Travel in Iceland remains normal. See details on the latest eruption.

About tour

Far from roads and phone signals, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords is where Iceland truly slows down. This full-day adventure brings you to Hesteyri, a village now surrounded by nothing but nature. Walk quiet trails with a guide who knows the land, hear stories of past lives in the Westfjords, and keep an eye out for seals, seabirds, and maybe even the rare Arctic fox. With rugged beauty all around, this is Iceland at its most peaceful. 

Highlights

  • Remote village of Hesteyri
  • Wildlife and seabird spotting
  • Stories from local guides
  • Coastal walking paths
  • Traditional Icelandic meal
  • Family-friendly experience

Included

  • Boat transfer from Ísafjörður
  • Expert local guide
  • Guided nature walk
  • Traditional Icelandic meal

What to bring

  • Warm, layered clothing
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
  • Water bottle and snacks
  • Small backpack
  • Camera (optional, but recommended)

Tour Snapshot

Availability June - Sept
Duration 10 hours
Departs From Ísafjordur
Level Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Ratio 1:8
Minimum age No min age
Meet on Location Yes
Pick Up No

From

481
Per
Adult
  • Expert Guides
  • Small Group Experience
  • No Booking Fees
  • Fast & Secure Payment
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Operated by our trusted partner

From

481
Book Now

Itinerary

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, usually arriving around 7–8 PM. 

 

  • Departure time: 9:00 AM from Ísafjörður harbour. Please arrive at the service container by 8:30 for a short briefing. 
  • Boat ride: About 1 hour through scenic fjords and along mountain cliffs. 
  • Wildlife note: Arctic fox sightings are never guaranteed. We often visit known den sites near Hesteyri where they’ve been active in past years. Cubs typically start to appear mid-June. 
  • Meals: Traditional fish soup and pancakes are served at the Doctor’s House. Timing may vary based on the day’s flow. 
  • Group flexibility: Whether you’re here to hike, wait quietly for foxes, or just breathe it all in, we try to adapt the day to the group’s vibe. 
  • Return: Boat pickup around 7 PM, with return to Ísafjörður by around 8 PM at the latest. 

FAQS

We’d love to say yes, but foxes don’t follow schedules. They’re wild animals, and sightings are never guaranteed. That said, Hesteyri is one of the best spots to look. There are known den sites not far from the old farmhouse, and we usually visit those. Summer is your best bet as cubs start venturing out from mid-June. The guides know the land and habits well and will quietly lead the way. Even if the foxes stay hidden, the day is still a beautiful adventure in one of Iceland’s wildest and most peaceful places. 

Yes, definitely. This is a calm, low-stress day out in pure Icelandic nature with no cars, no screens, no rush. Kids love the boat ride and the wide-open space to explore. It’s easy to adjust the pace, whether your family wants to hike a bit or just relax outside the Doctor’s House and soak up the surroundings. 

You can fly from Reykjavík’s domestic airport, there are usually 2–3 daily flights and it takes around 40 minutes. If you prefer driving, the journey takes 5–6 hours (about 440–500 km) depending on the route. The roads are paved and scenic, with mountain passes, fjords, and even a newly opened tunnel that shortens the route across the Westfjords. It’s a trip in itself. 

You Might Also Like

Contact us for more Information about this tour

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.