2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur

A group of hikers with backpacks gathered at a Hornstrandir viewpoint in Iceland.
2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur
2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur
2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur
2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur
2-Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords to Hornstrandir & Hornvik from Isafjordur
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Travel details

Dates
Time
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Travelers
1
From: adalstraiti

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Isafjordur
Starting time
At 09:00
Duration
2 days & 1 night
Ending place
Ísafjörður
Languages
English, Icelandic
Difficulty
Demanding
Available
June - Sept.
Minimum age
16 years old
3,789 reviews

Description

Trek into one of Iceland's most remote wilderness areas on this 2-day Hornstrandir and Hornvik wildlife tour from Isafjordur. This guided Westfjords camping tour is ideal for active travelers who want to hike through untouched landscapes, spot Arctic foxes, and experience a side of Iceland few visitors ever reach.

Reachable only by boat, this summer wildlife tour in Iceland takes you to one of the most remote corners of the Westfjords. Traveling in a small group keeps the experience personal, with plenty of time to watch wildlife, take photos, and learn from your guide.

Your journey begins in Isafjordur, where you meet your guide and board a boat to Hornvik Bay. Because Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is only accessible by sea, this package removes the challenge of planning transportation, accommodation, meals, camping equipment, and logistics on your own.

A professional guide leads the hike and sets up a base camp with a heated cooking and dining tent. Camping equipment is transported separately and remains at base camp, so you only need to carry a daypack during the hikes.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offers a rare opportunity to experience Iceland without roads or modern development. The reserve is widely considered the best place in Iceland to see Arctic foxes in the wild, thanks to the strict hunting ban in the area.

The reserve's highlight is Hornbjarg Cliffs, among the largest seabird cliffs in Europe and one of Iceland's top wildlife-watching destinations. During summer, millions of seabirds gather here, including puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, and fulmars, creating outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Hiking in Hornstrandir offers a sense of freedom rarely found elsewhere in Iceland. The trails cross mountain passes, coastal valleys, and remote fjords, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of dramatic cliffs, untouched landscapes, and some of the country's most isolated wilderness.

This challenging hike covers approximately 14 miles (22 kilometers) over two days, with around 900 meters of elevation gain. You should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain and crossing occasional snow patches or shallow streams with a daypack.

Operating from June to September, this tour benefits from Iceland's long summer days and extended daylight. The soft evening light is ideal for wildlife watching, photography, and enjoying the quiet surroundings of Hornvik after hiking.

Each evening, you return to a comfortable base camp to enjoy a hot meal and relax with your group. The camp includes toilet facilities, a heated dining tent, and pre-pitched two-person tents.

After booking, you receive a detailed itinerary to help you get ready for the adventure. You also benefit from a personal travel agent and 24/7 customer support.

Book this 2-day Hornstrandir and Hornvik wildlife tour from Isafjordur for a guided camping trek through Iceland's remote north. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

2-day hiking tour in the Westfjords from Isafjordur
Boat transfer into and out of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
All meals and food during the trip
Professional English-speaking hiking guide
Two-person tents and sleeping bags
Heated cooking and dining tent
Cooking gear
Small group experience

Activities

Hiking
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Bird watching
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Attractions

WestfjordsWestfjords
HornstrandirHornstrandir
ÍsafjarðardjúpÍsafjarðardjúp
IsafjordurIsafjordur

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Boat to Hornvik and a Hike along the Hornbjarg Cliffs

Your first day begins at Adalstraeti 17 in Isafjordur, where you meet your guide for a briefing before boarding a passenger boat to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The journey to Hornvik Bay takes two to three hours and offers views of the remote Westfjords coastline, abandoned settlements, and secluded bays once home to fishing and farming communities.

Hornstrandir is Iceland's most remote wilderness area and one of the country's best destinations for wildlife watching. With no roads or permanent residents, the reserve provides a protected habitat for Arctic foxes and thousands of nesting seabirds.

After arriving in Hornvik Bay, you set out on a guided hike covering about 7 miles (11 kilometers) with an altitude gain of around 1,800 feet (550 meters). You’ll hike through landscapes shaped by glaciers, mountains, and the North Atlantic Ocean.

