Introducing our new blog series: Meet the team! Our staff members are passionate about travel in Iceland. In the coming weeks and months we will get to know them a little better and ask them to dish out some valuable travel advice - including juicy tips on their favourite secret spots in Iceland...so watch this space!

 
Who is Nína?

I'm a young Icelander who's interested in travel, people and, well, most things actually! My education is in folklore and tourism, the two of them go well together as tourism has many folkloristic aspects to it. My favourite sport is skiing, it makes the winter and darkness that comes with it so much nicer. I'm a newcomer to the company, I've been working for 4 months in the incoming sales department of Hey Iceland.

 
You are from Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. What‘s the best thing about the Westfjords?

For me the remoteness and nature is very calming, I like the closeness to the ocean and the mountains. If you fly into Ísafjörður you will feel that closeness very well when you land as the mountains are so steep! The people are kind and hard-working and make very good hosts. They have respect for their surroundings and nature.

Photo: That's me on Mt Kubbi, overlooking my home town Ísafjörður.

What are the must see places in the Westfjords?

Hornvík in Hornstrandir is in my mind the most special place. This creek sits on top of the Westfjords in one of the country's most isolated areas. It's a 3-hour boat ride to get there but well worth it. If you're a bird lover you'll love Hornbjarg cliff. The hike is worth it for the view alone. Oh, and you might run into foxes!

Photo: That's me on Hornstrandir, one of my favourite places in the Westfjords.

Rauðasandur is a beach with what seems like an endless red sand in the southern part of the Westfjords. I recommend taking your shoes off and just start running…

What is your favourite place in all of Iceland and why?

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one of my favorite areas, it has so many special spots. There are no roads there so it can only be reached by boat and there is hardly any phone reception which makes you feel a bit disconnected to the outer world. A very special experience.

Another one of my favourite spots is the swimming pool in Reykjanes, Ísafjarðardjúp. It's a natural thermal pool so the water is a bit warmer then your average swimming pool. It has actually been called ‘Iceland’s largest hot tub’ and I'm quite sure it has some magical healing powers because you always feel super energised and relaxed after you've been there.

Photo: The swimming pool in Reykjanes, Ísafjarðardjúp, Westfjords. 

What is your top tip for a first-time traveller to Iceland?

The weather here is quite unpredictable, even in the summer, so keep that in mind. Weather is a just an attitude really, if you bring warm clothes and good shoes you can still have fun and explore the country as you had planned. You might also discover it in a new and fun way! Oh, and bring swimwear, you will want to visit many of the country's wonderful ‘hot pots’ and swimming pools.

 
What do you do when you are on holiday?

I like not organising too much, I just decide to go and then roll with it.

Photo: Picnic at Hesteyri in Jökulfirðir in the Westfjords. I love my coffee! And won't say no to some typical Icelandic pastries to go with it...If you love coffee like I do, I recommend stopping by for coffee and waffles in Simbahöllin in Dýrafjörður. 

 
When you‘re not in the office, where might we find you?

I like to spend my free time in downtown Reykjavík, sit down with a book or magazine in one of the city's cafés with friends. Also, Ægisíða is a beautiful area, next to the ocean in the west part of the city quite close to my home, where I love going for a run or a walk.

Want to explore some of Nína's favourite places? Check out our Beautiful West self-drive tour. 

Make sure to check back to meet a new staff member soon!

Complete Hey Iceland staff list and contact information.