Idyllic 4.5-Hour Sightseeing Tour at Hornstrandir with Boat Ride from Isafjordur

Enjoy stunning natural beauty in one of Iceland's most remote areas with this unforgettable 4.5-hour excursion from Isafjordur. Travelers keen to explore an abandoned Westfjords village in an area rich in history with breathtaking scenery should book this tour now.

The Hornstrandir nature reserve occupies the Westfjords' northernmost tip. This off-the-beaten-track destination is inaccessible by roads, so today, you'll enjoy a glorious boat ride.

Your tour begins from the Isafjordur port, where the boat departs. When everyone is on board, you'll cruise across the Isafjardardjup and Jokulfirdir fjords to Hesteyri village, a journey of around 70 minutes.

The boat journey offers an excellent taste of the area's breathtaking scenery. Isafjardardjup is a large fjord with several smaller fjords branching from it. Jokulfirdir is a small fjord further north, also comprising smaller fjords.

Keep a watchful eye for seals basking on the shores, birds nesting on the fjord islands, and whales splashing in the pristine waters. It's a beautiful area, rich in nature and wildlife.

Today's destination is Hesteyri, an abandoned village on the shores of the Hesteyrarfjordur fjord. Hesteyri is part of the Hornstrandir nature reserve, which has been free from human inhabitants since the 1950s.

In the late 1940s, people living in Hestayri decided to move away, and it was abandoned entirely in 1952. The harsh winter climate and remoteness of the region created challenging living conditions for humans but allowed flora and fauna to thrive.

The vegetation grows wild at Hornstrandir, and knee-deep plant life can extend for miles. The arctic fox roams freely across the land and preys on birds nesting on the cliffsides. These curious creatures sometimes approach hikers, having no reason to fear the humans they encounter.

Because you can only reach Hesteyri and other parts of Hornstrandir by boat, you'll immediately notice the peace and solitude of the area. It's an excellent place to take a break from your busy lifestyle, immerse yourself in nature, and get a taste of what it might have been like to live in such a remote place.

Your friendly guide will take you on a walking tour around the abandoned village, allowing you plenty of time to bask in your natural surroundings. It's an easy-level walk, but the terrain is uneven, so ensure you've got decent walking shoes.

You'll gain insights about life for the early inhabitants and can ask your guide any questions. You can also take your time to capture gorgeous photos for lasting memories. The walk finishes at the old doctor's house, where your host will serve you traditional Icelandic refreshments. 

After a delicious end to your walking tour, your group will board the boat, ready for another spectacular ride across pristine fjord waters. Your tour finishes at the Isafjordur port, where you can spend the rest of your day as you wish.

Don't miss this fantastic 4.5-hour tour of an abandoned village in the Hornstrandir nature reserve, including boat transfers from Isafjordur, for an immersive nature and culture experience. Check availability now by choosing a date.