9 m/s
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9°CThe Best Two Days – Hornvík Heights and Sights
Join us for a hike through the heart of Hornstrandir, one of Iceland’s most remote and breathtaking nature reserves, where you’ll experience all the beauty this pristine wilderness has to offer. Explore the dramatic Hornbjarg bird cliffs, home to countless seabirds, and take in the stunning vistas of Hornvík Bay. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, this journey will immerse you in the untouched splendour of Iceland’s wild north. When you’re limited to just a couple of days in Hornstrandir, the toughest decision is often choosing where to go. With so much natural beauty in every direction, it can be hard to narrow it down. But Hornvík Bay is a clear favourite for many travellers—and it’s our top recommendation for those asking, “If I only have a couple of days, where should I go?” Hornvík offers an unforgettable experience, and we highly recommend spending more than just a day in this remarkable nature reserve. The landscapes here transform as the day turns to night, revealing a whole new side of Hornstrandir. As evening falls, the Arctic foxes begin to emerge from their dens, searching for food under the soft glow of the midnight sun. This magical time of day brings an entirely different atmosphere to the area, where the land and wildlife seem to come alive in a new light. After a day of exploration, there’s no better place to unwind than at our base camp. The cosy atmosphere, with the warmth of a cup of tea in hand, is the perfect way to reflect on the day’s adventures. Sit around the table with fellow travellers, share stories, and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings as the sun lingers on the horizon. Hornvík is more than just a destination—it’s a chance to connect with nature, relax in an unspoiled environment, and witness the beauty of Iceland in a way that few ever experience.
We had a wonderful time on the Hornvik heights and sights tour in early July! We had six people in our group and two guides, Luke and Orla (though typically there’s one guide). The Hornstrandir area is beautiful, and our guides told us about the history of the area and pointed out the different types of wildflowers we saw on our hike. On the first day, we hiked uphill from the fjord, took a lunch break (they provided a pack lunch), hiked over a mountain ridge (which involved walking through a few snow fields), and down into the valley where the campsite is located. The base camp area was nice, and it was great not to have to pitch our own tents! The tents do let in a fair amount of light, so I would recommend packing an eye mask. We also saw a few arctic foxes running around, and a seal not far from the shore! On the second day, we hiked on the beach near the campsite for a bit (including a short river crossing) before heading up the Hornbjarg mountain. On our way up, we encountered another arctic fox that hung around near us for a few minutes! Much of the hike was quite steep, but extremely worth it. From the top we had an incredible view of the fjord, the valley, the river we crossed, the surrounding mountains, and the sea. We finished the hike by descending down to the shore, and got picked up by the boat. This was a great capstone to our two week vacation in Iceland!
