If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice, look no further than the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
One of Iceland’s most rugged, pristine, and stunning regions, visitors will be utterly enchanted by what they find here. Picture spotting an arctic fox, seeing jagged cliffs covered in wild birds, and hiking legendary hiking trails that seem to vanish into thin air.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, from renting a car to visiting during peak season and the best hikes.
What Is Hornstrandir Nature Reserve?
At its most basic, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a 220-square-mile natural reserve in Iceland’s remote Westfjords. Technically a peninsula, it’s a wild mix of untouched fjords, windswept tundra, black sand beaches, and dramatic bird cliffs.
Protected since 1975, Hornstrandir is one of Iceland’s most isolated areas — even by Icelandic standards. There are no permanent roads, settlements, or shops, making it a true escape into nature. The only way to reach it is by boat during the short summer season, and once you arrive, the only “routes” are rugged hiking paths, some marked with cairns to guide your way, always carry a reliable hiking map for navigation.
This is also the only place in Iceland where the arctic fox is fully protected from hunting, so sightings are common and often surprisingly close. The landscapes here range from the towering Hornbjarg cliffs to serene coves like Adalvik and Hornvík, and even the historic village of Hesteyri, where the old doctor’s house still stands as a reminder of the area’s past.
Weather and the Best Time to Visit
Hornstrandir’s short travel season runs from June to mid-August, when boat companies such as West Tours and Borea Adventures operate regular trips from Ísafjörður. During these summer months, you can expect long daylight hours — even the magical midnight sun on clear nights — and occasional sunny days that bring the scenery to life.
That said, weather conditions can change quickly, from calm blue skies to mist, rain, or strong winds within hours. Extreme weather is always a possibility, even in summer, so packing warm, waterproof layers is essential. Outside the summer window, Hornstrandir is inaccessible due to rough seas and harsh winter conditions.
- Read more about: What is the weather like in Iceland? A Quick Intro
Why Visit Hornstrandir? What Makes It So Special?
Rare Wildlife and Birds
Animal lovers, rejoice! Hornstrandir is one of the best places in Iceland to spot wildlife due to its remote location. You’ll have the chance to see rare arctic foxes and birds like black guillemots, arctic terns, and even puffins at various times throughout the year.
- Read more about: Guide to Iceland Wildlife : top animals and birds to see in Iceland
Wild Black Sand Beaches and Cliffs
Hornstrandir is also notorious for its otherworldly landscapes. You’ll have the chance to explore miles of black sand shoreline and towering cliffs, covered in migratory bird species.
The geography here is some of the most dramatic in Iceland, with sheer, coastal cliffs that vanish straight into the sea, covered in verdant plant life!
Unforgettable Hiking Trails
Most visitors to Hornstrandir come for the hiking, of which there are both multi-day and short hikes.
In terms of long hiking trails, the Royal Horn is one of the most popular routes and takes four to five days to complete, offering views of the Drangajökull glacier. One of the best short hikes is the Hornvik Loop, which takes just 6-7 hours and can be finished in one day.
- Related tour: 3 day Hornstrandir Traverse hiking tour
It’s incredibly important that you bring adequate gear when hiking around Hornstrandir, as facilities are few and far between and there are no shops on the peninsula. Be sure to pack sturdy hiking boots, layers, and waterproof camping gear if you’re staying the night.
How to Get to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Step 1 – Rent a Car and Drive to Ísafjörður
The best option for getting to Hornstrandir Nature Preserve efficiently starts by renting a cheap car with Firefly Iceland at the Keflevik Airport (KEF).
Take the scenic route to the town of Ísafjörður, along the Ring Road, clockwise from the capital of Reykjavik. The drive takes about 5.5 hours without stops, although you can easily make a road trip out of it and spend the night in a town like Stykkisholmur on the gorgeous Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Ísafjörður also has a domestic airport if you’d rather skip driving altogether, although flights can be a bit pricey.
