HORNSTRANDIR
Icelands Wild Frontier -
soaring cliffs, Arctic stillness, pure wonder.
Untouched Landscapes
Discover hidden gems
Observe Wildlife
High-quality gear for comfortable camping
July 27-Aug. 1, 2025
6 Days
Meeting Point: Ísafjörður, 8am
End Point: Ísafjörður, approx. 18pm
CHF 1749.-
Services Included in the Price:
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Guided hikes led by an experienced hiking guide.
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Round-trip boat transportation from Ísafjörður.
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Tent accommodations with access to professional rental gear for a seamless outdoor experience.
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Meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Not Included in the Price:
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Flights to and from Iceland (support for flight booking is available upon request).
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Accident insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
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Personal snacks (to be purchased in Ísafjörður at the latest).
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Meal and accommodation costs outside of the trek.
6 consecutive days of trekking, up to 18 km/day and a max. of 519m ascent. Sure-footedness, multiple stream crossings, and carrying a maximum 21kg backpack are vital. A positive attitude is essential in tough conditions.
Breathe, Disconnect, and Embrace the Wild
Echo Tours invites you to explore Hornstrandirs remote beauty, where dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and untouched wilderness await. This secluded gem in Iceland’s Westfjords is a haven for Arctic foxes and seabirds. With thoughtfully paced stages, we’ll embrace the land’s rugged trails and serene solitude together—it’s a true escape from the hustle and bustle, where only the essentials matter: food, progress, and a good attitude.
Day 1
We’ll meet at Ísafjörðurs harbour an hour before departure, where we’ll get to know the group and hand out gear. The boat ride to Hornstrandir offers a chance to spot whales, puffins, and other wildlife. Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp near our landing spot and then leave our gear behind for a hike to the Straumnes Air Station. Once there, we’ll explore the fascinating Cold War ruins and surrounding area before returning to camp.
18 km, ~435 m ascent/descent
Day 2
After breakfast, we set off on our trek, heading southeast along the beach. There’s a good chance we’ll have the sandy shores all to ourselves, making it a truly special experience. From there, we’ll gradually climb upwards, rewarded with stunning views—a perfect spot to pause for lunch. Our destination for the day is Hesteyri, where a delightful surprise awaits. Optional: Explore the nearby abandoned whaling factory and keep an eye out for Arctic foxes—we might have spotted a few by now!
12.5 km, ~300 m ascent/descent
Day 3 After breakfast in Hesteyri, we’ll trek inland along the Hesteyrarfjord. The trail leads us up to a 430m-high pass, unveiling breathtaking views of Hlöðuvík Bay. At the heart of this scene stands Álfsfell, our destination for the day. Nestled at its flank, we’ll set up camp and drift off to sleep under its watchful presence. 13 km, ~430m ascent/descent Day 4 Today, we leave Álfsfell, a mountain believed by Icelanders to be home to fairies, and head east. The trail takes us to higher ground, offering more breathtaking views before we cross a second pass. From here, we catch our first glimpse of the iconic Hornbjarg cliffs—a sight sure to inspire us as we continue. Along the way, we’ll pass the infamous wooden deck, the only remnant of a lost house. A short climb marks the day’s end as we arrive at Höfn (pronounced “Höpn”) to pitch our tents for the night. 12 km, ~327m ascent/descent Day 5 Today, we’ll pack lightly for a day hike to explore the Horn, with its awe-inspiring steep cliffs. From the clifftop, we’ll watch young gulls taking their first flights—a mesmerizing sight. In the evening, we’ll return to Höfn to spend a second night at the same campsite. The sandy beach in front of the tents is perfect for an evening stroll, even late into the night. 14 km, ~300m ascent/descent Day 6 Sadly, this is our final day on Hornstrandir. Leaving Höfn behind, we’ll trek inland, ascending through the region’s diverse vegetation zones—perhaps even encountering snow at the top. At 519m, the pass offers one last breathtaking view before we descend alongside a river to the fjord. Here, we’ll await our boat back to Ísafjörður, carrying memories of this incredible journey. 11 km, ~519m ascent/descent
Requirements
You'll need recent hiking experience, including a multi-day hike (15 km/day), and you should test your gear prior to the trek. Prepare for Iceland’s unpredictable weather, with sun, wind, fog, rain, or cold possible. Expect around 6 hours of walking per day on trails ranging T1-T3, with brief challenging sections.
Accommodation
We'll sleep comfortably in high-quality Hilleberg tents, with one tent shared by two guests, and premium air mattresses included. Our professional gear ensures a cozy and memorable stay under the stars, offering an authentic connection with nature. Please note that there is no infrastructure; outhouses are available at the designated campgrounds.
Meals
Meals are simple and portable, with options for vegetarian and lactose-free diets. Let us know your dietary needs in advance so we can plan accordingly. Be sure to leave some space in your backpack, as you'll be carrying your own provisions during the trek.
Meeting Point
We’ll meet at Ísafjörður, right at the harbour, for group introductions and to hand out rental gear and provisions. Please bring only what you’re prepared to carry on the trek.
Risks
Emergency exits are limited, and response times may be delayed. Boat/bus schedules depend on the weather, so please allow flexibility for return flights. Participants are responsible for their own health and fitness, and a signed waiver is required.