Adventurous 6-Day Kayak Tour of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve from Isafjordur

Day two of your kayak tour of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve kicks off with a hearty breakfast, after which you'll prepare your kayak, which will take you to the Kviar farmhouse in Kviadalur valley.

Today's travel and kayaking experience covers roughly 10.5 to 12.5 miles (17 to 20 kilometers). During the trip to the farmhouse, you'll encounter a breathtaking coastline with possible surprises from its rich marine life, like whales.

You'll also cross the fjords of Hesteyrarfjordur and Veidileysufjordur. Keep watch when you're close to the cliffs along the coast, as you may see some white-tailed eagles. Your boat ride ends once you reach the beach beneath the Kviar farmhouse.

The three-story Kviar farmhouse is located at the edge of the water and yields panoramic views of Jokulfirdir bay. The Kviar farmhouse has been passed down through generations, each caretaker adding their own chapter to its rich history. Traces of habitation from the 14th century remain in the stone walls and turn houses around the farm.

The farmhouse's last inhabitants left in 1948 when they decided to move to Isafjordur for a better life. This led to the farm's exposure to the elements and eventual degradation. It was only in 2012 that the area was habited again, and a group of volunteers and professionals joined forces to fix and rehabilitate the farm.

Today, the Kviar farmhouse is the only house standing in the Kviadalur valley. As you explore the farmhouse, you'll notice its red roof, which makes the structure stand out.

Since the farmhouse is only accessible by boat, you can enjoy nature without disturbance or disruption. Being the only house for numerous miles, the Kviar farmhouse has attracted a variety of wildlife. Since the tour happens during summer, you'll likely see Arctic Foxes, which are most active at night.

In the evening, you'll enjoy a tasty dinner before relaxing in the warm sauna beside the farmhouse.

On day three of your six-day Hornstrandir escapade, you’ll depart the Kviar farmhouse and head to Lonafjordur fjord, where you’ll continue your exploration on a kayak.

Lonafjordur is a narrow bay between the headlands of Lonanup and Mula and the bays of Veidileysufiord and Hrafnfjordur. Out of Lonafjordur fjord’s mouth is the spit land Bordeyri, extending into the western side of Mt. Muli’s foot.

Many believe that Lonafjordur is arguably Iceland’s most beautiful fjord. Lonafjordur was carved by ancient glaciers during the last Ice Age and boasts a unique geological heritage. As you paddle along the waters, you’ll see the pure beauty of nature and the wonders of having no human presence in the area.

As you explore the fjord, you’ll see magnificent cliffs that either go into the sea or stand mightily on the mountaintops. Moreover, you’ll see a monolith that splits the fjord’s bottom into two scales.

The Lonafjordur fjord is also rich in wildlife. It is home to a seal colony that you’ll find in the small bay of Sopandi. The area also has abundant birdlife and serves as a nesting ground for seabirds such as puffins and kittiwakes.

Meanwhile, hikers will love the area with its three hiking routes. The first trail is an old route that lies from Cove Midkjos. This trail goes through the Snoka Pass to Valley Drifandisdalur and the Smidjuberg cliffs.

The second trail begins at Cove Rangali and goes through the Rangali Pass to Cove Hornvik. The third route starts at Cove Sopandi and passes through the Threngsli Pass to Cove Bardsvik.

Since this is a kayaking tour, you’ll spend most of the day paddling across the coastline. You’ll then cap off your day by returning to the Kviar farmhouse and relaxing in the sauna before enjoying a tasty meal and heading for bed.

On day four of your exciting kayaking adventure, you'll take your boat and leave the Kviar farmhouse en route to the south side.

Your first destination will be near Hofdi, where you'll get a good look at the Leirufjordur fjord or the "silt fjord." Leirufjordur is characterized by its narrow, winding inlet flanked by cliffs and green hillsides.

As you navigate across the Leirufjordur fjord's waters, you'll notice its milky color. This color comes from the silt from underneath the glacier. The rich deposits of clay and silt result in fertile soils that support lush vegetation and dynamic birdlife.

Like the previous fjords in this tour, Leirufjordur remains relatively untouched by development, giving you a rare opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of Iceland's coastal wilderness. Whether it's hiking along the fjord's rugged shoreline, birdwatching in the wetlands, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic with views of the surrounding mountains, Leirufjordur is an excellent place to slow down and reconnect with nature.

