Wildlife & Heritage of Hesteyri Village in Hornstrandir

This tour brings you deep into Iceland’s wild Westfjords, where the boat is the only way in—and Hesteyri greets you with silence, sea air, and a view that hasn’t changed in decades. Leave the roads behind and set out across the fjords toward one of Iceland’s wildest corners! 

The day begins with a boat ride from Ísafjörður, crossing peaceful waters surrounded by dramatic mountains and hidden valleys. As you reach the shores of Hornstrandir, the modern world fades—no roads, no phone signal, just the sound of seabirds and the wind in the grass. 

Your destination is the quiet village of Hesteyri, once a thriving community, now a place where nature has reclaimed the land. With your guide leading the way, you’ll walk through grassy meadows and along the old paths once used by the locals. 

With a guide who knows the land, you may hike along quiet coastal trails, learn about the people who once lived here, and explore the surrounding hills and beaches. This area is home to Arctic foxes (though sightings are not guaranteed), and the local population is known to be curious and unbothered by humans—especially in summer, when playful cubs may be out exploring. 

There’s time to wander at your pace—join a short hike along the fjord, photograph the landscape, or just sit outside the Doctor’s House, breathe in some of the cleanest air in Iceland, and observe the nature. 

In the afternoon, we gather in the historic Doctor’s House for a traditional soup meal, followed by homemade Icelandic pancakes (timing may vary depending on conditions). After dinner, the boat picks us up and we head back to Ísafjörður.