Iceland
Hiking in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Réf : DNGREJ
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-Emissions36.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇬🇧English🇮🇹Italian🇪🇸Spanish
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
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
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
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 8 people
Languages spoken:
🇬🇧
English
🇮🇹
Italian
🇪🇸
Spanish
Supervisor
Supervisor
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
- 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
- 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
⛺️ Camping - Days 1 to 3
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
Departure
Ísafjörður, Islande
Day 1
: 08h00
End of stay
Hornstrandir, Islande
Day 6
- 09h00
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.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
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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
Equipment
B
Decathlon Travel Partner
Our partner team
• 10 stays
Founded in 2006 by wilderness enthusiasts, this family business is based in northwest Iceland. Our local partner specializes in day trips as well as exclusive expeditions to the most remote corners of Icelandic nature.
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Best price guaranteed:
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Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
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