Difficulty: Moderate
Total distance: 10 – 30 kms

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.

Day 1

We meet at our office in Aðalstræti 17 (downtown main street) at 8am for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry at 9am and sail to the head of Veiðileysufjörður Fjord where we´ll be dropped off. En route there is a very good chance that we’ll see humpback whales, puffins and other sea birds. Our extra luggage will be delivered to Kvíar.

After a short briefing about the history of Hornstrandir, we start our beautiful hike up the valley en route to our renovated farmhouse in Kvíar. The hike gives us a great chance to experience the lush landscape of the lowlands and the barren terrain and lakes higher up, once carved out by glaciers.

The views get better and better as we make our way up to the mountain ridges above the fjords. When we reach our high point, we slowly start our descent down the valley floor of Kvíadalur, mainly following the river and enjoy the lakes and waterfalls along the way. After a couple of hours, the house in Kvíar appears in its beautiful setting just above the beach.

We enjoy a relaxing evening with a nice home cooked meal and the wood heated sauna!

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, we will head out for an adventure in the surrounding mountains and fjords. We normally split the day into a good hike in the morning and a sea kayaking tour into Lónafjörður fjord in the afternoon.

We will take a short walk up the valley to the mountains edge where we get a panoramic view over the magnificent Lónafjörður fjord. While keeping a close lookout for Arctic Foxes, guests can enjoy the rich birdlife around the area; from common species such as eider ducks, swans, oystercatchers and snipes to more rare birds, such as the white-tailed eagle.

After lunch, we head to the shore where we can try our skills on the water, if conditions are good. Sea kayaking is very easy and we use stable and seaworthy kayaks for a comfortable paddle. Back to Kvíar for a nice dinner and another session in the sauna.

The plan is very flexible. We can do a full day of hiking or a full day of kayaking if you would prefer. Please tell us what you’d like to do!

Day 3

Our last day, gives us the freedom to enjoy the area at our own leisure and with greater flexibility if sea conditions have not been appropriate for kayaking. Your desire to venture for another hike, another kayaking adventure or relaxing in the fields listening to your surroundings can be the special day for you. We can always fire up the sauna and coax you in for yet another polar plunge! It’s really nice to pack a picnic and head to a beautiful spot and keep an eye out for the curious seals or foxes which populate our shores and fields.

We then head back to Kvíar and await the passenger ferry which will transport us back to Ísafjörður. The boat arrives around 5-6pm. We arrive back in town at approximately 6-7pm.