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This tour will take us to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – an unspoiled paradise located at the northern tip of the Westfjords. Hornstrandir is just a stone’s throw away from the Arctic Circle and has been uninhabited since the fifties, making it ideal for people who want to go on an adventure that lies well off the beaten track. If you want to go for a hike in an untouched natural wonder, then this is the perfect tour for you.
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The day begins when we meet up at our Service Center for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart at 9 am from the harbor in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry.
The journey will take around an hour, taking us past dramatic mountain cliffs and sparkling-blue fjords – keeping an eye out for the whales who visit the area. The boat will drop us at the Ádalir valley in Veiðileysufjörður fjord – a beautiful area that’ll give us a taste of things to come.
We’ll then begin the gentle hike towards the top of the valley – passing icy-blue glacial streams and rainbow-colored flower fields that show no signs of human presence. We’ll climb to an elevation of close to 500 meters and enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the entire Westfjord system. We’ll find a picturesque spot along the way and pause to enjoy a traditional Icelandic picnic, to a stunning natural backdrop.
We’ll spend the afternoon descending down the Kvíadalur Valley until we reach our old farmhouse in Kviar, which is located on a lonely cliffside that overlooks a tranquil fjord. There you can explore the area by yourself, while your friendly guide prepares a traditional Icelandic dinner. We recommend keeping an eye out for the playful Arctic Foxes that live in the garden. We’ll enjoy our dinner and then catch the ferry back to Ísafjörður, arriving at around 8 PM, following a day filled with adventure and plenty of stunning natural beauty.
Meeting point: Our Service Center (white container), Ísafjörður Harbour. Please arrive no later than 08:30 AM.
This itinerary is provisional and could be subject to change depending on the weather and the ability of the group.
We recommend warm outdoor clothing. Please avoid cotton as it keeps you cold when wet and takes a very long time to dry. Waterproof jacket and pants are also highly recommended. Last but not least your hiking boots, preferably waterproof high-top hiking boots which provide good ankle support.
The hike is about 10 kilometers and we will be hiking over rough terrain including some loose rock. The hike starts at sea level and the highest point is around 460 meters. Active hikers should not have any troubles on this hike.
Rental car is the ideal option, specially during the summer season. The whole road from Reykjavik to Isafjordur is asphalted. Another option is booking a flight from the domestic airport in Reykjavik.
There are about 54 bird species that breed in the West Fjords. Other popular sightings include the friendly arctic fox, mink, seals, whales and dolphins.
