Chasing spring in Grundarfjörður

There were a few days in March when I was convinced that spring had arrived. Perhaps it had, but only for a moment, because we had to wait another two months for the final farewell to winter. At that moment, I was overcome with euphoria. Within a few days, almost all the snow in the area had melted, and I could go for a walk a bit longer than before.

Every one of my big and small journeys here begins with stepping out the door, just like in Tolkien's story. I could stop there, and it would still be wonderful.

But let's continue, it's so warm!

This time, I left the path leading to Kirkjufell, and went up.

I have a favorite path where you're more likely to encounter sheep than people. But it was still too early for the sheep in March - they didn't return to the mountains until April or May (I don't remember exactly when they appeared again). So I was completely alone on the track that day.

The sun was still very low.

I love the view of our little fjord and town - you don't have to climb high, just twenty minutes is enough.

Just a few more steps and Kirkjufell emerges, with smaller Stöð behind it. And far beyond them, the Western Fjords loom on the horizon.

It was so warm that I could take off my jacket. I feel like the sun here heats up more intensely. I mean, when a cloud covers it, it's like stepping out of an oven straight into a refrigerator.

Let's take a look at the mountains. The tallest peak in this group is called Örn, which means Eagle. Last fall, I approached it twice much closer but gave up further hiking due to the short day. I was also afraid of solo hiking in unfamiliar conditions - there are no trails here like those I know from Poland.

Örn photographed during a hike in October.

That March day, I didn't go any further. Although there was no snow on my path, the ground was very soggy, and my feet unexpectedly sank into small pebbles. I could hear a quiet rustling as water flowed between them.

One last look at the surroundings.

As for this whole spring thing - two months ago, I found out that there are really only two seasons here - summer and winter 😉

Örn and the other peaks of the Helgrindur range are still waiting for me. It's June, with the longest days of the year, but the weather does not spoil us. I think I will go on really long hike only in July. In the meantime, I'm exploring here and there around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which I also write about on my other profile @wadera. It's in Polish only, but if anyone wants to see just photos, you're welcome to check it out :)

See you!