Today’s expedition was a perfect hybrid between Icelandic nature and culture. First thing in the morning we arrived at to Vigur Island located in Ísafjarðardjúp a large fjord in the Westfjords region of Iceland. Vigur is a small but mighty island measuring only 400 meters by 2 kilometers and has been home to a family of farmers that goes back four generations. The family collects eiderdown from the wild eider sea-duck nests.
Once onshore we were given tours by local guides who showed us the farm, how the eiderdown was collected, Iceland’s last windmill, the orphaned eider ducks being returned to the wild, and nesting puffins and Arctic terns. After the tour we were treated to Hjðnabandsæla or happy wedding cake baked with rhubarb jam which is made with fresh rhubarb grown on the island.
Our next stop was town of Ísafjörður, a short sail from Vigur but still in Ísafjarðardjúp. In Ísafjörður we had a choice between taking a hike and visiting the Arctic Fox Center or spending time in the fjord, getting to look more at the local plant life and visiting the Skrúður, the first Icelandic botanical garden founded in 1909.
The hike was up Vallagil, a spectacular ravine, and ended at an amazing waterfall, with water tumbling down layer after layer of ancient lava. After the hike we stopped by the Arctic Fox Center which acts as both a museum and research center. Lucky for us there were a couple of rescued foxes at the center during the time of our visit, so we got to see foxes, too!
Even after these amazing trips ashore the day was not over. Once back onboard National Geographic Orion we were treated to the hauntingly beautiful music of the lovey Icelandic artist Myrra Ros.
