner in Prime 7 was great as usual, steak plus a caramel popcorn sundae, with a couple of very good wines, a great way to finish the day. Unfortunately this was my last night at sea onboard, tomorrow we arrive in Reykjavik our last port…
