SPRINGTIME IN THE WESTFJORDS

Quite a few Icelanders claim that the Westfjords are the most beautiful part of the country. But one thing that Ísafjördur, the regional capital, is known for is that over the Easter weekend, many people from all over the country flock there to participate in the annual ski week, as there is plenty of snow, and to attend the music festival, “Aldrei fór ég sudur” (“Never Did I Go South”) The music festival has now been held for twenty years, and a crop of the country’s finest musicians entertain the public for two nights, with the local musician and fan favoutite Mugison as the traditional lead performer.

For more than half a century, the ski week has been held during Easter in Ísafjördur. There was a large crowd this year, with plenty of snow, falling and drifting as well. It is always good to come to the West; despite unpredictable weather, difficult roads, cold, and wind. Because Ísafjördur and the Westfjords as awhole are always exciting, as the now former President of Iceland, Gudni Th. Jóhannesson, said when he opened the music festival: “The festival is unique, on a global scale.” He’s not wrong, you know.

Here are snapshots from the West today.