THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set out from Ísafjörður by boat to Hesteyri and follow a 12 km, 300 m-elevation hike across Hornstrandir’s raw fjord coastline. This full-day guided route combines abandoned settlements, seabird colonies and stark volcanic cliffs with a reliable boat pickup at Aðalvík.
Set out from Ísafjörður by boat to Hesteyri and follow a 12 km, 300 m-elevation hike across Hornstrandir’s raw fjord coastline. This full-day guided route combines abandoned settlements, seabird colonies and stark volcanic cliffs with a reliable boat pickup at Aðalvík.
Book with Sjóferðir
Book directly with Sjóferðir for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve NowVerified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sjóferðir · Ísafjörður, Westfjords
A low, steady hum of the outboard and a pale Arctic light set the tone as you leave Ísafjörður behind. The boat cuts between fjord walls, and by mid-morning you step ashore at Hesteyri — wind on your face, seabirds daring you to follow the shoreline. Abandoned turf houses and rusting fishhooks mark the traces of a once-inhabited coast; beyond them the route climbs and dips over tussock and scree toward Sæból in Aðalvík.
moderate.
8–10 hours.
Suitable for hikers with good aerobic fitness and experience on uneven ground; expect sustained walking and short steep pitches.
The guided route covers about 12 km of rough terrain with roughly 300 meters of cumulative elevation gain; the full outing is a full-day (8–10 hours) including boat transfers.
No — there are no services, snack stands or running water sources you should rely on; bring all food, water and any personal supplies you need for the day.
The hike is best for those in moderate to good physical condition; beginners with no trail experience may find the uneven terrain and distance challenging.
You may observe arctic foxes, seals and nesting seabirds at a distance; do not feed or approach wildlife and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Small settlements in Hornstrandir were inhabited for centuries but largely abandoned by the 1950s; the area has been protected since 1974 to preserve its fragile ecosystems.
Hornstrandir is a protected nature reserve—visitors are expected to follow strict Leave No Trace practices and stay on durable ground to protect nesting bird colonies and fragile tundra.
Sjóferðir operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Sjóferðir
Book directly with Sjóferðir for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now