Hiking in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions40.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a remarkable blend of wild beauty and unspoiled nature. Dramatic mountain cliffs separate the land from the sea, revealing rugged basalt formations alongside narrow inlets and secluded valleys. This is a fully self-supported hiking expedition, where we will carry all our equipment. The trek includes three days of hiking and three nights of camping along the route.
Along the coast, the relentless forces of the ocean have sculpted towering cliffs where numerous bird species nest. Many rocky coves and inlets also shelter a thriving seal population. These same shores were once traversed by gigantic glaciers, whose former presence shaped this rugged landscape. This is the natural habitat of the Arctic fox ; we can observe them atop the cliffs, tending their young, or on the shore searching for food.
The history of the vanished communities that once thrived here is still palpable. This journey allows us to immerse ourselves in the harsh yet rewarding lives these inhabitants led in such an isolated environment.
The Lost Fjords trek is a self-supported adventure that requires you to be self-reliant, carry your own equipment and camp in isolated locations throughout the trek.
The highlights
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Hiking in Iceland's most remote region on ancient trails
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Discover the raw beauty of the Hornstrandir nature reserve
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A rich wildlife area home to millions of birds and a sanctuary for Arctic foxes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 517 m
- Average daily descent: 517 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
All our guides are seasoned experts on the local environment. Some were born here, while others have chosen to settle in Ísafjörður. For this expedition, we exclusively use our best guides, trained in various outdoor disciplines and first aid. Rest assured: you are in good hands.
Program
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From Hesteyri to Aðalvík
- Transportation Boat - 01h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 1
We meet at 8:00 AM for final preparations and depart from Ísafjörður harbor at 9:00 AM aboard our passenger boat, heading towards the abandoned village of Hesteyri . Leaving modern life behind, we venture into a world soothed by the gentle murmur of streams and waves, amidst breathtaking landscapes. Our hike begins in Hesteyri, crosses the Hesteyrarskarð mountain pass, and then descends to sea level in Aðalvík Bay. Overnight in Látrar .
- Distance: 12.5 km
- Elevation gain: 450 m
Day 1 -
From Aðalvík to Fljótavík
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we break camp at Látrar . The trail crosses the plains, following the old American airstrip dating back to the Cold War, before beginning the ascent up the slopes to the northeast. The higher we climb, the more breathtaking the views of the fjords and coves become, with rugged mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. After a few hours traversing the plateau, we begin the descent towards the old Tunga farm. The final part of the day's hike takes us along the shores of Lake Fljótavatn , renowned for its excellent Arctic char fishing, to set up camp near the old Glúmsstaðir farm.
- Distance: 15 km
- Elevation gain/loss: 600 m
Day 2 -
From Fljótavík to Hlöðuvík
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 3
We begin the day by continuing our hike along the lush shores of Lake Fljótavatn , surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. We then head towards the steep Þorleifsskarð pass before descending the northern slope along a pleasant trail. After crossing one last pass, we begin the descent to Hlöðuvík Bay, where we will spend the night in a beautiful seaside campsite, amidst the incredible driftwood that litters the beach.
- Distance: 13 km
- Elevation gain/loss: 550 m
Day 3 -
From Hlöðuvík to Hornvík
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 4
We climb Skálakambur to follow trails marked by cairns towards the Atlaskarð pass. Skirting around Mount Kollur , we head towards Höfn in Hornvík Bay, the true heart of Hornstrandir. We'll camp there for two days, enjoying the warmth and comfort of Borea Camp , equipped with a kitchen, heating, and a communal area. Be on the lookout for mischievous foxes that have their den near the campsite: they might just snatch your snacks!
- Distance: 12 km
- Elevation gain/loss: 550 m
Day 4 -
Hornvik Bay Circle
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 5
The beauty of Hornvík , framed by Iceland's highest bird cliffs, is unparalleled. Leaving most of our gear at camp, we walk lightly to the Hornbjarg cliff to observe a myriad of birds and the splendor of nature. Many consider this hike the highlight of their trip to Iceland. This is the main territory of the Arctic fox , with dens located nearby and all along the cliffs. Weather permitting, we can climb the Kálfatindar ridge to an altitude of 550 m to admire the most spectacular view of Hornstrandir. We then return to camp for a delicious dinner.
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation gain/loss: 450 m (or 600 m if we climb to the summit of Kálfatindar)
Day 5 -
From Hornvík to Veiðileysufjörður
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Day 6
We enjoy a calm and relaxing morning before breaking camp. The first part of the trail takes us over a ridge as we head south towards the boat. We follow ancient stone cairns to the last mountain pass before descending back to Veiðileysufjörður fjord. Once we reach the shore, a short walk leads us to the boat meeting point for our return to Ísafjörður , marking our return to civilization after six days in the wilderness. To extend your relaxation, you'll have the option of visiting one of the local swimming pools or exploring the town.
- Distance: 12 km
- Elevation gain/loss: 600 m
Day 6
Note
This itinerary is given as a guide and may be subject to changes depending on the weather, terrain conditions and the capabilities of the group.
Accommodation
We will spend six nights in hiking tents, including two nights in our comfortable base camp in Hornvík Bay. There, we will have access to local facilities and can eat our meals in our heated tent.
Access
We will meet at our base in Mávagarður C (grey building), near the Eastern Harbour , the day before departure at 5:00 PM . We will answer your questions and make any final preparations. Please let us know if you are unable to attend so we can make alternative arrangements.
On the day of departure, we will meet at 8:00 AM to pack our bags and finalize our equipment. The boat to Hornstrandir departs at 9:00 AM and the crossing takes approximately one hour.
Price details
The price includes
- Return boat trip to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
- All meals
- Tents
- Professional guide
The price does not include
- The journey to and from Ísafjörður before and after the expedition
- Meals from the first day until the expedition's departure
- Personal medical insurance
- 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
Clothing to bring
- Warm outdoor clothing including hiking pants and warm upper layers. Please avoid cotton as it keeps you cold when wet and takes a very long time to dry.
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Hiking boots. Please use waterproof high-top hiking boots, which provide ankle support.
- Water shoes, as we cross many streams, a lake and walk through some wetlands. Make sure they are sturdy and are well secured.
- It might be good to take short gaiters since we will be crossing a few snowfields and it also keeps sand and soil out of the shoes.
- Hat and gloves.
- Backpack. It needs to be around 50-60L. Big enough to carry all of your belongings, including your sleeping bag and your share of the food.
- Sleeping bag rated to at least 0°C. Down is best since it packs smaller than synthetic.
- Sleeping mattress. A thin inflatable one is best as it easily fits inside the backpack.
- Personal medical kit ie band aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, seasickness tablets etc. Don't forget your personal medication, which you may need (eg Asthma inhaler, even if you don't always need it).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after sun cream.
- Binoculars are nice to have for watching wildlife. (Optional).
- Water bottle.
- Don't forget your camera!
