Included: Certified mountain guides 8-day guided Hornstrandir tour Expedition sailboat with professional & experienced crew Domestic flight from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður. Under-deck accommodation in an expedition sailboat in 4-people bunk-bed rooms All meals during hiking & sailing days, cooking equipment Juices, milk, coffee, herbal tea Expedition kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and safety equipment Agency support 24/7 Not included: International flights Accommodations in hotels in Reykjavík or Ísafjörður if needed Insurance — available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Please be aware that this Hornstrandir hike requires certain abilities to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure you’re ready for this adventure, you should be able to… Hike distances exceeding 20 km (13 mi) for multiple consecutive days Tackle elevation gains of over 900 m (2,950 ft) Live aboard an expedition sailboat for 8 days with other travelers Hiking Hornstrandir in Iceland comes with its fair share of challenges—both physical and mental—but that’s all part of the adventure. A good dose of determination, a positive mindset, and a spirit of curiosity will go a long way in making the experience deeply rewarding. Weather in Hornstrandir can be unpredictable, so quality waterproof mountain gear is a must to stay warm and dry. Each traveler will also carry their own daypack throughout the 8-day trip, so pack thoughtfully and travel light.

What’s the boat like?

The boat The Byr, a sturdy expedition sailboat , will be your home during this Hornstrandir tour in Iceland. This is a spacious 25-m (82-ft) ketch-rigged charter boat built in the Netherlands in 1993. Sailing a traditional rigging like this gives you the authentic feeling of hauling up sails manually, together with your crew mates (but don’t worry, sailing experience is not required ). The professional crew led by captains Siggi & Annukka ensures Byr is sailed safely, no matter your experience level. Byr has a saloon where we get to relax after a long day of exploring outdoors, perfect for sharing stories and enjoying fantastic dinners made with local ingredients. Or maybe you’ll rather curl up in the corner of the soft couch and read a good book from the collection of Arctic & Antarctic expedition boats. The cabins All cabins are located on the lower deck with central heating and ventilation . There are two four-people cabins with bunkbeds. There’s plenty of space to store gear under bunkbeds and next to them, as well as a couple of charging stations to keep your device topped up during the tour. There are two shared heated toilets and a shower onboard. Due to limited space, a single occupancy room is not possible. If you’re a solo traveller, you’ll be placed in the four-person cabin with other travellers.

What's the food like?

The diet on this Hornstrandir trek adventure is conceived as a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner —all healthy and balanced). This includes juices, milk, coffee, and herbal tea. Every day, the guides and the crew will prepare delicious dishes for all the participants. Lunches will be picnic style, though sometimes enjoyed aboard. After dinner, participants will help clean the dishes. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan) can be accommodated, but it’s imperative that you let us know of your diet upon booking the trip. Your guides will try to accommodate dietary needs, and in case they’re not able to fully meet your requirements, they will communicate it accordingly. Note that gluten-free and vegan products in the Westfjords are very limited.

What do I need to bring?

Suitcases are not allowed on this tour. Please bring a duffel back and a backpack for daily hikes. Ensure that all items fit securely within your duffel bag without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations. Personal gear: Backpack for daily adventures Waterproof bag for clothes Rain cover for your backpack Swimsuit and towel Personal toiletries Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you) Sunscreen and sunglasses Earplugs — recommended Headlamp + batteries Camera — optional Power bank Hiking poles — highly recommended Water bottle and thermos Clothing: Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole Warm clothes First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended, 1-2 units) Second layer: fleece jacket (1-2) Third layer: down jacket (1) Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended, 1) Hiking pants (1-2) Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5) Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2) Comfy footwear for when on the boat Underwear and hiking socks Warm beanie Gloves / mittens Hiking buff While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks. Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.

Will I get seasick, how’s the sailing?

Sailing through the captivating Hornstrandir & the West Fjords of Iceland is an extraordinary adventure that unveils a tapestry of natural wonders at every turn. As we navigate intricate fjords, the gentle undulations of the water will embrace our vessel, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The sheltered passages between the majestic cliffs offer a sense of calm, where the sway of the boat is minimal, providing a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience. However, as we venture into the open sea, the character of the ocean changes, and there may be a noticeable swell. It is during these moments that some travelers may experience seasickness, as the ebb and flow of the waves test their equilibrium. Rest assured, though, as an experienced crew is well-prepared to offer support and remedies to alleviate any discomfort.

Are there river crossings during the trip?