As you paddle across the bay, you'll see the majestic Drangjokull glacier from a distance. Drangjokull glacier is an ice cap that spans an area of approximately 62 square miles (160 square kilometers). It is also one of Iceland's smaller and lesser-known glaciers, but it holds immense significance due to its unique features and remote location.

Interestingly, it is Iceland's only ice cap that sits at an altitude below 3,281 feet (1,000 meters), making it Iceland's lowest-lying glacier. Its modest altitude is also one of the charms of Drangjokull glacier, as it contrasts with some of Iceland's larger glaciers, like Vatnajokull.

In addition, Drangjokull glacier doesn't sit on top of any active volcano.

After appreciating the beauty of the Drangjokull glacier, you'll paddle toward Grunnavik bay, where you'll see a beautiful church and a few summerhouses. You may see some porpoises near the coast while on the way to Grunnavik bay.

In the evening, you'll be camping on the beach and recharge for the following day.

Today's adventure may cover around 9 miles (15 kilometers).

Your second-to-the-last day in Iceland involves a journey toward the Isafjardardjup bay. Translated "Icefjord's Deep" in Icelandic, Isafjardardjup is a massive fjord measuring approximately 33 miles (53 kilometers). Because of its size, it is home to many smaller fjords, including the "capital of the Westfjords," Isafjordur.

Isafjardardjup is known for having eight notable fjords on its southern shores. Along these fjords are rugged coasts, coves, cliffs, and mountains that are breathtaking to see up close and from a distance.

As you head to Isafjardardjup bay, you'll see many captivating waterfalls that aren't often seen by many. These waterfalls are located in spots that can only be reached by foot. Be sure to take as many photos as you can near these waterfalls.

Next, you'll head toward the coast of Snaefjallastrond and camp by the Mongufoss waterfall or in Ytra-Skard. Mongufoss' water comes from the melting water from the mountains that flow toward the Innri Skardasa river. The water then reaches a cliff that creates the beautiful Mongufoss waterfall and its drop, which measures approximately 197 feet (60 meters) high.

Meanwhile, Ytra-Skard is a valley with an estimated terrain elevation of 1,233 feet (376 meters) above sea level. Here, you'll find a cove where you can set up and camp for the night.

Take note that the choice between camping in the Ytra-Skard cove and by the Mongufoss waterfall depends on the current weather conditions and your group's preference. Whichever location the group will retire to, you'll enjoy a rest under the midnight sun.

Today's adventure and kayaking experience may cover around 12 to 15 miles (20 to 24 kilometers). If you ever need assistance from your guide or are curious about anything you see, feel free to ask your friendly guide.

On your final day in Iceland, you’ll visit two fascinating islands: Aedey and Vigur. Aedey is the largest of four islands on the biggest bay on the Westfjords, measuring approximately 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers) long and 0.50 miles (0.8 kilometers) wide.

Aedey is home to only one family that stays on the island during summer. As you explore the island, you’ll see lush vegetation with cliffs full of puffin burrows.

Apart from its natural beauty, Aedey island also has a fascinating history. In the year 1615, a group of Spaniards were shipwrecked on the island. Some of the Spaniards made their way to Dyrafjordur, while others stayed on the island.

After enjoying the beauty of Aedey, you’ll paddle toward the island of Vigur. Vigur is also the second-largest island in Isafjordur bay. However, the island only has five permanent residents living in a 19th-century house.

Vigur island is also known for having a vibrant birdlife colony. You’ll see different bird species, such as puffins, arctic terns, razorbills, black guillemots, and eider ducks. Vigur has an interesting relationship with eider ducks. In the past, farmers had an unwritten rule of protecting the nesting ducks from predatory birds.

The love and respect for the ducks grew so deep that a farmer even built “The Eider Duck Hotel” about two hundred years ago. The structure served as a refuge for nesting mother ducks. You can still see this hotel as you explore Vigur.

Vigur is also renowned for its historic landmarks, including a beautifully preserved windmill dating back to the 19th century.

If the weather is good, you’ll paddle toward the town of Sudavik or Hvitanes. There, a driver will pick you up and take you back to Isafjordur for your flight back to Reykjavik or to continue your other trips elsewhere.