Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir is a passionate traveller, hiker, genealogy enthusiast, and dog breeder. With Icelandic Roots, Hjördís brings her excitement for recording diverse information in the database and correcting errors in Icelandic-language texts.

In this episode, Hjördís shares her love for the Egilsstaðir region and all of East Iceland - spanning from Seyðisfjörður to Vopnafjörður!

Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes, she has dedicated herself to documenting hiking trails and natural areas, from iconic destinations like Hengifoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, to lesser-known hidden gems.

Hjördís also introduces her Siberian huskies, some of the only sled dogs of their kind in all of Iceland!

Delve into Hjördís's fascination with the stories of farms abandoned during the Askja eruption and the North American emigration years. Through her well known documentary work, she sheds light on these historical narratives and their enduring significance.

We also discussed the Wilderness Centre in East Iceland - a place that embodies the deep connections between nature and the human experience in Iceland.

Enjoy this journey through the wonders of East Iceland, guided by the passion and expertise of Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir.

Link to the East Iceland Abandoned Farms Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Tb8SqS6BU&t=1389s