6-Day Hornstrandir Hike in the Westfjords

You must arrive in Ísafjörður the day before the trek for a mandatory meeting at 5 PM. Your voucher lists the exact address once your booking is complete. You’ll meet your guide, ask any last questions, and make final preparations for the hike. Attendance is required, so arriving on the morning of departure isn't an option.

Your trek begins at Ísafjörður harbor, where you'll board Íris or Síf for the scheduled 9 AM departure to Hesteyri. The boat journey takes approximately 2 hours, bringing you to a former village whose last residents left in the 1950s. A few of its buildings are still used during summer.

From Hesteyri, you’ll hike over Hesteyrarskarð mountain pass. On a clear day, the route provides views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. After crossing the pass, you'll descend toward Aðalvík bay and set up camp near the abandoned settlement of Látrar.

Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 miles)

Approximate elevation gain and loss: 450 m (1,476 ft)

After leaving your campsite in Aðalvík, you'll head toward Fljótavík bay. The route may include a detour up Straumnesfjall mountain to explore the remains of a former US Army radar station.

You’ll also cross Atlastaðaós, a tidal river where water levels change with the sea, and your guide will time the crossing to avoid high tide. 

You'll spend the night at Atlastaðir, camping near the ruins of an old farmstead.

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles), or 25 km (15.5 miles) with the optional Straumnesfjall detour.

Approximate elevation gain and loss: 700 m (2,297 ft).

Today's hike follows the green shores of Fljótsvatn lake before crossing the mountains toward Hlöðuvík bay. After descending to the coast, you'll reach Búðir, a small cove surrounded by mountains, where you’ll camp for the night.

You can also join an optional evening walk to Hælavík bay, near Sigmindarfell, Álfsfell, and Hafnafjall mountains. According to local folklore, Álfsfell is believed to be home to elves or hidden people.

Distance: 13 km (8.1 miles)

Approximate elevation gain and loss: 750 m (2,461 ft)

From Hlöðuvík, you'll climb a steep section up to Skálakambur ridge, then follow an old trail marked with stone cairns to Atlaskarð mountain pass at 327 m (1,073 ft) above sea level.

The route continues around Mount Kollur toward Höfn in Hornvík bay, where you'll set up camp for 2 nights. Staying in Hornvík gives you a base for the following day's hike to the Hornbjarg bird cliffs.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Approximate elevation gain and loss: 650 m (2,133 ft)

The day’s walk takes you to the Hornbjarg bird cliffs overlooking Hornvík bay. The bay is framed by Hornbjarg and Hælavíkurbjarg, two steep sea cliffs rising above the coastline.

Hornbjarg reaches more than 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level and is an important nesting area for seabirds. On the way to the cliffs, you'll have opportunities to observe the birdlife and the surrounding coastal scenery.

After exploring Hornbjarg, you'll return to your campsite in Hornvík for your final night in the nature reserve.

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)

Approximate elevation gain and loss: 900 m (2,953 ft)

On your final morning, you'll pack up camp and cross another mountain pass toward Veiðileysufjörður. The trail then descends to the coast, following the shoreline to Meleyri, where a boat will take you back to Ísafjörður.

After the trek, you can visit the town's swimming pool for a shower or swim, or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Approximate elevation gain and loss: 700 m (2,297 ft)

• The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants and has a maximum group size of 8 people. If your group has fewer than 4 people, contact us to see if there's an existing group you can join.
• The itinerary may change depending on weather, sea conditions, and the group's abilities. The tour may also operate in reverse order to accommodate conditions at sea.
• Your guide organizes meals during the trek, and help from participants is welcome.
• Don't book a flight departing Ísafjörður on Day 6. Plan to stay overnight and fly out the following morning or later. Flights and accommodation before and after the trek aren't included.