Hornstrandir Trekking Tour
Explore Iceland’s untouched wilderness on a six-day hike through Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This guided trek takes you through fjords, wildflower meadows, and remote coastal paths—far from roads or crowds. Camp under the cliffs, spot Arctic foxes, and experience one of Iceland’s last true wild frontiers.
Private
6 Days
Aug
High
Intermediate
Description
Step off the map and into the wild with a six-day trek through Iceland’s remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Embark on a boat ride from Ísafjörður to the remote outpost of Hesteyri—where the last road ends and the true wilderness begins. From there, we set out on a six-day hike through the heart of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, moving opposite to the few travelers who visit this pristine corner of Iceland.
There are no roads, no shops, and no permanent settlements—only old trails, untouched landscapes, and silent echoes of those who once called this place home.
Hornstrandir is a rare refuge where nature still holds the upper hand. Towering cliffs rise above deep fjords, and the sea is a constant presence. Along the way, we’ll hike through quiet coves, across wildflower meadows, over mountain passes, and beside steep fjord walls.
Discover beaches littered with driftwood, glimpses of Arctic foxes, and seabirds nesting by the thousands on sheer cliffs overhead.
We’ll carry all we need for the week and sleep in tents, moving our camp each day. The pace is steady but simple: walk, eat, rest, repeat. The real reward is space—mental and physical—to breathe, to move, and to immerse yourself in a landscape that feels increasingly rare.
We only offer a handful of departures each summer, so get in touch early if you'd like to join. Just send us a message with your preferred travel dates, group size, or any questions—and we’ll take care of the rest.
Price includes
Price details
- Included in the Trip
- * Expert local guide throughout the entire journey
- * Shared camping and cooking equipment for the group
- * All breakfasts and dinners from the first evening to the final morning
- * Boat transportation to and from the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
- Not Included
- * Personal equipment (a detailed gear list will be provided)
- * Travel arrangements within Iceland to reach Ísafjörður
- * Sleeping bag liner
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Ísafjörður to Veiðileysufjörður, then hike to Hornvík
We begin our adventure with a morning boat ride from Ísafjörður to the isolated fjord of Veiðileysufjörður. From there, we hike northward, crossing a mountain pass with panoramic views before descending into the dramatic Hornvík area—renowned for its soaring cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. We’ll set up camp near the bay and enjoy the golden evening light reflecting off the cliffs. Distance: 13.1 km
Day 2: Hornvík to Hlöðuvík
Today’s journey takes us westward through a broad valley and across a scenic ridge into the tranquil fjord of Hlöðuvík. The trail is steady and well-trodden, with views back toward Hornvík. Along the way, we pass remnants of historical fishing camps before descending to our next coastal campsite. Distance: 13.8 km
Day 3: Hlöðuvík to Fljótavík
One of the more demanding days in terms of distance and elevation, we cross a high mountain pass offering sweeping views of Fljótavík’s expansive bay—a mix of wetlands, mountains, and shoreline. As we descend, the terrain becomes softer and more inviting. We arrive at a peaceful beachside camp, where Arctic foxes may be seen as dusk settles. Distance: 15.7 km
Day 4: Fljótavík to Aðalvík
We travel southwest through gentle hills and open valleys toward Aðalvík, a once-inhabited area now marked by the silence of nature and scattered ruins of past farms. The area’s calm atmosphere and broad coastal views make for a reflective day. We camp near the shore, surrounded by quiet reminders of life once lived. Distance: 12.2 km
Day 5: Aðalvík to Hesteyri
A shorter trek today leads us east along the coastline and inland to the historical outpost of Hesteyri. Once the most populated settlement in Hornstrandir, it now holds a few preserved buildings and the haunting remains of a bygone village. We pass through open heathland and low ridges before reaching camp. Time permitting, we may visit the old doctor’s house museum. Distance: 10.1 km
Day 6: Hesteyri to Ísafjörður
In the morning, we meet our boat for the return journey to Ísafjörður. It’s a calm conclusion to the trek, with one last chance to admire the untouched beauty of Hornstrandir as we sail away from its cliffs and valleys. Distance: Boat transfer only
About the guide
Pict expeditions
5.0
(1)
Languages
English | French
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about Pict expeditions
Mattias
I had a great experience climbing Hvannadalshnúkur in Iceland together with Svanhvit. We had to reschedule the trip from the original date in March due to weather but it turned out to be a great decision as we had amazing conditions (clear skies and 20+ degrees). Svanhvit was great and very professional and it was a very pleasant experience all around. I would gladly go with them again on any future adventure in Iceland or Greenland.
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