Complete Guide to Hornstrandir, Iceland
Hornstrandir in Iceland is one of the last great wild areas of Europe. This magnificent reserve is totally untouched, letting you experience true Icelandic nature at its best.
The reserve is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, with its dramatic cliffs, rare wildlife, and unspoiled coastline. At Skyhook, we completely agree with this, thanks to our experience of offering Iceland tours in this remote paradise.
While Hornstrandir is amazingly beautiful, its remote location can make planning a trip here difficult. However, don't let this prevent you from adding the reserve to your itinerary when you do plan a trip to Iceland.
To help you out, here’s everything you need to know about exploring Hornstrandir.
Why Visit Hornstrandir, Iceland?
Iceland’s Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s last wildernesses. This completely remote and untouched landscape offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.
This unspoiled Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is located in the West Fjords of Iceland and is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine fjords. The area is also a haven for wildlife, including Arctic foxes and a variety of seabirds.
Hornstrandir is not on the usual tourist route in Iceland, so if you want to experience raw nature in solitude, then it’s the best place to go. There are no roads or permanent human settlements here, which means the only way to experience the serene landscape is through hiking, camping, and kayaking. Needless to say, this reserve offers some of the best hiking in Iceland.
So, if you’re after a true adventure off the beaten path, then the stunning, uncrowded Hornstrandir is a must-visit destination.
When to Visit Hornstrandir
You’ll want to visit Hornstrandir during the summer months, from late June to August. During summer the weather is milder, and the days are long, which gives you plenty of daylight for hiking and exploring the area safely.
The summer months are also when the flora is in full bloom, and the wildlife, including Arctic foxes and rare bird species, is most active.
Access to Hornstrandir is limited outside of the summer months due to harsh weather conditions and snow, which can make travelling here difficult and dangerous. In fact, ferries only run between June and August, and this is the only time that the few huts in the reserve are open. So, your window to visit Hornstrandir is very short.
Beyond the access though, visiting in summer offers a much more enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of this remote nature reserve.
Guided Tours in Hornstrandir
Seeming as Hornstrandir in Iceland is so remote and untouched, we’d recommend visiting the area with a guide. There are no clear signs in the reserve, no roads, and no facilities. This can make navigating the reserve very difficult if you don't go with an experienced and knowledgeable local.
There are some amazing guided experiences that you can go on in Hornstrandir, such as a three-day hiking and luxury camping trip, or a glacial fjords kayaking trip. These adventures will take you into the heart of the Hornstrandir reserve, and show you some of the most beautiful and unique places that you would never even know about without an expert guide.
Taking a guided tour is also essential for our safety and for respecting the environment. Guides understand this region, and they know how the weather works and how to navigate this remote landscape safely. If you try to explore the area alone, it’s only too easy to take a wrong turn and get caught in trouble.
Plus, you’ll have a much better time with an experienced guide. They’ll help you spot rare wildlife, they’ll help you find the best places to camp, and they’ll show the best parts of the expansive Hornstrandir reserve.
Win a Trip to Morocco
Where to Go Hiking in Hornstrandir, Iceland
Hornstrandir is a hiker's paradise with some of the most amazing trails and scenery in Iceland.
One of the most popular routes is summiting the Royal Horn, or Hornsleið. This hike takes about four to five days and offers a fantastic adventure across the peninsula. Check out our hiking tour of the Hornstrandir traverse.
The route starts in Veiðileysufjörður in the south, and you'll hike through Hornvík in the north and end in Hesteyri in the south. Along the way, you'll see the dramatic Hornbjarg bird cliffs, cross mountain passes, and marvel at glacier fjords. The route provides a mix of challenging terrains and spectacular views, making it perfect for a memorable adventure in Iceland.
For a shorter hike, you could try the trail from Hesteyri to Aðalvík. This route is less strenuous and offers beautiful coastal views and opportunities to see local wildlife.
How to Get to Hornstrandir
Getting to Hornstrandir requires some planning thanks to its remote location.
The Westfjords are about 450 km (279.6 miles) north of Reykjavik, which is about a 5-6 hour drive. You can rent a car in Reykjavik or at Keflavík International Airport if you want to take yourself on an Iceland road trip to get there.
Another option is to fly with Icelandair from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Ísafjörður. The flight takes about 40 minutes. There are plenty of places to stay in Ísafjörður when you get there.
There aren’t any roads into Hornstrandir because of the mountainous terrain surrounding the reserve. So, the only way to get in is via ferry.
From June to August, ferries operated by West Tours and Borea run from Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík to various drop-off points in Hornstrandir. Strandferdir also offers boats from Norðurfjörður on the Strandir coast to the eastern side of Hornstrandir.
Ferries don't run daily to every pick-up point - some only operate once or twice a week. Make sure to book your return ferry in advance.
You’ll need to thoroughly plan your drop-offs, routes, accommodation, and collection when planning a trip to Hornstrandir. Or you could just join an organized trip to let guides handle all the logistics for you.
Where to Stay in Hornstrandir
When visiting Hornstrandir, be prepared for very basic and rustic accommodation options. There are 16 designated campgrounds where you can pitch your tent. These campgrounds are simple and offer minimal facilities, so you'll need to love camping and be ready for a true wilderness experience.
If you prefer a roof over your head, there are a few hostels offering "sleeping bag accommodation." This means you'll have a bed in a private room or dorm, but you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and towels. This shouldn't be an issue since you're likely carrying camping gear anyway.
Some useful places to stay in the area include:
Old Doctor’s House in Hesteyri, known for its famous guesthouse-cafe and legendary pancakes.
Hornbjargsviti, located beside a lighthouse on the northeast shore, offering bunk bed accommodations and a campsite.
Reykjarfjörður, just outside the southeast edge of Hornstrandir, provides basic sleeping bag accommodation, a campsite, and two houses for small groups. It also has a geothermal pool and hot tub for a relaxing end to your adventurous days.
Organising to stay in these places can be tricky, especially as you have such a short window to visit Hornstrandir. That’s another reason why booking a guided hiking tour is such a great idea, as it will include comfortable camping all planned and set up for you.
Considerations for Visiting Hornstrandir
Visiting Hornstrandir in Iceland requires careful planning and preparation, as it's such a remote and rugged environment with no services or phone signal.
Even in summer, you could experience snow, fog, and raging rivers. So, it’s essential to be well-prepared and self-sufficient when venturing into this wilderness.
When hiking in Hornstrandir, carry a detailed map of the area (signal is not always available so don't rely on your phone’s map), compass, and GPS. Trails can be poorly marked or just routes on a map rather than clear paths, so understand where you are and where you’re heading.
You’ll need to bring all your gear, including clothes, tents, stoves, and food. Remember that campfires are banned, so a gas camping stove is necessary. You’ll also need to bring quality waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and a tent that can withstand the weather conditions.
Although, if you take a guided tour that includes camping, then you can leave the camping gear behind.
Before you head to Hornstrandir, be sure to check the Environment Agency’s tips and rules for the reserve. Visit the Hornstrandir Visitor Centre in Ísafjörður for more information and advice before heading out.
Conclusion
Hornstrandir in Iceland is one of those magical places where it’s just you and the natural world. The reserve’s unspoiled beauty makes it a true gem for anyone visiting Iceland.
Inspired to visit Hornstrandir with an expert guided tour? Then check out our hiking, kayaking, and camping tours in Iceland for the best possible experience.
