Tucked into the far northern tip of Iceland’s Westfjords, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is as wild as it gets. With no roads, no permanent residents, and only boat access in summer, it remains one of Europe’s last untouched wilderness areas.
Unlike the Laugavegur Trail and other hiking routes in Iceland’s Highlands, in Hornstrandir, you won’t find huts, signposts, or clear infrastructure. There are no marked trails. Trekking Hornstrandir means navigating open tundra, crossing secluded fjords, and walking along towering sea cliffs alive with nesting seabirds. Arctic foxes roam freely, traces of old homesteads whisper of Iceland’s past, and every step feels like a journey back in time in this remote landscape.
Where is Hornstrandir and why is it special?
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve sits at the northernmost tip of Iceland’s Westfjords, covering about 589 km² of protected wilderness since 1975. Entirely roadless and long abandoned by permanent residents, the reserve is known for its dramatic sea cliffs, deserted fjords, and as Iceland’s only true Arctic fox sanctuary.
The best way to reach the remote shores of Hornstrandir requires a boat, which is why we’ve partnered with the team of the sailing vessel Byr – the same expedition sailboat that carries us through our East Greenland expeditions – as our floating homestead for our Hornstrandir expeditions.
A proven vessel in Arctic waters, Byr serves as our floating basecamp, carrying us deep into the Westfjords and offering a warm, comfortable base at the end of each day.
How do you get to Hornstrandir?
Although you can drive or fly into the wider Westfjords, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve itself has no roads. The only way in is by boat during the summer months, June through September, when seasonal ferries and charters connect travelers from the regional hub of Ísafjörður and a few nearby villages.
Some seasoned hikers do attempt the long, rugged overland approach, but for most visitors, boat transport is the safest and most efficient way to reach the reserve.
When is the best time to trek in Hornstrandir?
The short summer window from June to September is the only season when Hornstrandir is truly accessible for hiking. This is when ferries and charters operate, the weather is at its mildest, and the long days of the Midnight Sun mean you can hike well into the evening light.
Wildflowers brighten the tundra, seabirds fill the cliffs with life, and Arctic foxes are most active this time of year as they raise their young. For trekkers, it’s a season where every element of the Westfjord landscape feels truly alive.
What makes trekking in Hornstrandir different from other parts of Iceland?
Most treks in Iceland, like the well-known Laugavegur Trail or the routes through the Highlands, often offer clearer paths, hut-to-hut networks, and the energy of sharing the trail with many others likeminded travellers. Hornstrandir is the exact opposite.
There are no huts, no signposts, and no steady stream of fellow hikers—just raw Arctic wilderness. Here in Hornstrandir, the “trails” are little more than sheep tracks and Arctic fox paths. Vast tundra plateaus stretch out across the horizon, fjords lie empty and silent without human activity. You might walk for days without seeing another group.
The cliffs rise sheer from the sea, alive with puffins and guillemots, while inland valleys hold the ruins of old farmsteads slowly folding back into the earth. It’s solitude on a scale that few places in Europe can match.
The remoteness demands experience and preparation, which is why choosing a guided expedition can help you get the most out of the experience. With expert navigation and deep knowledge of the land, your guides can turn Hornstrandir’s unpredictability into a safe and seamless adventure, one that adapts to shifting weather and lets you fully immerse yourself in a landscape where nature leads the way.
What wildlife can you see in Hornstrandir?
Hornstrandir is the best place in Iceland to see the protected Arctic fox. With no hunting allowed inside the reserve, foxes roam freely, often spotted darting across the tundra or lingering near old farm ruins. Along the towering cliffs, thousands of seabirds nest here each summer. Puffins and guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes, all of which fill the air with bustling movements and faraway cries. In quieter coves you may encounter seals hauled out on the rocks, and offshore, there’s always the chance of spotting whales passing by.
Because this wildlife thrives in such an untouched environment, it’s important to move gently through the land. We always keep a respectful distance from wildlife, avoid feeding animals, and let chance encounters unfold on their terms. In Hornstrandir, the best wildlife encounters are always when the land reveals its animals in its own time, not when you go searching for them.
What should you pack for a Hornstrandir trek?
Trekking in Hornstrandir requires a fully self-sufficient mindset. There are no shops, no roads, and no cell service here. But unlike other trekkers exploring the nature reserve, you won’t need to haul a full camping kit on your back because our expedition sailboat, Byr, is your floating basecamp throughout the journey.
Built for northern seas and crewed by experienced captains Siggi and Annukka, Byr carries us between fjords, shelters us from the weather, and provides a warm meal and a bunk at the end of each day. Each day we head out with only light packs and snacks, leaving extra clothing and gear safely aboard. There’s no need to carry a heavy tent, stove, or food supplies—Byr and her crew provide all of that.
What you do need to bring is the right personal gear: a reliable backpack, sturdy hiking boots, and a layered clothing system to handle Iceland’s famous unpredictable and changing Arctic weather. If you plan to book your trip with us, we’ll provide a detailed Hornstrandir packing list so you know exactly what to bring and what we’ll have ready for you on board.
Is Hornstrandir trekking right for me?
Hornstrandir is a remote, multi-day backpacking trek best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness and comfort in wilderness conditions. Days can be long, the terrain uneven, and the weather can change quickly.
That said, you don’t need to be an expert expedition hiker to join. With the support of our guides, detailed safety systems, and the comfort of our sailboat basecamp, the harder logistics are managed for you. What remains is the best part: you get the chance to walk through Iceland’s wildest landscapes in near-total solitude.
Why choose a guided expedition with Amarok Adventures?
In a place as raw as Hornstrandir, having the right support team matters. Our guides bring deep knowledge of the terrain, weather, and wildlife, ensuring your trek is both safe and rewarding.
We’ve led expeditions across many remote regions of the world, including Iceland’s Highlands, East Greenland, Nepal, Patagonia and beyond. Our expertise leading expeditions in the polar regions translates directly to navigating Hornstrandir’s potentially challenging conditions.
With our sailing vessel Byr as a moving basecamp, we combine comfort with adventure, carrying you deep into the reserve and returning each evening to warm meals and camaraderie.
FAQs about our Hornstrandir expeditions
At the northern tip of Iceland’s Westfjords, a 589 km² nature reserve that has been protected since 1975.
Our Hornstrandir expedition is an 8-day expedition, combining daily hikes with sailing aboard Byr, our expedition sailboat.
You should be comfortable hiking 15–20 km per day over uneven ground, with occasional elevation gains of up to 900 m. A good level of fitness and determination is key, but you don’t need to be an expert trekker.
Byr is our floating basecamp. At the end of each day you’ll return to a warm bunk, hearty meals, and the camaraderie of a small expedition crew. Cabins are shared, space is simple but cozy, and the saloon is where we eat, share stories, and relax.
Expect a variety of weather – sunshine, fog, wind, and rain, sometimes all in the same day. Summer highs average 5–15°C (41–59°F), but conditions change fast. Good waterproof layers are essential.
We provide full board—breakfast, picnic lunches, and dinners aboard. Meals are hearty and nourishing, with an emphasis on local ingredients. Vegetarian or gluten-free diets can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Yes, some days include glacial river crossings. Your guides will assess safety and provide instruction for each crossing.
For the full detailed FAQ—including seasickness tips, packing requirements, and weather contingencies, see our Hornstrandir Expedition Page.
Plan your visit – Hiking & Sailing in Horstrandir, (Westfjords, Iceland)
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