Although river crossings are a fundamental part of trips in the Arctic, not all of the regions where we will be hiking have river crossings. However, you are very likely to encounter glacial-fed rivers several days on this Hornstrandir trek. Some rivers will be wider & very gentle, while others will be deep and/or have stronger currents, making them very challenging. Some days, you may need to cross multiple rivers along the whole day or during a small section of the whole day. Depending on the river’s size and the strength of its current, you’ll need to either navigate the crossing on your own or team up with your travel companions. It’s essential to follow your guide’s instructions closely to ensure a safe passage. If the river swells significantly, your guide will assess whether it’s safe to cross or if an alternate route is necessary (if available) to ensure a safe arrival at your destination, even if it means extending the day’s hiking distance.

What’s the weather like in Hornstrandir?

In early June, snowy conditions may still linger, and temperatures tend to be mild, with average highs ranging from 5–10°C (41–50°F). However, as the month progresses, temperatures tend to increase as well as rainy conditions. In general, summer in Hornstrandir is also characterized by increasing precipitation. You can expect a mix of rain & sunny days , but even some snowfall. It’s advisable to be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack suitable clothing for cold and wet conditions. Weather in Hornstrandir can be unpredictable and occasionally harsh, especially in remote sailing areas. Strong winds or sudden storms may force changes to the route or delays in the itinerary. Safety always comes first, so flexibility is essential when exploring this wild and beautiful region. While the goal is to follow the planned schedule, you should be prepared for changes. It’s recommended to leave extra time in your travel plans to account for possible delays due to weather. Flights to and from Iceland—including domestic flights between Reykjavík and Ísafjörður—are also affected by weather, especially in the Westfjords where conditions can shift quickly. Arriving in Reykjavík at least one day before departure and leaving a day after your return offers a more relaxed start and end to the adventure, with less risk of stress from flight disruptions.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Hornstrandir Nature Reserve tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4 :1. It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants. There are no supplements for solo travelers, as they will share a room. Single occupancy cabin is not an option. Hornstrandir tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Hornstrandir tour is Reykjavik. To get there, fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service or public transport to reach Reykjavik, circa 45 minutes away. You’ll meet your guide in the afternoon in Reykjavik for a trip briefing and a chance to meet your fellow adventurers. Afterwards, you’ll head to the domestic airport for a short flight to Ísafjörður. If weather conditions ground the flight, you’ll travel to Ísafjörður by vehicle instead. Your guides strongly recommend arriving in Reykajvik at least one day earlier and leaving one day after, ensuring that you don’t miss the start of the expedition due to unexpected flight disruptions.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Deposit and cancellation policy

A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking , with the remaining amount to be paid 90 days prior to departure. For bookings within four (4) months of the departure, full payment is required. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit). If canceled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit). If canceled 59 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable. If canceled 30-58 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable. If canceled 0-29 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable. Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount. After booking, client will need to sign the travel agreement. If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, the Guide will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense. In case the client needs to reschedule their multi-day tour, the following payment policies will apply: If the client wishes to transfer to another trip or reschedule for the same trip on a different date within the same year, the remaining 70% of the payment must be collected at the time of the client’s request for the change. If the client wishes to transfer to another trip or reschedule for the same trip on a different date in the following year, the remaining 70% of the payment must be collected 4 months prior to the start of the trip (7 months for “Expedition” categorized multi-day tours) & the client will need to cover the cost variance based on the updated price for the upcoming year. The Guide expressly prohibits the occurrence of dual consecutive postponements, and clients are not permitted to request a second consecutive rescheduling of their travel arrangements.

Hike & Sail the Lost Fjords of Hornstrandir, Iceland

Some places aren’t meant to be driven to or stumbled upon—you have to seek them out. At the edge of Iceland’s Westfjords lies a place with no roads, shops, or permanent dwellings. Ocean, cliffs, and pure silence reign supreme in Hornstrandir, a surreal peninsula steeped in a kind of wilderness most people never get to experience.

But that’s exactly where we’re headed. Aboard a rugged expedition sailboat, we’ll sail into Hornstrandir and spend our Midnight Sun days discovering the forgotten land on foot. We won’t just stray off the map, we’ll be off the grid, fully disconnected from our everyday lives. Being accessible and conveniently located is just not an option here.

Exclusive expedition in the wilderness

Few places are as secluded as Hornstrandir, accessible only by boat or a multi-day hike, with a narrow two-month hiking season that makes this trip one-of-a-kind. Getting here is a real challenge—living here for a week is a bold conquest.

Uninhabited since the 1950s, we’ll be in Hornstrandir on our own, completely self-reliant. The Byr sailboat is our floating basecamp—part cozy haven, part launchpad for adventure. By night, it’s where we’ll eat well and rest up; by day, we’re off hiking wild trails or slipping into kayaks to explore the coast from sea level.

