Small-Group 3-Day Arctic Fox & Midnight Sun Tour in the Westfjords
Description
Summary
Description
Spend three days in the remote nature of the Westfjords, focussing on finding Arctic foxes under the midnight sun. Those eager to see native Icelandic wildlife, embark on various adventures, and enjoy the long daylight hours during summer in Iceland should book this small-group tour now.
The tour starts at the meeting point on the main street in Isafjordur. Here, you will meet the expert English-speaking guide and the other guests joining your trip.
This excursion is a small-group tour with a maximum of eight guests, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know each other in the coming days. You'll also have lots of opportunities to chat with your guide and ask any questions you have.
The group will travel out of Isafjordur by ferry across the Veidileysufjordur fjord to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. It's a beautiful fjord, and you may see humpback whales, puffins, and other seabirds along the way.
Upon landing, you'll start your hike to Kviar, an old farmhouse in the nature reserve that will be your accommodation during the tour. It's very peaceful here, with no other buildings for miles around.
You won't need to carry your luggage on the hike, as a porter will deliver it later. However, you should bring a daypack with snacks, water, and additional layers of clothing in case you get cold.
Hornstrandir is one of Iceland's least populated areas, having been abandoned by most of its inhabitants in 1948. Arctic foxes are the only remaining land mammals, and there are more here than in any other part of the country. Because they don't see people often, they are not scared of humans and make good photography subjects.
On each day of this tour, you'll set out to explore the incredible Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, making the most of the foxes, the rich bird and marine life, and stunning landscapes. You
Since your tour takes place during summer, you can enjoy extending hours of adventures under the midnight sun. The midnight sun in Iceland is a natural phenomenon in which the sun remains visible for 24 hours each day during the summer months.
It allows for unique experiences like late-night hiking, sightseeing, and photography. The constant daylight means you can make the most of Iceland's beautiful landscapes.
Don't miss this immersive three-day experience exploring the Westfjords of Iceland, finding Arctic foxes, and enjoying adventures under the midnight sun. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
On the first day of your Arctic fox and midnight sun tour in the Westfjords, you will take a boat crossing across the fjord and hike through a section of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to your accommodation for the next two nights.
In the morning, you'll meet the expert, English-speaking guide leading your three-day excursion. Head to the meeting point at Adalstraeti 17, near the main street in Isafjordur. You'll check in and meet the other guests joining the trip.
It's a small-group tour with a maximum of eight people, meaning you'll have plenty of time to get to know the other guests and the guide over the next few days. You can ask your experienced guide anytime if you need to know anything.
Your guide will give you a thorough briefing detailing what to expect from the tour. You'll all make your final preparations, and your guide can answer any questions you have before you set off.
You'll then board a passenger ferry across the Veidileysufjordur fjord, where you'll disembark at the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Keep watching during the boat journey, as you may see humpback whales, puffins, and other seabirds that live in these waters.
Once you arrive, you'll start hiking to your accommodation for the next two nights, a renovated farmhouse in Kviar. As you walk, your guide will tell you more about the history of Hornstrandir. You'll see lush green landscapes, glacial lakes, and more barren terrain along the way. You'll make your way up mountain ridges above the fjords.
You won't need to hike with your luggage, as it will be delivered to your accommodation. You should bring a daypack with additional clothing, water, and snacks.
When you arrive at the Kviar lodge, you'll enjoy dinner together. You can also relax in the sauna before you go to bed. Get a good night's sleep, ready for more adventures on day two.
Day 2 - Hiking & Kayaking in Hornstrandir
The second day of your Arctic fox and midnight sun tour is a full day in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Your guide will help you to make the most of it with a hike and a sea kayaking tour.
As this is a small group, the itinerary for the day is flexible, and you can decide together how you'd like to spend the day. Your guide will advise you based on the group's ability and the weather conditions during your trip.
After a good night's sleep, you'll start your day with a filling breakfast at the lodge to set you up for the day ahead. When everyone is ready to depart, you'll head to the surrounding mountains and fjords for your adventures.
In the morning, the guide will lead your group on a walk to the valley's top, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Lonafjordur fjord. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to see Arctic foxes that live in the area.
Also, look out for the rich birdlife that calls the area home. Birds living here include eider ducks, swans, oystercatchers, and snipes. You may even see the more elusive white-tailed eagle.
After the hike, you'll take a break to enjoy a delicious packed lunch. If weather and sea conditions permit and the group wants to, you can take a sea kayaking tour in the afternoon. Sea kayaking is suitable for anybody with a reasonable fitness level, as the kayaks are very stable, and the paddling is easy. Your guide will show you how to steer and move the kayak through the stunning fjord waters.
The Westfjords have a large whale and dolphin population, and you may see humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and orcas in your kayak.
At the end of the day, you will head back to the Kviar lodge for the second night. Here, you'll enjoy a group dinner and can spend more time in the sauna. You'll get a comfortable night's sleep ahead of more activities and your departure tomorrow.
Day 3 - Last Day of Hiking
On the third and final day of your midnight sun and Arctic fox tour, you'll make the most of the day by exploring more of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve before you head back across the fjord to Isafjordur.
Once again, the day's itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing you to discuss as a group and decide your plans with advice from your guide. This way, you can tailor your day to the weather conditions and the group's abilities.
You can try sea kayaking today if sea conditions weren't favorable yesterday. Alternatively, you can choose to go for a hike. Your guide will help you pack up a picnic and head off to a scenic spot, keeping an eye out for Arctic foxes on dry land or seals in the sea.
If you'd like to do something different, you can relax in the surrounding fields, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. If you'd prefer, you can take a polar plunge in the sea and then relax in the sauna afterward. A cold-water swim is a stimulating activity that's will refresh and revitalize you.
After the day's activities, your group will return to the Kviar lodge to wait for the passenger ferry. The ferry will take you back to Isafjordur in the evening, and you will arrive there around 19.00.
From here, you can continue your adventures in the Westfjords or check into your next accommodation. You will have made some fantastic memories during the trip to share with family and friends.
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