This trip is a great blend of the unspoiled nature and the fascinating history of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
We’ll discover remains from a British radar station from WWII, see many species of Icelandic birds and walk along the top of some of the most beautiful cliffs in Iceland.
The route begins on a beautiful sandy beach of Aðalvík, which for many decades was the best shelter for fishing trawlers when storms reigned in the Atlantic. We steadily climbs into the nearby cirque valley, and then follow the steeper old funicular tracks of the WWII British Base up to the top of Grænahlíð. This ascent is challenging and rewards you with beautiful views of across Hornstrandir and the contrast of nature with the historic remains of Darri, the UK Base. We continue with a long descent following the sheer cliffs of Grænahlíð with majestic birdlife soaring around you.
On a clear day, we’ll be able to see views across the whole of Ísafjarðardjúp bay and into the Jökulfirðir glacial fjords. And remember to keep an eye open for the elusive Arctic Fox!
Meeting point: Our Service Center (white container), Ísafjörður Harbour.
Departure: 09:00 AM. Be there half an hour before departure time.
Minimum age: 16 years.
Group size: We need a minimum number of 2 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: 11 hours.
Included: Boat ride both ways and a professional guide.
We meet at our Service Center for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart at 9 am from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry.
After about an hour scenic boat ride over fjords and along mountain cliffs, towards our drop off in the bay of Aðalvík. Across the shore we can see Látrar, a once thriving fishing village in the far north of the reserve. From here we follow the jeep track which leads up the mountain towards the WWII Base on the summit. We strafe the funicular path up the mountain with beautiful views of hanging valleys, berry bushes, and trickling streams.
We then reach the British naval radar station which was constructed in 1943. We can explore the ruins of the generators, warehouse and barracks and even see the turret which housed the Oerlikon 20mm cannon. This was a very secret operation during the war and the purpose was to watch out for any enemy planes or ships coming into Icelandic waters.
This is where we can also peek over the edge and see the waves crashing against the rocks, almost 500m below. Many bird species nest on the cliffs. Birds such as Fulmars, Gulls, Guillemots and even the colourful Puffins can be seen soaring high above the ocean, using the vertical draft from the cliffs to fly effortlessly.
We follow these cliffs, gently descending towards a small lake called Teistuvatn, where we can see graceful Whooper Swans and Kittiwakes swimming on the water.
We will be picked up at Slétta, where there is a beautiful sandy beach, a lighthouse and we often see curious seals swimming along the shore. From here we will take the boat back to Ísafjörður. Keep your eyes open for whales on the way home!
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather and the ability of the group.
Rights & Acknowledgments
Skútusiglingar ehf | Aðalstræti 17 | 400 Ísafjörður | Kt. 530306-1510 | VAT Number: 110291
