Set sail for eight days aboard the Byr, your floating home at the wild edge of Iceland! This guided hiking adventure takes you deep into Hornstrandir Nature Reserve—one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas. With no roads, no shops, and barely a soul in sight, you’ll hike remote trails, cross tundra, explore hidden coves, and sail beneath massive sea cliffs. All meals are included, and your guides will adjust the journey to match tides, weather, and pure adventure.
We’ll meet you at our basecamp in Reykjavik in the afternoon for a trip briefing and a chance to meet your fellow adventurers. Afterward, we’ll head to the domestic airport for a short flight to Ísafjörður, where the Byr will be safely anchored and waiting. There, we’ll meet the crew, settle into the boat, and go over safety procedures with your guides. We’ll enjoy our first dinner together onboard and review the plan for the days ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Byr
Over the coming days, we’ll dive deep into the wild heart of Hornstrandir—sailing its raw coastline and hiking through untouched wilderness. There’s no fixed route here, our path will bend to whatever the weather, wind, and tides throw at us.
Every evening, we’ll gather in the saloon to chart the best course for the following day. Our goal? To spend as much as possible exploring on foot. Plus, we’ll have expedition kayaks ready to launch from the boat, letting you paddle into hidden coves and quiet bays. Some days, kayaking will take center stage, giving you the chance to experience Hornstrandir from the water’s edge. We’ll arrive back to Ísafjörður the night of Day 7 and we’ll head for a last dinner all together at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Byr
After breakfast on our last day, we’ll head to Ísafjörður airport and fly towards Reykjavik in the morning. Once there, you can either keep on exploring Iceland or head home! We recommend allowing at least one day in Reykjavik before your departure—due to weather conditions which might change our plans.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
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…
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.
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:
Clothing:
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.
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
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.
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.
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 pricing
Hornstrandir tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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.
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.