Bought a camper and plans to travel around Iceland this summer
Here are Viktoría Dís, Siddý, Jökull Logi, and Gulli in Portugal earlier this summer. Photo/Sent to mbl.is
Sigurdís Egilsdóttir moved to Vestmannaeyjar four years ago and is now living her dream life with her partner and their two children. She grew up in the Westfjords and has lived in various places across Iceland over the years—never afraid to embrace change. Known as Siddý, she works as a nurse at both the health clinic and the hospital ward of the South Iceland Healthcare Institution in Vestmannaeyjar. Recently, she bought a camper trailer, and the family is planning a domestic adventure this summer.
"My partner and life companion is Gulli, and together we have two children, Jökull Logi, who is three, and Viktoría Dís, who is eleven months old. We live here in the islands, which is Gulli’s home turf, and I’m currently on maternity leave," says Siddý, an avid outdoorswoman who has traveled extensively both within Iceland and abroad.
“I love getting to know nature and different cultures. I’m passionate about exercise, music, board games, and most sports. My newest hobby is riding an electric bike. These days, life mostly revolves around quality time and the joyful everyday moments with two small children who definitely keep me busy,” she says.
From Reykhólar to the Westman Islands
Siddý was raised in Reykhólar in the Westfjords and attended high school in Akranes.
“After that, I studied at a sports folk school in Aarhus, Denmark, and spent my university years in Reykjavík. I also worked one summer in Neskaupstaður and another in Stykkishólmur. Initially, I planned to work just one summer in Vestmannaeyjar—but here I still am,” she says.
Siddý loves doing outdoor activities with her children.
Perfect fit for a country girl
How do you like living in Vestmannaeyjar?
“It’s wonderful. This is a very family- and child-friendly community with everything you need: sports, music, excellent preschools and schools, theater, church activities, choirs, and a good healthcare system—including a local hospital. Life here is slower and more relaxed than in the city, which suits the country girl in me perfectly. I love how everything is less stressful and more peaceful. Yet, there’s a surprising amount of life and events here year-round, for both kids and adults—that’s another thing I love.”
She adds that she was touched by how warmly the community welcomed her when she moved.
“The people here are amazing. The best thing about living in the islands is the people, the nature, and how short the distances are—it takes only one to three minutes to run to the store. This laid-back lifestyle suits me incredibly well. The worst thing? That would have to be the ferry Herjólfur on a rough day. I’m no sailor, and on days like that I honestly question why I live here. But the answer is simple: I feel very good here, and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon,” she says.
Joy in the little things
What does your family enjoy doing in your free time?
“We love riding our electric bikes, going swimming, visiting the bakery and the aquarium. We enjoy fishing off the dock and going on little adventures. The Saturday morning sports school is also a big part of our weekend fun. It doesn’t take much to bring joy to little hearts, and all of these shared moments are priceless.”
Are there any hikes or nature spots in Vestmannaeyjar that you're especially fond of?
“Oh, absolutely. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Despite its small size, it's full of variety and countless possibilities. My favorite hikes include walking up Dalur Mountain to Blátindur , the highest peak in the islands, visiting Stafnes , hiking along the cliffs and to Klif . The birdlife and views are stunning. The hike up Heimaklettur is unique—don’t forget to bring bread for the sheep on the way; they’ll love you for it! And Eldfell is the perfect short hike. The story of the eruption and the town is amazing, and if you're lucky, you can still feel the heat in the lava—that always amazes me.”
Siddý exercises a lot outdoors and says the island holds hidden gems when it comes to hiking.
Never misses a home festival
Any nature gems in South Iceland more broadly that you love?
“ Múlagljúfur is absolutely essential—one of my favorite places in Iceland! This hidden gem with its dramatic landscape is like nothing else.”
Will your family attend the Goslok and Þjóðhátíð festivals this summer?
“We never miss the local festivals—except last year when I was giving birth. I’d even say I’m more excited about these festivals than my local partner! If there’s one thing people in Vestmannaeyjar know how to do, it’s celebrate. I love that. There's such a great vibe here—people who truly know how to enjoy life. You see it clearly on those festival days. The town comes alive, the joy is contagious, and everyone is so happy and carefree. I love the atmosphere and admire the work and love that goes into organizing these fantastic events.”
Do you have any summer travel plans?
“We just got back from a lovely trip to Porto, Portugal. But now we’re planning to explore Iceland. We just bought our first camper trailer and intend to follow the sun around the country this summer. We even started a travel club last year called Chasing the Sun—and that’s our motto,” says Siddý.
