A Day's hike in the Nature Reserve - Hornstrandir Hike
Duration
12 hours
Location
Ísafjörður
Type
Day Tour
Group size
Up to 18 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Minimum age
8 years
About this tour
Due to the harshness of the environment, the Hornstrandir area was abandoned completely by the last of its inhabitants in the early 1950s. Since 1974 the flora and fauna have been protected and now arctic foxes, birds, seals, and plants have thrived undisturbed. This is the perfect full-day hike to enjoy all of what the area has to offer. You´ll leave by boat from Ísafjörður in the morning for Aðalvík. Continuing on foot to the abandoned settlement at Hesteyri, we pass the old church before crossing the mountain from where we will enjoy a spectacular and panoramic view across Ísafjarðardjúp bay and Jökulfirðir. Once we reach Hesteyri warm drinks and pancakes will await us at the Doctors House Café. We will return from Hesteyri in the late afternoon and be back in Ísafjörður around 10:00hrs.
This is a moderate hike for people in good shape. Hiking distance is about 14 km on rough ground and elevation is about 300 m.
Photos
What's included
- Boat transfers, guidance, coffee, and pancake at the Old Doctors' house.
Not included
- Snacks and lunch package,
- Water bottle.
- Gear.
Itinerary
- 1
A day´s hike in the Nature Reserve
Please be at the West Tours office 45 minutes prior to departure. You will walk with your guide to the pier and board the boat. The boat ride to Aðalvík takes 1 hour and we will use zodiac boats to get you to shore. We spend between 5-7 hours hiking from Sæból in Aðalvík over to Hesteyri. Once we finish we get a warm drink at the Doctor's House before returning to Ísafjörður on the same boat. Tour will end in Ísafjörður around 19:00.
Know before you go
Participation in this tour requires warm and wind/waterproof clothes, solid hiking boots, gloves and cap, a lunch pack, and something to drink! Wading shoes are optional, but it would be a good idea to bring a small towel to dry your feet after being in the water. And don't forget to bring your camera. It is possible to order a packed lunch with us upon request.
Kindly note that we need a minimum of 4 persons total for the tour to go ahead. We offer 100% refund if the tour does not go ahead due to minimum persons not being reached. Please contact us to check how many have booked so far if you are unsure.
