Hornstrandir Panorama
Hiking Tour in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a truly special place. At the very North of the Westfjords, it is knocking on the door of the Arctic Circle and has a very ‘out there’ feeling, as the only way to get there is by boat. There have been no permanent residents on the peninsula since the early fifties and so it’s very raw and untouched.
This tour is a perfect way to explore Hornstrandir if one day is all you have. We explore a very remote part of the peninsula which includes pristine hiking, breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. To top it off, we have a delicious home cooked dinner in Kviar Lodge, a beautifully restored farmhouse which was originally built in 1921.
For years, an Arctic Fox family has had their den in the farmhouse’s backyard and the cubs usually get curious when guests appear.
Meeting point: Our base in Aðalstræti 17 (downtown main street) in Ísafjörður.
Departure: 09:00 AM. Be there half an hour before departure time.
Minimum age: 12 years.
Group size: We need a minimum number of 4 participants to operate the tour. Maximum group size is 10, but most of our tours are between 4–6 people.
Trip Difficulty: Challenging.
Duration of trip: 10 hours.
Included: Boat ride, professional guide and delicious homemade fish soup and bread.
We did the Hornstrandir Panorama Tour today. It was an amazing tour. We saw whales on the boat trip to Hornstrandir, had a really nice hike and crossed Kviarfjall with awesome views even to the glacier. As we got to Lonafjordur we had a break in a nicely renovated former farmhouse. While our guides cooked the dinner, we had another hour to explore the surrounding area where we could observe arctic foxes. Carla and Joonas are the best guides, I would recommend honestly! Thanks for this unforgettable day!
We meet at our office in Aðalstræti 17 (downtown main street) half an hour before departure for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart at 9am from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry Bjarmi.
After about an hour scenic boat ride over fjords and along mountain cliffs, we will be dropped off at Ádalir valley or at Steig in Veiðileysufjörður fjord.
Then a gentle hike takes us up the valley, over streams and through flower fields, where there are no trails or other signs of human presence. We’ll reach an elevation of around 460 meters and enjoy a fantastic view of the surrounding fjords. Somewhere along the way, we’ll stop by a small stream for a well-earned lunch (please bring your own favourite snacks or a sandwich).
In the afternoon, we descend down Kvíadalur valley to the old farmhouse at Kvíar. At Kvíar, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while your guide prepares a delicious dinner.
After dinner, the boat will collect us and we arrive back in Ísafjörður at approximately 7pm.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather and the ability of the group.
- Warm outdoor clothing. 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.
- Hat and gloves.
- Sun glasses.
- Sunscreen and after sun cream.
- Small backpack.
- Lunch for the day. One or two sandwiches and your favourite snacks.
- Water bottle.
- Don't forget your camera!
How difficult is the hike?
The hike is approximately 10km and there are no trails, therefore, we hike over rough terrain including some loose rock. We start at sea level and the highest point is approximately 460m, so we gain around 460m in elevation.
If you are an active hiker then you will have no trouble on this hike.
I have specific dietary requirements and/or allergies to certain foods. Can you cater to my needs?
Of course, we realise that we’re not all made the same and have different needs and desires. We try our best to cater to your needs. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any requirements so that we can plan the food accordingly.
Will I see Arctic Foxes on this tour?
For years, an Arctic Fox family has had their den in the farmhouse’s backyard and the cubs usually get curious when guests appear. However, the foxes are still very much a wild animal so we make no guarantees that we will see them.
How do I get to Ísafjörður?
Here you can see your options on how to travel to our beautiful town: How do I get to Ísafjörður.
