Hiking excursion in the isolated Hornstrandir nature reserve
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
A three-day expedition combining wilderness hiking and luxury camping in the stunning Hornstrandir reserve, where nature has reigned supreme for 70 years. Discover the dramatic cliffs of Hornbjarg, abundant birdlife, Arctic foxes, and wild flora, all while enjoying the comforts of our base camp.
The entire region is steeped in history and boasts wildlife unique to Iceland. In summer, millions of seabirds soar above the cliffs, while Arctic foxes roam the land, often displaying great curiosity. As you hike, our guides will share stories of the people who lived here until the settlements were abandoned shortly after World War II.
We'll spend two nights at our cozy base camp in the bay, where you'll have your own cot in a spacious two-person tent. Dinners and socializing take place in our large dining tent, the perfect spot to share the day's adventures with your fellow travelers.
All camping equipment and food are provided on this tour; you only need to bring a small backpack for your personal belongings.
The highlights
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Hornbjarg – one of Iceland's largest seabird cliffs
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Go and meet the Arctic fox in the heart of its natural habitat
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Savor the tranquility of Iceland in the heart of this wild and remote nature.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
Program
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Day 1
- Transportation Ferry - 01h30 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Please meet your guide at our offices located at Aðalstræti 17 (the main street in the town center) one hour before departure. There, we will answer all your questions and finalize the arrangements. We will depart from Ísafjörður harbor on a passenger ferry.
The journey to Veiðileysufjörður takes between 1 and 2 hours. Along the way, you can admire the Snæfjallaströnd coastline and the southern slope of the Hornstrandir peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled: whales regularly frequent the bay.
We'll disembark at the end of the fjord to begin our hike to Hornvík . The trail climbs to an altitude of 520 meters, passing through the Hafnarskarð pass. Snow is often present at the pass, but we'll proceed at our own pace to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views along the way.
From the summit of the pass, you'll discover the entirety of Hornvík Bay, framed by the jagged peaks that line the cliffs—a breathtaking sight. We'll then descend back to our base camp, where a well-deserved home-cooked meal awaits.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, we'll begin today's hike by crossing the Kýrskard pass before descending to the Látravík lighthouse. Here we'll stop for lunch while soaking in the wild scenery.
The trail continues along the cliffs and passes through the Almenningar Pass, where we'll stand on the edge of the precipice to enjoy breathtaking views of Hornvík Bay. We'll then descend through the Innstidalur Valley to the coast. This hike is an excellent opportunity to spot Arctic foxes , as numerous dens line the cliffs. At this time of year, the parents are often busy hunting for their young.
Our next stop will be Drífandi Waterfall, where we'll hear stories of polar bear encounters. Polar bears sometimes swim or drift from Greenland to these bays, struggling to survive in this unfamiliar environment. After completing this scenic loop, we'll return to our base camp for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Transportation Ferry - 02h30 - 70km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We'll set off early towards the old Horn farm. From there, we'll grab our daypacks and hike up to the bird cliffs of Hornbjarg . Our first stop will be at Horn Point, where the view over the bay is simply breathtaking.
The trail continues along grassy slopes at the foot of the cliffs, leading us towards Mount Miðfell . Along the way, you'll see thousands of birds nesting in the cliff faces during the summer, circling all around us. The final ascent is up a steep grassy slope, but you'll be in good hands with your guide.
We will descend back into the Miðdalur valley, from where we can admire the steep face of the cliffs. This region has a rich history: in the past, the inhabitants rappelled down these walls using hemp ropes to collect eggs, a vital resource for surviving the harsh winters.
Next, we will visit the small lake of Miðdalur , where whooper swans reside during the summer. Hundreds of kittiwakes also gather there every day to bathe, offering a remarkable spectacle.
From there, we'll cross the Múli ridge before descending back to the shore and returning to the farm. We'll bid farewell to Hornvík and its friendly foxes when the boat arrives for our return journey to Ísafjörður .
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Important: the itinerary for this tour does not allow for booking the evening flight from Ísafjörður on the final day.
Price details
The price includes
- Return boat trip to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
- All meals
- Accommodation in our comfortable base camp
- Professional guide
The price does not include
- Transport to and from Ísafjörður before and after shipment
- Meals from the first day until departure
- Personal equipment and clothing
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
We will provide tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and pillows, so you won't need to carry these items. However, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag liner and pillow cover .
Clothing to bring
- Warm outdoor clothing, including hiking pants and warm upper layers. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture when wet and takes a long time to dry.
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Hiking boots. Choose waterproof, high-top hiking boots with ankle support.
- Thin neoprene socks (optional but great for crossing rivers—they keep your toes warm). Light water shoes are also suitable.
- Light towel.
- Hat and gloves.
- Small backpack (35–45 liters recommended).
- Hiking poles (optional). Useful if your balance isn't perfect or you're not accustomed to hiking on rocky terrain.
- Personal medical kit, including band-aids, throat lozenges, lip balm, seasickness tablets, and any personal medications (eg, an asthma inhaler, even if you don't typically need it).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun cream.
- Binoculars (optional but nice for wildlife spotting).
- Water bottle.
- Sleeping bag liner and pillow cover.
- Don't forget your camera !
