2-Day Hornvik Hiking Tour In Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Please be at “Borea Adventures” office building on Aðalstræti 17, Isafjordur at 8 a.m. on the day of the tour. 

Our journey to the wilderness of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve will begin when we meet at our headquarters, located on Aðalstræti 17 in Isafjordur. Your guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the tour and answer all your questions. We’ll board our boat and set off to the peninsula at 9 a.m.

The boat ride to Hornvik Bay will take approximately 2-3 hours and take you along the shores of Iceland’s western fjords. The scenery comprises stunning towering fjords covered in green moss, rocky and rough coastline, and local flora and fauna. There’s a high chance we’ll see a whale waving its tail or an abundance of sea birds nesting on the cliffs along the coast. 

The boat will drop us off at Hornvik Bay near an old farm in Horn. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve has been uninhabited since the 1950s and the whole area is teeming with birds, Arctic foxes, and meadows of wildflowers. As soon as you step off the boat, you’ll find yourself at the edge of the world where nature is untouched. From the bay, we’ll follow the path that winds along the Hornbjarg Cliffs. The path gradually ascends and is easy to hike. 

The Hornbjarg Cliffs are among the most famous bird cliffs in Iceland. The cliffs cradle many species of birds including the famous guillemots. Once at the top, don’t forget to look around and see if you can spot the fearless Arctic foxes that freely roam the meadows. In Hornstrandir, Arctic foxes and many other species of birds and mammals nest and raise their juniors without fear of becoming a hunter’s dinner as hunting here is strictly forbidden.  

After taking countless pictures, we’ll descend back into the cliff’s valley. We’ll arrive back to our camp already set up and waiting for us. Dinner will be served as soon as we settle in. 

Hiking Distance: 7.5 mi (12km).

Day 2 of our hiking trip starts with a hearty breakfast. Later in the morning we pack up and leave for the Veiðileysufjörður Fjord.

The hike up the fjord isn’t very challenging, but keep in mind that you will ascend approximately 1640 ft (500 m) above sea level. The path leading to the top of the fjord is snowy most of the time, but your guide will help you every step of the way.

The ascent is extremely picturesque. Take your time soaking in the surrounding panoramas. If the weather is good, you’ll be able to see as far as the ocean and the other end of the peninsula. We’ll stop at a few viewing points to take pictures.

Once everyone is ready, we’ll descend along the other side of the fjord all the way to the shore. A boat will pick us up and take us back to Isafjordur. The ride will last for around one hour.

Hiking distance: 6.8 mi (11 km).

This itinerary serves as a guide and is subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and the group’s abilities. The tour may operate in reverse order to accommodate sea conditions. The itinerary for this tour does not allow for booking the flight from Ísafjörður on the same day.