Scandinavia – Iceland – 5N/6D

Itinerary:

Day 1 : A boat trip from Reykjavik to Lonafjorour

A spectacular journey along the western coast and through the majestic fjord landscape to where you will be staying at the old farmhouse Kviar, in the Horstandir nature reserve. The house hasn’t been lived in since 1948 and has now been fully restored and renovated and makes a cosy and comfortable lodging accommodation space for trekking out to the wilder locations.

Day 2 : Lonafjorour

Experienced guides take you on a full day hiking experience along breathtaking valleys and mountains in the Hornstrandir nature reserve. Spectacular views over Jökulfirðir “Glacier Fjords” and Drangajökull glacier. Trekking through the bays and coves of the fjords, there are no roads, power lines, or other man made structures to come between nature and its wildlife. See five fjords come together within one large bay, each one with its special character.

Day 3 : Lonafjorour – Hornvik

Hornvik creek is Iceland’s most remote spot, and also one of the most beautiful.It is home to two massively spectacular bird cliffs that guard the entrance to the creek from each side. See large colonies of Kittiwakes, Common Guillemots (Murr), Razorbills, Puffins, and many other seabirds.

Day 4 : Hornvik – Hornbjarg – Hornvik

Hornbjarg is the larger and more extreme shaped of the two cliffs and standing on it gives you an unrivalled ‘edge of the world’ experience. The only way to reach it is by boat – this is a special part of the world that not many people see. The boat ride offers spectacular views of the dramatic landscape and stops for a quick view of the majestic cliff Haelavikurbjarg. With 6-7 hours hike along Hornbjarg there’s plenty of time to spot many sea birds including razorbills, eiders, puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars, and hopefully a chance to spot the beautiful arctic fox.

Day 5 : Hornvik – Rekavik – Hornvik

A wonderful trekking day from Hornvik to Rekavik and the Flojtavik coves and lake in the far north-west of Hornstrandir. A magnificent landscape with untouched beauty, wildlife and bird life. The relentless power of the ocean has molded the towering sea cliffs that are so richly populated by sea birds. Get a glimpse of what it was like in the Settler Age when Geirmundur Heljarskinn settled and farmed in this beautiful, yet isolated, part of the world. The area was deserted around the mid 20th century and yet a few summer cottages remain, owned by descendants of the former inhabitants.

Day 6 : Hornvik – Veioileysufjorour – Boat trip to Bolungarvik

Trekking through the magical fjord landscape of Veilileysufjorour takes you to the ancient fishing port of Bolungarvik – the northernmost village in the West fjords of Iceland, located in an isolated cove at the foot of the mountains. The Osvor fishing museum gives a fascinating insight into life in this old fishing outpost, the curator will greet you wearing a skin suit similar to one worn by Icelandic sailors in the 19th century. Visit the natural history museum and see its extensive bird and mammal collection, including a polar bear. Hike to the top of Bolafjali Mountain, the views of the ice blue waters and glacial landscapes are spectacular.

Things To Do:

Holmavik: This is the largest town in the Strandir region. Visit the Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft and be taken into the mystical world of the supernatural.

Fauna: Catch sight of an Arctic Fox as you trek through the deserted landscape, and sea the seals sunning themselves on the isolated beaches.

Fishing Village Food Trail: Some of the small fishing villages offer food tasters of delicious fish recipes, so fresh that you can still smell the sea.

Bird Watching: This trek offers ample opportunity to sit back and watch the incredible bird life in the region. See birds arriving and settling, nesting, preserving their eggs, feeding the baby birds, and then helping them to fly off into the real world.