Hornstrandir Hiking Tour | Hiking in the Westfjords

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Information

Duration

11 hours

Difficulty

Challenging

Group Size

Small

Available

Jun - Sep

Minimum age

12 years

Pick up / Self Drive

Self Drive

Languages

English

Location

Ísafjörður

Start date

Every day

Duration

11 hours

Difficulty

Challenging

Group Size

Small

Available

Jun - Sep

Minimum age

12 years

Pick up / Self Drive

Self Drive

Languages

English

Start Date

Every day

Location

Ísafjörður

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Highlights

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About Tour

Step into the untouched wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in Iceland’s remote Westfjords. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping fjords, and rich biodiversity, this secluded haven offers a rare glimpse into Iceland’s unspoiled natural beauty. Accessible only by boat and free from permanent human habitation since the 1950s, Hornstrandir is a paradise for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking an escape from the modern world.

This expertly guided hiking tour is designed for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, combining breathtaking landscapes with encounters with local wildlife, including puffins, Arctic foxes, and marine life. Top it all off with a delicious Icelandic dinner prepared by your guide, making this experience both adventurous and deeply authentic. Whether you’re exploring ancient trails or savoring the peaceful silence of the reserve, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Included

  • Boat ride from Isafjordur to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
  • Professional guide
  • Hiking Guide
  • Dinner in the nature reserve

Not Included

  • Travel to and from Ísafjörður prior to and after the trip
  • Lunch is not included.
  • Personal equipment and clothing

What to bring

  • Warm Layers: Wool or synthetic clothing (no cotton).
  • Waterproof Jacket & Pants: Stay dry in any weather.
  • Hiking Boots: Waterproof, high-top boots with ankle support.
  • Hat & Gloves: Essential for warmth.
  • Sunglasses & Sunscreen: Protect against sun and glare.
  • Small Backpack: Carry your essentials.
  • Lunch & Snacks: Pack sandwiches and energy boosters.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
  • Camera: Capture the stunning scenery.

Activities

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Kayaking tours in Iceland

Boat Tour

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Attractions

Hornvík Hiking Tour from Isafjordur, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Arctic fox in Iceland

Hornvík

Ísafjörður village in westfjords of Iceland

Ísafjarðardjúp

Good to know

  • We need a minimum number of 2 participants to operate the tour. Maximum group size is 10, but most of our tours are between 4–8 people.
  • Sea conditions can be choppy up, but our boats are purpose built to cut through waves. If in doubt, travel with motion sickness medicine or ginger pastilles. To get on and off the coast, there will be a tendering service using our motorized inflatable boat
  • In Hornstrandir there are compost toilets and streams for replenishing our water bottles directly from the earth.
  • There are no shops in Hornstrandir so we you need everything for your day out when you arrive in the morning!
  • The trails are varied so expect partly muddy trails, a staircase of footholds, seaweed on the coast. The ascent will be from sea level up to 489m.
  • This itinerary may be adjusted based on weather, sea conditions, and the group’s abilities.
  • The tour starts at 9am and the day ends around 7pm. 
Hornstrandir Hiking Tour

Itinerary

Start Your Journey in Ísafjörður

Your adventure begins in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. To ensure a smooth start, please arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in and meet your expert local guide. This intimate, small-group tour, limited to just 10 participants, guarantees a personalized experience with ample opportunities to ask questions and connect with fellow travelers.

From Ísafjörður, you’ll stroll to the harbor and board a ferry for a scenic ride across the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord to Hornstrandir. The one-hour boat trip offers awe-inspiring views of Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, glacial fjords, and towering peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—these waters are home to seals, whales, and dolphins, while puffins and Arctic terns can often be seen along the cliffs.

Hike Through Hornstrandir's Untouched Wilderness

Once ashore, the magic of Hornstrandir unfolds. As one of Iceland’s most remote regions, this nature reserve has remained uninhabited since the 1950s, accessible only by boat. Spanning 220 square miles (580 square kilometers), the reserve boasts rugged tundra, dramatic cliffs, and lush meadows teeming with over 260 species of plants and a variety of animals.

Your guided hike will take you along historic trails, over rolling hills, and through pristine landscapes. The journey includes a gradual ascent to an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet (460 meters), where you’ll pause by a serene stream to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by unparalleled views.

Experience Kvíadalur Valley and Icelandic Hospitality

In the afternoon, you’ll descend into the picturesque Kvíadalur Valley, arriving at a charming old farmhouse in Kvíar. Here, you can unwind and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Your guide will prepare a mouthwatering Icelandic fish soup, served with freshly baked bread and snacks. Dining together offers a perfect opportunity to bond with your group and learn fascinating stories about life in the Westfjords.

Keep an eye out for the resident Arctic fox family that lives near the farmhouse. These playful creatures are a rare sight in the wild, and in this remote area, they’re often remarkably approachable.

Return to Ísafjörður

After your meal and some leisure time, you’ll head back to the harbor to board the ferry for your return trip to Ísafjörður. As you sail across the fjord, take a moment to reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of Iceland’s most untouched and captivating landscapes.

Book Your Hornstrandir Hiking Tour

Don’t miss the chance to explore the breathtaking wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Secure your spot on this unforgettable day tour by selecting your preferred date now.

Map

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Westfjords of Iceland

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