Step 2 – Take a Boat Ride Into Hornstrandir
Hornstrandir can only be accessed in the summer months, from June to mid-August. You’ll need to hop on the ferry from Ísafjörður to reach the peninsula, which usually takes about an hour.
If you’d rather not DIY the experience, there are plenty of day tours and boat trips that leave from Ísafjörður and do the planning for you.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hornstrandir
What to Pack for Your Hike
Packing for Hornstrandir is a crucial element of your preparations. This is a rugged, remote environment that isn’t for the faint of heart!
You’ll need to bring hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket, a map, GPS, and plenty of snacks (or full on camping meals) to keep you fueled.
There are no shops or services anywhere in the reserve, so what you bring is what you’ll have!
Respect the Nature Reserve
Remember to respect the reserve at all times while visiting. This is one of Iceland’s most cherished, untouched regions and a habitat for both wildlife, plants, and diminishing landscape features like glaciers.
Sample Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Trip to Hornstrandir
Day 1: Land in Reykjavík → Pick up rental car at KEF → Drive north
On your first day you’ll spend most of your time simply getting to Hornstrandir.
The first step is to pick up your rental car either at the KEF airport or in downtown Reykjavik and start driving north. You’ll follow the Ring Road (Route 1) clockwise out of the city center before eventually turning on to Route 60 which leads all the way to Ísafjörður.
If you don’t want to make the 5.5 hour drive in one go, you can easily spend the night in a town along the way like Stykkisholmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
The driving Route from KEF airport to Isafjordur
Day 2: Arrive in Ísafjörður → explore town → prepare for hike
Whether you spent the night in Ísafjörður or you’re arriving on the morning of day two, take the day to explore this quirky little town and prepare for your adventure.
There are endless things to do in this coastal village from sea kayaking to hiking and visiting museums and art galleries. This is a great time to grab any last minute items you need for exploring in the Hornstrandir Nature Preserve.
Location of Ísafjörður Town
Day 3–4: Take boat → explore Hornstrandir nature → return
On the morning of day three, grab the one hour ferry to Hornstrandir. Spend 1-2 days hiking and exploring the peninsula, whether you decide to do a DIY experience or go with a guided tour. Either option is great!
Day 5: Drive back to Reykjavík or extend trip
On day five, make the trek back to Reykjavik with your rental car.
If you decide to do a longer hike in Hornstrandir, like the Royal Horn, you can simply tack this day onto the end of your hiking itinerary!
Location of Iceland capital, Reykjavik
FAQs About Visiting Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Can you drive to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve?
No, there are absolutely no roads into Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The only way to get there is by boat during the summer months or by hiking in from the south on a challenging, multi-day trek. In summer, local boat companies drop off adventurous hikers and even deliver supplies to the small seasonal café and guesthouse at Hesteyri. In winter, the area is completely abandoned.
How long is the Hornstrandir hike?
There’s no single “Hornstrandir hike”, the reserve is a vast wilderness with routes ranging from a few hours to multi-day expeditions. One of the most challenging is the Veiðileysufjörður to Hornvík route, which can take several days depending on pace, weather, and detours. Day hiking options are available too, but distances are still long, and the terrain can be demanding.
How do you see Hornstrandir?
Most visitors take a summer ferry from Ísafjörður (or sometimes Bolungarvík) with operators like West Tours or Borea Adventures. Once there, the only way to explore is on foot — there are no vehicles or roads. You can join a guided tour or navigate yourself with a good hiking map, following trails marked with cairns.
Is Hornstrandir in the Arctic Circle?
Not quite, but it’s close. Hornstrandir is the farthest northwest point of Iceland, north of the Jökulfirðir fjords and just below the Arctic Circle. On exceptionally clear sunny days, you might even spot the snowy mountains of Greenland on the horizon.
Rent a Car with Firefly Iceland and Start Your Journey
If you’re planning a trip to Hornstrandir, be sure to book a rental car with Firefly Iceland for the most affordable and flexible way to get to Ísafjörður.
This is the perfect getaway for wildlife lovers, nature addicts, hikers, or anyone craving an off-grid adventure.
