Inspiring 10-Hour Hiking Tour of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve from Isafjordur

Take a trip to the remote Westfjords of Iceland and challenge yourself with this 10-hour hiking tour in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Travelers who want an adventure in the unspoiled nature of the land of fire and ice, with a chance to see puffins and Arctic foxes, should book this tour today.

Your hiking tour in Iceland begins in Isafjordur, the capital town of the Westfjords. You’ll meet your guide early in the morning at the tour operator’s office in Adalstraeti 7 and have a quick briefing before departing.

To prepare for this trip, ensure to gear up with weatherproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. You’ll spend most of the day outdoors, exposed to Iceland’s unpredictable weather, so dressing warmly is a must. A packed lunch, water, and a camera are other essential items you need to bring.

After the briefing, you’ll head to the Isafjordur harbor with the small hiking group. Part of your tour package is an hour of a boat trip to the nature reserve, as it’s most accessible by sea. During this boat travel, stunning fjords and cliffs of the region will welcome you. 

As soon as you arrive at the port, you’ll witness how beautiful and peaceful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is. Without a permanent human settlement and only a few travelers venturing here, Hornstrandir’s flora and fauna have flourished over the years.

The best way to explore the nature reserve is by hiking around its diverse terrain. For this tour, you’ll cover approximately 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of trail in and around Hornstrandir. 

First to see is the abandoned village of Hesteyri, known for its old summer houses and hills swarming with greenery. This area, by the scenic Hesteyrarfjordur fjord, is the perfect spot to begin your hike because the trails are relatively easy.

As you progress through the nature reserve, the trail gradually ascends and passes through rough terrain. You’ll cross some shallow creeks, cliffs, and mountains overlooking the beautiful bay of Hornstrandir. 

Other notable stops you’ll make along the way are at Latrar and Nedri-Midvik. While Latrar is another abandoned settlement with a rich history, Nedri-Midvik is an old farm with some remarkable ruins. So while exploring these areas, you’ll hear stories about them from your guide.

Between your stops in the notable sites of Hornstrandir, you’ll have chances to see some of the most iconic wildlife of Iceland, the Arctic foxes and puffin birds. These animals roam freely around the cliffs and valleys of the nature reserve. You can admire them from a safe distance if you ever spot them.

To end your day on a high note, the last stretch of your hike is by the breathtaking Adalvik bay. Here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding mountains.

Your 10-hour tour ends as you jump aboard the boat back to Isafjordur town.

Explore the raw beauty and wildlife of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve on this small-group hiking tour from Isafjordur. Check availability now by choosing a date.