Hornstrandir Sailing & Hiking Expedition

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

BOOKING.

Amarok Adventures ehf will provide the traveler with instructions on how to proceed with the trip booking process. To confirm a booking, the following requirements must be met:

• The traveler must fill out the online form with their personal information.
• The traveler must sign the travel agreement, which will be provided by Amarok Adventures ehf .*
• The traveler must make a payment of, at least, 30% of the total trip cost through our website booking system or through a partner’s booking system. The remaining 70% balance of the total cost must be paid no later than 5 months prior to the trip start date.**

*If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, Amarok Adventures ehf will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.

** Bookings made within 5 months prior to the start date of the trip will require a 100% payment at the time of the booking.

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

CANCELLATION & CHANGE FEES.
Amarok Adventures ehf reserves the right to keep the below fee to cover costs in all of our tours. If clients formally cancel their participation:

• If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
• If cancelled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).

• If cancelled 150 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable.
• If cancelled 120-149 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable.
• If cancelled 0-119 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable.

This multi-day tour can be changed free of charge up to 150 days before departure date if there is availability on a different date.

Please be aware that the adventure trip you are about to embark on requires certain abilities to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure your participation, please consider the following criteria:

• You should have the capability to hike distances exceeding 20 kilometers (13 miles) for multiple consecutive days.
• You should possess the endurance to tackle elevation gains of over 900 meters (2950 feet).
• Given the variable weather conditions, it is strongly advised to bring high-quality waterproof mountain gear.
• You should be able to live for 8 days aboard an expedition sailboat with other travelers.

Upon booking the trip, you will receive detailed information regarding the essential hiking gear you’d need to bring. If the participant lacks the required equipment, the guide may limit their participation in daily activities or even the entire trip to ensure their safety.

There is no need for you to bring any additional technical mountain gear.

While the guide will have a first-aid kit, each traveler is responsible for carrying any personal items they deem necessary based on their own medical conditions, requirements, risks, etc. It is crucial to communicate such information to Amarok Adventures during the trip booking process.

To fully enjoy an expedition tour in Hornstrandir, the traveler should possess a certain level of fitness. This trip involves hiking distances exceeding 15- 20 kilometers per day for several consecutive days, as well as tackling elevation gains of over 900 meters (2950 feet). It is essential to have the endurance to endure these physical challenges as well as a significant amount of self-determination.

The journey may present various challenges, both physically and mentally, and having a strong sense of determination is crucial to overcome obstacles and push through difficult moments. It is essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and embrace the spirit of adventure.

Additionally, as the weather in Hornstrandir can be unpredictable, it is highly recommended to bring good waterproof mountain gear to stay dry and comfortable. Furthermore, each traveler is expected to carry their own daypack throughout the entire 8-day trip.

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 the intricate fjords, the gentle undulations of the water 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 our experienced crew is well-prepared to offer support and remedies to alleviate any discomfort, ensuring that even amidst the occasional challenges, the allure of Hornstrandir remains a mesmerizing and unforgettable voyage.

Although river crossing it’s a fundamental part of our 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 of the trip. 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 Hornstrandir, June marks the transition from spring to summer. The weather during this time of year can vary, but generally, you can expect warmer temperatures as the season progresses.

In early June, we might still find snowy conditions & temperatures might still be relatively mild, with average highs around 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit). However, as the month progresses, temperatures tend to increase as well as rainy conditions. It’s important to note that these are just averages, and actual conditions can vary.

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.

The weather in Hornstrandir can be unpredictable and challenging, particularly in the remote areas where we sail. Strong winds and sudden storms can affect our planned route and schedule. In some cases, this may result in delays or changes to our itinerary. Safety is our top priority, and we may need to wait for improved conditions or alter the course to ensure a safe journey for both the group & the crew.

While we aim to stick to the planned schedule, it’s important to embrace the adventure and understand that flexibility is a part of exploring this wild and beautiful region. We recommend that travelers leave a buffer in their travel plans to account for any potential delays due to weather.

Flights to and from Iceland (as well as domestic flights from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður, and back) are also subject to weather-related delays or cancellations, especially in the Westfjords region where conditions can change quickly. We strongly recommend arriving in Reykjavík at least one day earlier & leave one day after to ensure you don’t miss the start of the expedition due to unexpected flight disruptions & to avoid being in a rush to return to Reykjavík. Additionally, while it’s rare, extreme weather may also require you to leave earlier than planned for your return flight home. Having this buffer time allows for a more relaxed start to your adventure and can help you avoid stress if any delays occur.

Our groups stay during the whole trip in 4-people bunk bed rooms aboard the Byr expedition sailboat under the deck. The possibility of having single rooms in the boat is impossible, since the space is very limited.

The group will be using four guest cabins all located on the lower deck with central heating and ventilation. There are two 2-man cabins with single beds and two 4-man cabins with singles beds. There is plenty of space to store gear under the bunk beds and next to them, as well as a couple of charging stations to keep your devices topped up during the trip.

There are two shared heated toilets and a shower on board.
Byr has also a saloon where we relax after a long day of playing outdoors, sharing our experiences, our stories and a fantastic dinner made of local ingredients. It is also a great place for simply curling up in the corner of the soft couch to read a good book from the collection of Arctic & Antarctic expedition books. The kitchen where breakfasts & dinners are prepared is in this same common area.
Sailing a traditional rigging like this gives you the authentic feeling of hauling up sails manually, together with your crew mates. Our professional crew ensures Byr is sailed safely, no matter your experience level.

Byr’s complex rigging offers various advantages for different weather. you’ll have ample opportunity to help hoist the sails and run the lines with the crew. We’ll also be traveling with expedition kayaks onboard, so you can explore our secluded anchorages or depending on the day, paddling might be the main activity.

The included meals of the trip are conceived as a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Breakfast on day 8 aboard the expedition sailboat is included. The trip does not include any kind of drinks other than juices, milk, coffee, tea & herbal tea.

Beverages are limited to tea, coffee, and herbal tea. The diet will be healthy and balanced, using a variety of products for complete nutrition. Please note that fresh vegetables & fruit, might be limited. If necessary we will restock supplies along with meat or fish from local hunters & fishermen. Despite the potential unavailability of fresh food, we are committed to ensuring you won’t miss out on its goodness, and that you will love every single meal.

The lunch at noon will be picnic style to take full advantage of the daily hiking trail, and it will have to be carried by the travelers in their backpacks during the hiking. Some days the lunch will be done aboard the sailboat. Breakfast and dinner will be held in the lower saloon aboard the sailboat and will be cooked by the guides & the crew.

If you have any allergies or intolerances, it is vital to inform Amarok Adventures in advance during the trip booking process or, if not possible, before reaching the destination.

Travelers who require vegetarian or gluten-free menus throughout the entirety of the trip must notify the agency. Amarok Adventures will make efforts to accommodate the dietary needs of the traveler. However, if it is not possible to fully meet the requirements, the agency will communicate the limitations accordingly. Open communication regarding dietary restrictions ensures a safe and enjoyable trip for all participants.

The gluten-free products in the Westfjords are very limited & might be impossible sometimes to get all the needed supplies. Please note that we are not able to provide vegan products.