A highlight of the day is the hike along the Hornbjarg Cliffs, among the largest seabird cliffs in Europe. Rising roughly 1,312 feet (400 meters) above the ocean, these dramatic cliffs provide exceptional viewpoints over the bay, rugged coastline, and the isolated wilderness stretching in every direction.

The Hornbjarg Cliffs are also one of the best places in Iceland to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. During summer, thousands of seabirds gather along the cliffs, including kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, and puffins. Arctic foxes are frequently spotted on the beaches and grassy slopes below.

Throughout the day, your guide shares stories about the region's wildlife, geology, and former settlements. The guided format allows you to focus on wildlife spotting and photography while benefiting from local expertise in this remote environment.

After the hike, you descend to the Hornvik base camp, where a freshly prepared dinner awaits in the heated dining tent. This comfortable camp provides a welcoming place to relax, share stories from the day, and recharge before the next stage of your Hornstrandir adventure.

As the midnight sun lights up Hornvik Bay, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and continue watching for Arctic foxes near camp. You spend the night in a comfortable two-person tent surrounded by some of the most remote and beautiful scenery in Iceland.

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Day 2

Day 2 - Hike over the Mountains to Veidileysufjordur

Your second day begins with breakfast at the Hornvik base camp before setting out across another remote section of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The journey offers a deeper look into one of Iceland's last true wilderness areas and the wildlife that calls it home.

After saying goodbye to Hornvik Bay, you begin the hike south across the peninsula toward Veidileysufjordur. This is the final hiking day of the tour, and you return to Isafjordur in the evening, so no additional camping is required.

The route covers about 7 miles (11 kilometers) and climbs to roughly 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level. Much of the trail follows a clear path through open landscapes, allowing you to focus on the scenery.

As you gain elevation, panoramic views unfold across Veidileysufjordur, the surrounding mountains, and the rugged Westfjords coastline. Your guide sets a steady pace and shares the history and natural features of Hornstrandir as you go.

As the trail descends toward Veidileysufjordur, sweeping views open across the fjord and the surrounding mountains. Part of the descent crosses a mountain pass that can remain snow-covered well into the season.

Some sections may be steep, but your experienced guides are there to assist along the way and help you navigate the terrain safely toward the fjord below.

Wildlife remains a highlight throughout the day. Arctic foxes are occasionally spotted in the surrounding valleys and along the coastline, while seabirds fill the skies above the cliffs and nearby shores.

At the shore of Veidileysufjordur, a passenger boat awaits the return journey to Isafjordur. The scenic cruise offers one last look at the dramatic Westfjords coastline, with its remote bays, steep mountains, and bird-filled cliffs.

You arrive back in Isafjordur between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, where the tour comes to an end. After two days in Hornstrandir, you leave with unforgettable memories of Arctic foxes, seabird colonies, and one of Iceland's most remote wilderness areas.

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Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures.

Starting location

adalstraiti. Please arrive at the pick-up point on time.

How it works

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Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.
Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

What to bring

Warm outdoor clothing and hiking layers (avoid cotton)
Waterproof jacket and pants
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
Hat and gloves
Small backpack
Water bottle and snacks
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal medical kit and any personal medication
Sleeping bag liner and pillow cover
Personal medical insurance
Camera or smartphone

Good to know

The tour starts at 8:00 AM at Adalstraeti 17 in Isafjordur. You must arrive in Isafjordur the day before, since there is no time to travel on the morning of departure.

This is a challenging two-day hike of about 14 miles (22 kilometers), with a minimum age of 16. You follow trails most of the way, but some sections are rough, with loose rocks and snow.

You start at sea level and climb to around 1,640 feet (500 meters) on the first day and 1,310 feet (400 meters) on the second, for roughly 2,950 feet (900 meters) of ascent overall. If you hike regularly and are used to some elevation, you should manage comfortably. A few practice hikes beforehand still help.

You may also spot seabirds, Arctic foxes, and other wildlife along the way, though sightings are never guaranteed. Few places in Iceland offer better odds than the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Weather here changes quickly, so your guide may adjust the itinerary for safety. Dress in warm layers with a waterproof, windproof jacket and pants, and wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support.

You do not need to carry the camping gear, as it waits for you in Hornvik. Just bring your own sleeping bag liner and pillow cover.

Your guide prepares all meals at the base camp. Share any dietary needs or allergies when you book, since the team caters to vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free diets.

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