Hike & Sail the Lost Fjords of Hornstrandir, Iceland

Things to know

• What's included?

  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 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.