Step into the wild heart of Hornstrandir on this 4-day, fully self-sustained hiking expedition through Iceland’s most remote nature reserve. Designed for experienced hikers and returning guests, this journey goes far beyond marked trails, crossing rivers, navigating untracked terrain, and camping in complete solitude. With dramatic cliffs, Arctic fjords, and crashing waves setting the pace, it’s a raw, demanding, and deeply immersive experience.
Upon your arrival in Ísafjörður, meet your guide and fellow backpackers at the guide shop in town a day prior to starting your adventure. We’ll do an extensive gear check and discuss the details of the adventure ahead of you. Afterward, you can spend some time hanging out with your group by going for dinner or drinks.
Note: Accommodation for this night is not included in the price of the tour.
We meet in the morning at the office and begin with a spectacular boat ride into Jökulfirðir. Along the way, we watch for wildlife, admire dramatic sea cliffs, pass abandoned farmsteads, and enjoy constant views of the mighty Drangajökull glacier. After landing near Kjós at the mouth of Hrafnfjörður, we start our hike along the coastline into the fjord. The route leads us up a river-filled valley with striking rock formations, across a picturesque arched bridge, and past a beautiful mountain lake. Walking along the southern edge of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, we finish the day at our seaside campsite in Furufjörður, overlooking the glacier.
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents (campsite in Furufjörður)
We start the day with a relaxed breakfast, timing our departure with the tides. The hike begins along a rocky beach that can only be crossed at low tide, before revealing an iconic sea stack rising from a quiet cove. From here, we continue toward Bolungarvík and begin the ascent to Göngumannaskarð, the highest pass of the tour. The climb and descent are both gentle, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape. We then cross the meadow of Bárðsvík, climb over Smiðjuvíkurháls, and arrive at our next campsite in Smiðjuvík, tucked into a peaceful coastal setting.
Hiking: 13 km (8 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents (campsite in Smiðjuvík)
After packing up camp, we hike toward Hornbjargsviti, a lighthouse perched dramatically above the sea. Along the way, we pass Drifandi, a powerful waterfall plunging straight from the cliffs into the ocean below. If staff are present at the lighthouse, we may have the chance to enjoy dinner there, though this is not guaranteed and plans are made accordingly. The lighthouse area offers rare comforts for Hornstrandir, including flushing toilets, indoor cooking space, and an old barn available for campers. We spend the night nearby, falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing far below the cliffs.
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents (near Hornbjargsviti lighthouse)
We begin the day with breakfast at the lighthouse when possible, enjoying the setting before setting out once more. The hike leads us up to Kyrskarð and across the upper reaches of Innstidalur, with a mellow ascent rewarded by breathtaking views along the Hornbjarg cliffs and toward the southern face of Kálfatindur. We stay high, walking along the cliff edge rather than descending into the valley, passing beneath Kálfatindur and across a plateau above the lake in Miðdalur. After crossing Miðfell and reaching the Horn, we are picked up by boat in the afternoon and sail back to Ísafjörður. The tour generally ends around 8 pm so booking an overnight stay is necessary.
Hiking: 11 km (6.9 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
Both the 4-day and 6-day Hornstrandir tours are challenging and are suited for hikers with excellent fitness and solid hiking experience. These are true wilderness backpacking trips, involving long days on varied and often demanding terrain while carrying a backpack.
On the 4-day tour, we hike approximately 50 km (31 mi) in total, covering 12–16 km per day. On the 6-day tour, the journey extends to about 82 km (51 mi), with daily distances of 7.5–10 miles (12–16 km). Find day-by-day distances in the itinerary.
Terrain can be wet, mossy, rocky, muddy, steep, and sometimes trail-less, requiring good balance and confidence on uneven ground. On most days, we carry our full backpack, weighing approximately 15–17 kg (33–37 lbs), although on Day 5 of the 6-day tour you carry only a daypack, and on Day 6 only your personal gear.
We hike at a slow, steady pace with regular breaks, and a guide is always present to ensure safety, teach backpacking skills, and support the group throughout the journey. Preparation is key for an optimal experience. We recommend engaging in regular cardiovascular and strength training to enhance endurance and stamina.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Bring comfortable clothes that you can move in. Remember that everything you bring, you will have to carry on your back the first four days. Try to pack as light as possible while still bringing everything you need, but not everything you may want.
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You can rent a backpack and sleeping bag from your guide for an additional fee if you don’t want to bring your own. You can leave us a note at checkout.
Your guide provides sturdy two-person tents, so sharing with another participant is expected. If you prefer a tent of your own after each day’s hike in Hornstrandir, this can be arranged for an additional fee—you can add it to your booking at checkout.
Arctic Fox sightings are frequent during any Horstrandir hike. Due to hunting restrictions in Hornstrandir, these animals exhibit reduced timidity around humans, allowing for close encounters at times. However, the fact remains that they remain wild animals. While close encounters are probable, sightings cannot be guaranteed during this guided Hosrnstrandir hiking and backpacking adventure.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking and backpacking in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve can be arranged for larger or private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Ísafjörður, the starting point of the adventure, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport (near Reykjavik). From there, most people take another, 40-min flight to Ísafjörður Airport. Another option is renting a car and driving to Ísafjörður, which would take you around 6 hours.
Participants should arrive in Ísafjörður at least one day before the tour begins (Day 0 in the itinerary). On that day, you will meet your guide and fellow backpackers at the guide shop in Ísafjörður (Aðalstræti 17) at 5 pm for a pre-trip briefing.
The tour generally ends around 8 pm on the last day so booking an overnight stay is necessary.
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.