Traustholtshólmi is an island that is definitely off the beaten path of tourists doing the Golden Circle. We were recommended by the owners of Magical Iceland and they also wanted to experience this amazing place so they joined us.
We got there at around 17:30 on what was probably the most beautiful day in a month for Iceland and in midnight sun season, Hákon and his dog Skuggi met us with his Zodiac style boat and took us to the island from the mainland. After a few minutes hike up a hill, there stood 3 yurts, a communal yurt, washroom and shower facilities and probably the most beautiful scenery you can imagine - all ours for the night. Because of such a clear day, we were able to see volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull and also the Westman Islands in the distance. Only 3 yurts are rented for the night, so this is as exclusive as it gets. Once settled in the yurt, Hákon called us all to go to the dock to get the freshly caught fish from the glacier river. Along the way, he told us about his projects going on the island, the history and fielded any questions we had. After untangling what was about 7 fish from his net, he proceeded to gut and prepare sashimi style, the fish caught right there. The sashimi is lean and has hardly any oil as it does not feed in fresh water. It waits to go to the ocean to feed so there are no lice or parasites present. After that, Hákon prepared the fillets outside the communal yurt and cooked it over an open wood fire. Along with a salad, potato salad and a rhubarb dessert with cream added, the dinner was fabulous.
After dinner, it was free time so we walked about 5 minutes up a small hill and caught the midnight sun, which was what we were hoping to see-and we did. We went to sleep around 01:30 and it was still light out. The yurt was comfortable and cozy with only the daylight and/or candlelight to light your way. It does get cold but there is a propane heater to use in case it gets unbearable, but the blankets provided were surprisingly warm and there are numerous blankets in the yurt if needed.
In the morning, Hákon had coffee and a light breakfast prepared for us in the communal yurt. After that it was time to say goodbye and then he took us back to the mainland on his boat. This is truly a unique experience that cannot be missed especially when you have great weather like we did. It is pricey, about $800CAD per night, but if you like to have an island to call your own for a night then it might be definitely be worth it.