Private Hornstrandir Fox Watching
A private fox watching tour to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to see the fox in its natural habitat!
• Observe the arctic fox in its natural habitat
• Learn more about the arctic fox and the history of the area from a experienced local guide
• A day in the abandoned wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
• A delicious dinner of fish soup
• A boat trip with views of the fjords and mountains, with opportunities to see birds & whales on the way
Difficult level: Easy
Total distance: 5 kms
We meet at our Service Center (white container) half an hour before departure for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart at 9:00 am from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry.
The boat journey takes just over an hour, depending on the booking that day and we travel through fjords and along mountain cliffs, before being dropped off at Kvíar farmhouse. Please note that there is no harbour and we land on the beach with a zodiac. When on land we have a full day of exploring and enjoying the pristine nature surrounding Kvíar Lodge. We will tell you the story of Kvíar and its inhabitants. You’ll learn about the Arctic Foxes and try to spot them playing outside.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one of the few places in the world where the fox can raise its young without fear of being prey to hunters. This makes the foxes friendly towards humans in many places, so they are easier to spot and get close to.
For years, an Arctic Fox family has had their den near our farmhouse in Kvíar and often you get a good chance to see them and take photos of the cubs when they venture out of the den in late June.
The itinerary is usually pretty open, since we might have guests that are into photography and might want to test their patience and wait for the foxes to appear. For those who wish to take a little hike, you can walk up the valley behind the farmhouse and enjoy the beautiful cascading waterfalls, or you can also relax outside Kvíar and breath in the fresh, clean air that Iceland is known for.
It’s really hard to promise we will see the foxes. There are many factors like the tide (they usually come down to the beach at low tide in search for food), weather they’re just sleeping somewhere up in the hills or just in the den to name a few. But we’ll do our best and use our knowledge of their behaviour and usual whereabouts. Please note that the cubs are still in the den until mid June the earliest.
In the afternoon, the guide will prepare a delicious fish soup with bread and snacks, that we will enjoy in the good company of our fellow travellers. The house itself is an interesting place to visit. It’s like travelling back in time to visit a local farmer of this isolated place.
After dinner, the boat will collect us and we arrive back in Ísafjörður at approximately 7pm or 8pm the latest.
Please note
• This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather and the ability of the group.
• Remember that the arctic foxes are wild animals and it’s hard to make guarantees that you see them.
• Our commitment to increasing your chance to see Arctic foxes may result in moving this tour location to Hesteyri. At this location, two hikes will be offered as well as an early dinner at the historic ‘doctors house’ cafe. This meal will be traditional fish soup, rye bread and Icelandic pancakes for desert. The departing and return times will be unchanged.
• Warm outdoor clothing. Please avoid cotton as it keeps you cold when wet and takes a very long time to dry.
• Waterproof jacket and pants.
• Hiking boots. Please use waterproof high-top hiking boots which provide ankle support.
• Hat and gloves.
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen, it can get sunny up here!
• Small backpack.
• Some snacks or a packed lunch. We serve an early dinner before making our return boat journey. You might want to bring some extra snacks!
• Water bottle.
• Don’t forget your camera!
• Boat ride both ways
• Professional guide
• Delicious homemade dinner
• Lunch pack
A private fox watching tour to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to see the fox in its natural habitat!
Take a tour to get up close and personal with the arctic fox in the wilderness around Isafjordur!
Take a boat trip to Hesteyri to join the locals at this outdoor meat soup festival!
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