Sea kayaking excursions in the glacial fjords of Hornstrandir
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions47.27 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
Discover the privilege of exploring the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in comfort . This exclusive sea kayaking trip invites you to paddle through the heart of Iceland 's wild fjords while avoiding the constraints of traditional camping. By traveling light , without carrying any camping equipment, you can dedicate all your energy to contemplating the breathtaking landscapes and observing the wildlife .
Your base camp is a place steeped in history: the Kvíar farmhouse . The only dwelling in the valley, carefully restored, this welcoming refuge, built in 1921, offers you a haven of serenity. After each sailing session, enjoy the sauna for absolute relaxation while gazing at the vastness of the landscape.
The immersion is total. From your boat, you glide silently along, encountering seabirds , seals, and Arctic foxes , particularly curious in this area. Between crystal-clear waters and steep mountains, this adventure perfectly combines streamlined organization , authenticity, and harmony with nature . A rare experience to experience the Far North with maximum enjoyment.
The highlights
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Discover the Hornstrandir nature reserve
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Kayaking in remote fjords
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Explore with experienced kayakers and local specialists.
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
English
Program
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Pre-departure meeting
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We'll meet at our base the day before departure at 5 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. It shouldn't take more than an hour. If you can't make it the day before departure, simply let us know by email and we'll make sure you have all the necessary information.
Day 1 -
Day 1
- Transportation Ferry - 01h30 - 40km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We meet back at our base at 8 a.m. for final checks before leaving Ísafjörður harbor on the 9 a.m. ferry. Our destination is Hesteyri, which was once the largest village in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. After loading our kayaks and attending a safety briefing, we begin by either paddling out of the fjord along the coast towards the Slétta lighthouse, or into the fjord to see the remains of the whaling station operated by Norwegians in the late 18th century.
After this warm-up and a short break on the beach, we cross the fjord towards the old Kvíar farmhouse, our accommodation and base camp for the trip. From the headland on the far side of the fjord, there's a good chance of spotting a white-tailed eagle soaring along the cliffs. After lunch, we continue our journey, crossing Veiðileysufjörður fjord and enjoying the magnificent scenery from a different perspective. We then make a brief stop on the shore to stretch our legs before the final push to Kvíar. This last stretch of coastline is breathtaking, with lush vegetation and numerous waterfalls fed by snowmelt from the mountain peaks. Once we arrive in Kvíar, we settle into the house to enjoy the sauna, a well-deserved dinner, and a good night's sleep.
Distance: 17 km
Day 2 -
Day 2
- 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 set off paddling in Lónafjörður fjord, which many consider the most beautiful in Iceland. It's a completely wild place, untouched by 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 paddle along the entire coastline for a full day of paddling. Back at the farm, a sauna awaits us to soothe our tired muscles, followed by a delicious dinner.
Distance: 20 km
Day 3 -
Day 3
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast and a good dose of coffee, we head back out onto the water towards the magnificent Leirufjörður fjord. Here, in the background, rises the Drangajökull glacier; the fjord's waters take on a milky hue due to the sediments carried by glacial rivers. The surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for exploration, and it's easy to land anywhere in the fjord for a short hike. We'll return to our cozy home in Kvíar before dinnertime, after another memorable day in the great outdoors.
Distance: 20 km
Day 4 -
Day 4
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Our ferry will pick us up at the Kvíar refuge in the morning, around 11:00 AM, to take us back to Ísafjörður. Please note that the guide may remain in Kvíar to continue the kayaking expedition with other guests participating in the "Paddle in the Wild" trip. The ferry crew will take care of you and ensure you arrive safely in Ísafjörður.
Day 5
Note
This itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the level of the participants.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- All meals
- Three nights' accommodation in comfortable houses
- Return ferry transfer to Hornstrandir
- Kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, neoprene pants, drysuit top, spray skirt, life jacket, paddling boots, paddling gloves and extra dry bags)
- Professional guide
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from Ísafjörður before and after the stay.
- Meals from the first day until the 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
Equipment to bring
Kayak equipment
We provide all the sailing equipment and technical clothing. However, feel free to bring your own if you have it. Your personal gear will ensure optimal comfort and fit. We recommend a good drysuit with waterproof pants and top with rubber cuffs, or at least a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a windproof top.
A full drysuit is undoubtedly ideal, although it can be warm and bulky in good weather; however, it remains invaluable if conditions deteriorate. For your feet, opt for neoprene booties with ankle support and thick soles for safe movement on the rocky shoreline. Finally, neoprene gloves, mittens, or paddle handles ( pogies ) are perfect for keeping your hands warm.
Clothing to bring
- Thermal underlayers: at least two sets of tops.
- Thermal mid-layer made of wool or fleece.
- Hiking pants: we do not recommend cotton, as it remains cold and takes a long time to dry.
- Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants for hiking on land. The lighter, the better.
- Wool or fleece hat.
- A pair of warm gloves.
- 2 to 3 pairs of thick socks (wool or synthetic).
- Swimsuit and towel for the sauna in Kvíar.
- Lightweight hiking shoes for walks around the houses.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun cream.
- One-liter water bottle.
- Personal first-aid kit (e.g., plasters, throat lozenges, lip balm, seasickness tablets, etc.). Don't forget your usual personal medications (e.g., asthma inhaler, even if you don't use it regularly).
- 2 dry bags: We use dry bags to keep our personal belongings dry, especially sleeping bags. We have a small selection of bags you can use, but you should bring at least two. Test them beforehand to make sure all your gear fits!
- Binoculars: optional, but nice for wildlife observation.
- Don't forget your camera!
