Embark on a 6-day hiking and backpacking adventure in the untouched Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, located in the far-flung Icelandic region of Westfjords. With an experienced local guide by your side, explore the magnificent fields, cliffs, and mountains of the area. Enjoy all-inclusive meals during the journey, with accommodation in tents and a comfortable base camp. Your hassle-free adventure includes ferry transfers and most camping gear. Uncover the raw beauty of the Land of Ice and Fire with us!
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 depart from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry at 9 AM and make our way to the abandoned village of Hesteyri. At this point, we leave the modern world behind and enter a wonderland of natural sounds—from soothing streams to the whisper of waves along the beach. Our hike begins in Hesteyri as we head toward the Hesteyrarskarð mountain pass. From there, we descend on the other side down to sea level. Overnight at Látrar.
Hiking: 12.5 km (7.8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 450 m (1,476 ft)
Accommodation: Camping in Látrar
From Aðalvík, we have the option of taking a significant detour to the top of Straumnesfjall mountain to explore an abandoned radar station, built in 1953 by the American army. They quickly realized this was a harsh place to live and abandoned it by 1960—perhaps also due to the lack of enemies in sight. After the detour, we continue on to Fljótavík Cove, characterized by a large lake that covers much of the valley floor and is known for offering some of the best Arctic char fishing in Iceland. Our goal is to camp near the long-abandoned farm of Glúmsstaðir.
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi) — optional detour adds 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 700 m (2,296 ft)
Accommodation: Camping in Glúmsstaðir
We begin the day hiking along the green banks of Fljótsvatn lake. The lake is stunning, and the mountain range rising on our left is equally impressive. To reach our next destination, Hlöðuvík, we’ll need to cross several mountain passes that separate us from the other side. We spend the night at the beautiful campsite located right on the beach.
Hiking: 13 km (8.1 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 750 m (2,460 ft)
Accommodation: Camping in Hlöðuvík
Today we head up a steep slope to the mountain ridge of Skálakambur and follow a route marked with cairns toward the steep Atlaskarð (327 m) mountain pass. We continue around Mt. Kollur and begin our descent toward Höfn in Hornvík, the heart of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This is a place of dramatic natural beauty that should not be missed by anyone visiting the area. Since one day isn’t enough to take it all in, we’ll set up camp here for two nights. Fortunately, we have the luxury of arriving at the very cozy Borea Camp, located right on the beach. There, we can enjoy a warm mess tent, cook meals in a fully equipped kitchen, and relax in each other’s company.
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 650 m (2,130 ft)
Accommodation: Basecamp in Hornvík
Nothing compares to the beauty of Hornvík, surrounded by two of Iceland’s largest bird cliffs. Like the entire Hornstrandir area, Hornvík is incredibly remote and accessible only by boat or on foot. Today, we leave most of our gear at camp and hike with light packs to the Hornbjarg cliff, where thousands of seabirds nest and the towering formations carved by nature remind us just how small and fragile we truly are. Many visitors consider the hike to Hornbjarg the highlight of their trip to Iceland. The trail itself is spectacular, winding along the edge of the cliffs—but not too close! After an unforgettable day, we return to camp to enjoy a well-earned dinner in our comfortable setting.
Hiking: 16 km (9.9 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 900 m (2,950 ft)
Accommodation: Basecamp in Hornvík
Today we pack our tents and gear, hit the trail, and cross yet another mountain pass to reach Veiðileysufjörður fjord. After making our way over the mountains, we descend back to the coast and follow the shoreline for a while until we arrive at Meleyri. From there, a boat will pick us up and take us to Ísafjörður—back to civilization after nearly a week in the wild. Those eager to wash off the trail dust can head to the Ísafjörður swimming pool, while others may choose to relax, enjoy a good meal, and explore the town. The tour generally ends around 8 pm so booking an overnight stay is necessary.
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 700 m (2,296 ft)
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.