cloudy

-4°C

Ísafjörður

cloudy

-3°C

Hornbjargsviti

Popular

Hornstrandir Panorama

If one day is all you have! Rewarding panorama views of fjord landscapes and the only glacier in the Westfjords.

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 follows historic pastoral cairns along a trail exclusively traversed by Borea Adventures. 360 views at the top of this hike reward you with panorama views of the various mountain passes of the Hornstrandir as well as Drangajökull glacier.

Contents of this tour

Tour overview

Description

This tour is the perfect way to explore Hornstrandir if you only have one day. We venture into a remote part of the peninsula, offering pristine hiking, breathtaking views, and diverse wildlife. To make the experience even more special, you’ll enjoy nibbles in a historic, beautifully restored farmhouse built in 1921.

For years, an Arctic Fox family has made their den in the farmhouse’s backyard. The cubs often grow curious when guests arrive! Please note that the cubs remain in the den until mid-June or even into the third week of June.

Please drop us an email if you’re interested!

Meeting point: Our Service Center (white container), Ísafjörður harbour.

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: Moderate/Challenging.

Duration of trip: 10 hours.

Included: Boat ride, professional guide and a ‘taste of the Westfjords’. Lunch is not included.

 

 

Photos

Itinerary

We meet at our Service Center (a white container) half an hour before departure for a briefing. During this time, we’ll answer any questions and make final preparations. Departure is at 9 a.m. from the harbor in Ísafjörður aboard our passenger ferry.

After a scenic one-hour boat ride across fjords and along dramatic mountain cliffs, we’ll arrive at Ádalir Valley or Steig in Veiðileysufjörður Fjord.

From there, we’ll embark on a gentle hike up the valley, crossing streams and wandering through flower-filled meadows. There are no marked trails or visible signs of human presence here, offering a true wilderness experience. We’ll reach an elevation of approximately 460 meters, where we can take in stunning views of the surrounding fjords. Along the way, we’ll pause by a small stream for a well-deserved lunch break—be sure to bring your favorite snacks or a sandwich.

In the afternoon, we’ll descend Kvíadalur Valley to the historic farmhouse at Kvíar. Here, you can unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere while your guide prepares a delightful sampling of Westfjords cuisine.

The boat will pick us up, and we’ll return to Ísafjörður, arriving around 7 p.m., or by 8 p.m. at the latest.

Please note: This itinerary serves as a general guide and may be adjusted based on weather conditions and the group’s abilities.

What to bring

  • 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!

FAQ

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.
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.
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.
You arrive in Keflavik International Airport about 40 minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik. From the domestic airport in Reykjavik there are 2-3 daily 40 minute flights to Isafjordur. You can take the Fly-Bus between the airports and most of the time you can continue same day. Check out Air Iceland Connect for schedules and special offers. You can also rent a car and drive to Isafjordur. The drive, over mountain passes and through fjords is an adventure itself. It’s about 440-500 km depending on which route you take. A new road via Arnkötludalur opened in 2009 which completes the asphalted pathway the whole way, and kills the old myth of bad roads in the Westfjords! The drive will normally take you 5-6 hours. A new tunnel opened in September 2020 under the infamous mountain pass between the fjords of Arnarfjörður and Dýrafjörður. That tunnel makes it much easier to travel through the Westfjords all year round and shortens the route up the West coast. For accommodation in Reykjavik there are many options of hotels and guesthouses that we can book for groups. Please ask us for individual bookings. We strongly recommend you to spend a few extra days visiting the West Fjords and other parts of Iceland. We’re happy to help you arranging few days in the area or give you good tips about exciting things to do while in Iceland.

Map

We had a great hike - a bad weather situation in the morning but our top class guide Doug planned an alternative route which was fabulous, a very special hike and it was amazing. It was super windy but luckily no rain. These hikes depend a lot not only in surroundings but also on the guide and Doug was one of the best I have hiked with - made the day very enjoyable and learnt a little about the area, its history and also about Iceland!

Book

Related Tours

POPULAR!
Popular
Popular
A three-day wilderness hiking and luxury camping trip in the astonishing Hornstrandir where nature has ruled the land for the last 70 years. Experience the sheer cliffs of Hornbjarg, rich birdlife, Arctic Foxes, wild flora and camping at our comfortable basecamp.

June 7, 2025
September 4, 2025
Popular
This six-day backpacking and camping trip in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a perfect chance to experience the isolation of this special and unique are while watching wildlife and enjoying the untouched nature of the Westfjords of Iceland.
June 27, 2025
August 22, 2025
Popular
A full-day hike for those seeking to experience the nature and history of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. With breathtaking views over the whole Ísafjarðardjúp bay.

June 9, 2025
September 1, 2025
Popular
This two-day hiking trip in the heart of Hornstrandir offers opportunities to explore one of the biggest bird cliffs in the North Atlantic, enjoy panoramic views from Hornvik, observe the curious Arctic Foxes and spend the night in a cosy tent.
June 9, 2025
September 1, 2025
Popular
A three-day nature and wildlife exploration at Kvíar Lodge. The valley of Kvíar and the coastline around is teeming with life in the summer and the area is also perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.
June 8, 2025
August 31, 2025
Popular
A full-day tour in the famous Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife, featuring rugged landscapes and diverse flora. This tour is perfect for families, and those looking for a more relaxed hiking experience in the nature surrounding Hesteyri.
June 2, 2025
September 3, 2025