Paddle in the heart of nature by sea kayak in Hornstrandir
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 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-Emissions61.97 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
Enjoy the best of both worlds: the magnificent glacial fjords of Jökulfirðir , in the heart of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and Ísafjarðardjúp Bay. These two areas are considered to offer some of the finest sea kayaking in Iceland. Numerous bird species spend the summer here, and you'll have a good chance of spotting whales, eagles, and seals. On land, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Arctic fox , a protected species in the Hornstrandir Reserve.
We'll spend the first three nights in the comfort of Kviar Lodge , and the following two nights camping wild on secluded beaches. A unique combination that guarantees a complete change of scenery right up to the very last moment!
We will sail at the foot of towering cliffs, braving the waves and reefs that bear witness to the raw power of nature. We will take the time to explore rocky coves and inlets, and we will try our hand at surfing if we encounter small waves along the way.
The itinerant aspect of this trip, combined with exposure to the open sea and open water crossings, makes this adventure more suitable for kayakers who already have solid experience.
The highlights
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Enjoy an exceptional sailing experience along the wild and uninhabited coastline of Hornst
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Abundant birdlife and diverse wildlife
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Small group, big adventure
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
English
Program
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Pre-departure information meeting
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We will meet at our base the day before departure at 5:00 PM for a briefing. This will be an opportunity to get to know each other, answer any questions you may have, and finalize any last-minute preparations. This meeting should last no more than an hour. If you are unable to attend the day before departure, please let us know by email so we can send you all the necessary information.
Day 1 -
Day 1:: From Ísafjörður to Kvíar Valley
- Transportation Ferry - 01h30 - 40km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We meet back at our base at 8:00 for final checks before leaving Ísafjörður port on the 9:00 ferry. Our destination is Hesteyri , which was once the largest village in the Hornstrandir nature reserve.
After loading our kayaks and attending the safety briefing, we paddled a short distance along the coast to the old whaling station, operated by Norwegians in the late 18th century. After a quick photo stop, we set off again towards Kvíar Lodge . This crossing took us through two fjords, offering views of numerous waterfalls cascading from the towering cliffs above.
We'll make a few stops at beaches along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery. Upon arrival at the lodge, we'll settle into the house and turn on the sauna to relax our muscles. This farmhouse, built in 1921, is the only house in the valley; it was inhabited by the same family until they left in 1948 for Ísafjörður, seeking a less harsh life.
Kayak distance: 18 km
Day 2 -
Day 2: Lónafjörður Fjord
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave most of our equipment at the farm to go sailing in the Lónafjörður fjord, which many consider the most beautiful in Iceland. It's a completely unspoiled place, without any trace of human presence.
The fjord is a true sanctuary for birds, and a huge colony of seals has made its home in the small bay of Sópandi . We'll follow the entire coastline for a long day of paddling, punctuated by relaxing breaks on the water. Back at the farm, we'll enjoy a well-deserved sauna and a delicious dinner.
Distance: 17 to 20 km
Day 3 -
Day 3: Leirufjörður fjord and Drangajökull glacier
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a relaxing morning and a few good cups of coffee, we crossed the bay to the west shore of the fjord, near Höfði , to admire Leirufjörður fjord with the elegant Drangajökull glacier looming on the horizon. The name Leirufjörður (literally "the silt fjord") takes on its full meaning when you see the clay and silt carried by the glacial river of Drangajökull.
We have several options: we can dock in the small cove of Kjós for a hike on the nearby headland to get a better view of the glacier, or we can sail directly into Leirufjörður and walk towards the ice. Afterwards, we'll return to our cozy Kvíar mountain hut for dinner, following another memorable day in the great outdoors.
Distance: 15 to 18 km
Day 4 -
Day 4: Crossing to Grunnavík and start of the bivouac
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we leave Kvíar to begin the "camping" part of our expedition. We make sure we don't forget anything for the next three days. Our journey begins with crossing Jökulfirðir Bay, before following the coast towards Grunnavík Bay.
Along the way, we'll pass a stunning rock arch that we can walk under if the tide is high. It's also an excellent spot for observing porpoises near the shore, especially if the sea is calm. Weather permitting, we'll climb Maríuhorn (356 m), which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire fjord region. Finally, we'll set up camp near the beach to enjoy a delicious meal and a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 15 km
Day 5 -
Day 5: Towards the open sea and the Snæfjallaströnd waterfalls
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we leave the Jökulfirðir glacial fjord system to enter the vast Ísafjarðardjúp bay. Along the way, we will pass magnificent waterfalls, rarely admired because they are almost inaccessible on foot.
We will continue our route along the Snæfjallaströnd coast to set up camp, either in the beautiful cove of Ytraskarð (20 km) or near the breathtaking Möngufoss waterfall (24 km), depending on the weather. We will end the day with a campfire on the beach while admiring the sunset.
Distance: 20 to 24 km
Day 6 -
Day 6: Bird Islands and Whale Watching
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For our last day, our first stop will be Æðey Island. Inhabited by a single family during the summer months, it's a charming place to stop, relax, and experience the laid-back island lifestyle. The waters surrounding the island are literally teeming with puffins and other seabirds!
After this visit, we begin a long crossing (9 km) to Vigur Island. It is during this crossing that we have the best chance of spotting the humpback whales that frequent the bay during the summer. Listen carefully to hear the sound of their blows!
Although we won't be disembarking on Vigur, the birdlife there is just as incredible throughout the crossing. Puffins are everywhere on the island, often floating in large groups or launching themselves from the rocky outcrops. Watch them skip across the water's surface for our enjoyment during our final push to the small village of Súðavík ! A vehicle will pick us up there for the 20-minute drive to Ísafjörður.
We will be back in town around 4:00 PM , in time for the afternoon flight for those returning to Reykjavík.
Distance: 22 km
Day 7
Note
This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, sea state and the group's skill level.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Return trip by boat to the Hornstrandir nature reserve.
- All meals.
- Accommodation in our lodge and in tents.
- All kayaking equipment (technical gear and clothing).
- 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 actual departure of the expedition.
- 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
Remember: the lighter you travel, the more enjoyable the adventure will be. There's plenty of room in kayaks if you pack your belongings wisely.
- Thermal underwear: at least two tops (first layer).
- Thermal mid-layer: made of wool or fleece.
- Hiking pants: cotton is not recommended as it remains cold and takes a long time to dry.
- Waterproof and breathable jacket and trousers: for hiking on land. The lighter they are, the better.
- Hat: in wool or fleece.
- Warm gloves: one pair for camping.
- Socks: 2 to 3 thick pairs in wool or synthetic material.
- Lightweight hiking shoes: for walks around the camp.
- Sleeping bag: with a comfort temperature of at least 0°C. Down is preferable as it is more compact than synthetic.
- Floor mattress: a thin inflatable model is ideal as it easily fits into the boat's compartment.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun.
- Water bottle: with a capacity of one liter.
- Personal first aid kit: plasters, throat lozenges, lip balm, seasickness medication, etc. Don't forget your usual personal treatments (e.g., asthma inhaler, even if you don't use it regularly).
- * Waterproof bags (approximately 4). **
- Binoculars: optional, but nice for wildlife observation.
- Camera.
* Details about waterproof bags
We use waterproof bags to keep your personal belongings dry, especially sleeping bags. We have a small selection of bags you can borrow, but you should bring at least two of your own.
Advice :
- Check that all your equipment fits inside!
- It is better to have several small bags rather than two large ones: they are easier to organize and to insert into the hull of the kayak.
- We recommend bags of 10 to 15 litres .