We’ll walk up hills so green they hardly look real, only to arrive at a 500-meter (1,700-ft) cliff dropping straight into the sea. We’ll admire deep fjords and untouched bays. Crossing a river or two, stumbling upon a roaring waterfall, or gazing up at towering peaks… It’s all part of the plan, but we’ll craft our hikes day-by-day, depending on the weather.

COMFY SAILBOAT
UNIQUE KAYAKING
SMALL GROUPS
WILD OCEAN
STUNNING BIRDLIFE
DELICIOUS FOOD

The location of the Laugavegur trail on the full map of Central and North Europe.

The Laugavegur trail on a zoomed map of Iceland.

A floating basecamp for the week

BYR SAILBOAT

The Byr is your home for this Hornstrandir expedition—a sturdy 25-meter sailboat built for wild adventures and remote coastlines. Run by experienced captains Siggi and Annukka, it offers the feel of a true expedition. All nourishing, home-cooked meals are included, keeping you warm and well-fed throughout the journey.

Below deck, you’ll find warm four-person cabins with bunk beds, heating, and space for your gear. After long days exploring the wild, relax in the cozy saloon, swap stories over dinner, or grab a book from the Arctic library!

580 square kilometers of pure wilderness

THRIVING WILDLIFE

Hornstrandir is home to Iceland’s only native land mammal—the Arctic fox. These clever and elusive creatures roam freely, often seen darting across the tundra or resting near rugged cliffs. Spotting one is a rare and exciting highlight of the trip!

The skies and shores of Hornstrandir burst with birdlife. Puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes nest on steep cliffs, while golden eagles soar above. Seals rest along fjords and rocky beaches, adding to the rich wildlife. This untouched sanctuary offers a front-row seat to nature’s raw beauty, with new wildlife encounters every day.

ROAM UNTOUCHED NATURE

No place in Iceland feels as remote, lush, or wild as Hornstrandir. With no roads or permanent residents, it’s a nature reserve in the truest sense—guarded by cliffs and kept untamed by time. Trails are vague, often more fox track than footpath. One moment you’re walking through soft tundra, the next, standing at the edge of a cliff dropping into the sea.

Here, the weather sets the pace. Fog drapes the mountains, rivers shift with the tide, and fjords stretch out in silence. We’ll hike ancient paths, cross mountain streams, and sleep aboard a sailboat tucked into quiet coves. In Hornstrandir, nature isn’t just scenery—it’s everything.

Friendly crew & small group

This isn’t a trip you do alone, and that’s the beauty of it. You’ll be part of a small, tight-knit group led by two certified and experienced guides who know these remote fjords like the back of their hand. With the warm and welcoming crew aboard the Byr—captains Siggi and Annukka at the helm—you’ll not only feel safe and supported, but might even learn a thing or two about sailing, like how to haul up the sails by hand, old-school style!

With just eight adventurers on board, it feels less like a tour and more like a shared expedition. You’ll swap stories in the saloon after long hikes, share meals cooked with care, and unwind with fellow travelers who, like you, came to disconnect and dive headfirst into Iceland’s most isolated wilderness. Out here, camaraderie comes easy—and comfort comes with a sea view.

LOCAL GUIDES
TALES FROM HISTORY
ATTENTIVE CREW
GENUINE CAMARADERIE
SPACIOUS BOAT

Meet your guides

Alberto is an AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide. HE has guided adventure treks in Iceland, Greenland, South America, and Nepal and worked as a documentary and travel photographer for international magazines. Alberto has lived in Iceland since 2015, traveling the country discovering hidden gems and loads of adventure off the beaten path—always with his camera in tow.

Mónica is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA. She is experienced in mountaineering, sport climbing, and skiing. Originally from Spain, Mónica shares her love for nature and the outdoors with clients all over the world. She knows her way around Iceland’s hidden gems, as well as all the best spots in Black Forest, Morocco, United States, Scotland, and Nepal.

Alberto Ojembarrena is an AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide and the owner of Amarok Adventures

Mónica Fuentes is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA

Alberto and Monica are fantastic. As was every part of the trip

Great mix of hiking and time on the boat.

Νice people. Lovely atmosphere they created..brilliant cookers! Love to travel with them again!

Alberto and Monica were exceptionally attentive to everyone’s welfare.

Really experienced hidden Iceland and hiked in places we could never have discovered without a guide. Iceland is spectacular and hiking is the best way to see it.

Really enjoyed my adventure. Had a fantastic experience. Great guides who looked after us well.