Pre-Departure
We meet at 5pm on the evening before departure at our base in Mávagarður C (grey building) for a briefing where we meet each other, answer any questions and make final preparations. This shouldn’t take longer than an hour. If you’re unable to be here the day before departure, then just let us know via email and we’ll make sure that you have all the information you’ll need.
Day 1
We meet again at our base in Mávagarður C at 8am for last minute checks before departing from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry at 9 am. Our destination is Hesteyri, which was the biggest settlement in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. After loading up our kayaks and safety briefing, we either start by paddling out of the fjord along the coast towards the lighthouse at Slétta, or into the fjord to see the remains of the whaling station that used to be run by Norwegian whalers at the end of the 18th. century. After getting warmed up and a short break on the beach, we head across the fjord towards the old farmhouse of Kvíar, our accommodation and base for the trip. At the headland on the other side of the fjord, there is quite a good chance to spot the white tailed eagle soaring along the cliffs. After our lunch break, we get going again and paddle across the fjord of Veiðileysufjörður enjoying the beautiful scenery from another angle. We then take a short break somewhere along the shoreline and stretch our legs before the final push to Kvíar. That last stretch of shoreline is magnificent with many waterfalls coming down from the snowmelt on the mountain tops and thick vegetation. After landing in Kvíar, we get settled in the house, have sauna and enjoy a well deserved dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Distance: 17 km
Day 2
We leave most of the gear in the farmhouse and go for a beautiful paddle into Lónafjörður fjord which, according to many, is the most beautiful fjord in Iceland. Totally unspoiled with no sign of human presence. The fjord is a haven for birds and a huge seal colony can be found in the small bay of Sópandi. We’ll follow the whole coastline and enjoy a long day of paddling. Back to the farmhouse for sauna to soothe sore muscles and delicious dinner.
Distance: 20 km
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast and a good amount of coffee, we get back on the water and aim for the beautiful fjord of Leirufjörður. This is where Drangajökull Glacier looms in the background and the water of the fjord is milky colour from the silt coming from under the glacier. There is much to explore and easy to land anywhere in the fjord and go for a short hike. We get back to our cozy home in Kvíar in the before dinnertime after another great day out.
Distance: 20 km
Day 4
Our passenger ferry picks us up from Kvíar Lodge in the morning around 11 am and we head back to Ísafjörður. Please note that the guide may be staying at Kvíar to continue the kayak journey with other guests on Paddle in the Wild. The crew on the ferry will take good care of you and make sure safely arrive back to Ísafjörður.
This itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.
