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This tour will take us hiking in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – an untouched Arctic wilderness at the northern tip of the Westfjord system. We will hike alongside a multitude of different animals, including seabirds, seals, Arctic Foxes and maybe even spot a whale in the fjord!
This tour will take us hiking in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – an untouched arctic wilderness at the northern tip of the Westfjord system.
We’ll visit an abandoned British Radar Station that was originally built in 1943 and was crucial to the allies in their fight against the Nazis. Alongside a multitude of different animals, including seabirds, seals, Arctic Foxes and maybe even a whale. The highlight of the day is when we reach the summit of the cliffs and are rewarded by sublime vistas over the entire Westfjords.
We’ll be dropped at the Slétta Beach – a golden expanse of sand that is frequented by playful seals. Then hike up the rugged Grænahlíð Cliffs – used as shelter by Atlantic fisherman who wanted some respite from the violent Atlantic storms. We’ll pass colorful arctic flora and fauna as we meander towards their summit, for spectacular views over Ísafjarðardjúp Bay and the sparkling blue Jökulfirðir Glacial Fjords. We’ll lookout for the elusive Arctic Fox, who enjoy protected status on the island, making them much more confident around humans than their mainland cousins.
If you want to explore a remote nature reserve and escape the chaos of the modern world, then this is the perfect tour for you.
Our day begins at our Service Center for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart at 9 am from the harbor in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry.
The ferry takes around an hour, passing gorgeous fjords and dramatic mountain cliffs. If we’re lucky then we might see some Arctic wildlife, including – dolphins, white-tailed eagles, and even whales, so make sure that you bring a camera! The ferry will drop us at Sletta Beach – where a lonely lighthouse gazes out to sea and curious seals bob up and down in the ocean swell.
We’ll hike up the snaking path towards Lake Teistuvatn – a calm oasis where Whooper Swans and Kittiwakes glide across the crystalline waters. We’ll continue to scale the grassy cliffs, stopping at the rocky outcrops to look down to where the white-crested waves of the Atlantic meet the rugged cliffs below. We’ll see a variety of Arctic seabirds, including Fulmars, Gulls, Guillemots, and even an adorable Puffin or two.
By then we’ll be nearing the old British Naval Radar Station, which dates back to the Second World War. Iceland was a vital strategic location in the Battle for the Atlantic, due to its position between Britain and the United States. We’ll explore the labyrinth of generators, warehouses, and barracks even seeing the large turret that housed the 20mm Oerlikon Cannon. The project was top secret during the war and our friendly guide will tell you some fascinating things about its unique history.
We’ll proceed down the meandering jeep track that leads to the charming bay of Aðalvík – stopping at the now-abandoned village of Later – the last signs of human inhabitation on the island. The ferry will collect us from the beach, and we’ll look out for whales and dolphins on our way back, after a day filled with majestic natural beauty.
Please note that this itinerary may change according to the weather conditions and the ability of the group.
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Altitude: Ascent
Altitude value: 500 m / 1640 fr
