By Sea and Land


An Adventurous Sailing Journey through Jökulfirðir and Hikes on Hornstrandir
July 24 – 28, 2025

The Journey at a Glance

Jökulfirðir is unlike any other fjords in Iceland – carved deep into the country’s oldest rock, just a short distance from the Arctic Circle. Here, nature has followed its own course since the Ice Age, largely untouched by human interference. Winters are long and dark, while summers are short and bright.

Once home to thriving communities and farming for centuries, mechanization never took hold here. Now, the Arctic fox and seabirds reign, where time and vanity have no meaning.

With this in mind, we embark on an adventure together, sailing aboard the VHF Aurora to experience Hornstrandir in its summer glory—both from the sea and on land. We will stay on board the boat, share breakfast, and prepare packed lunches before setting off on daily hikes through fjords and mountains—from shore to shore—where Aurora will be waiting at the end of each day with fragrant coffee and delicious food. Perhaps we will catch our own dinner, gather mussels, or find other seafood from nature’s pantry, enjoying a feast prepared by the crew. We will discuss what we see around us and the emotions stirred by the sea and land. We will learn about the history of the land and people of Hornstrandir while also sharing our own thoughts and stories.

The Guide

Davíð A. Stefánsson is a geographer and an expert in sustainable land management. Beneath his seemingly formal government role lies a passionate environmentalist, activist, and nature photographer. Always at his heels is Tófa, his faithful dog, who knows this land as well as the back of her paw and always finds the safest and most fascinating route home.

Itinerary

  • Departure and return from Ísafjörður

  • Sailing through Jökulfirðir and hiking across Hornstrandir

  • 5-day sea and land adventure

  • Comfortable sailing and hiking suitable for most

  • Accommodation aboard Aurora

  • All meals included

  • Group size: 7

  • Participants must arrange their own transport to and from Ísafjörður

Daily Schedule

Thursday, July 24: Ísafjörður – Hrafnsfjörður – Lónafjörður (7Km - 550m Elevation - 4 Hours)

The adventure begins early morning at the dock in Ísafjörður, where the elegant Aurora awaits with its eager crew. We set sail for 4–6 hours to reach Hrafnsfjörður at the head of Jökulfirðir, where we go ashore at the ruins of Álfstaðir.

In the afternoon, we embark on a hike from Hrafnsfjörður over Bolungarvíkurheiði to Lónafjörður, where Aurora will be waiting at Hvanneyri. Along the way, we reflect on the love story of Fjalla-Eyvindur and Halla, who once lived in Hrafnsfjörður and are said to be buried here. This hike serves as a perfect warm-up for the longer and more challenging treks ahead.

Friday, July 25: Lónafjörður – Veiðileysufjörður (8Km - 550m Elevation - 4 Hours)

We hike from Snoðseyri in Lónafjörður, across Kvíarfjöll, to Karlsstaðir in Veiðileysufjörður. Expect rocky scree and occasional patches of snow that never fully melt, as well as serene mountain lakes and ancient geological formations that we will try to interpret and understand. Few places in Iceland are as remote and untouched as these wilderness landscapes.

Saturday, July 26: Veiðileysufjörður – Hesteyrarfjörður (12Km - 650m Elevation - 5 Hours)

We hike from Meleyri in Veiðileysufjörður, over Kjaransvíkurskarð, to Álfteyri in Hesteyrarfjörður. Hesteyrarfjörður was home to a small settlement in the 19th century, while Veiðileysufjörður had a denser population, including a whaling station and later a herring processing plant, which faded when the herring disappeared. Throughout Hornstrandir, remnants of past human activity offer glimpses into life on the edge of the world, even into the 20th century.

Sunday, July 27: Hesteyrarfjörður – Aðalvík (12Km - 300m Elevation - 5 Hours)

Following ancient cairns, we hike from Hesteyri, over Hesteyrarskarð, to Látrar in Aðalvík, the heart of Hornstrandir. The landing of boats was notoriously tricky in Aðalvík, but its proximity to fishing grounds allowed a settlement to develop, much like Hesteyri. Unlike most of Hornstrandir, Aðalvík is relatively low-lying and fertile, with good grazing land that has thrived since the area was designated a nature reserve in 1973.

Monday, July 28: Aðalvík – Straumnesfjall – Ísafjörður (10Km - 450m Elevation - 5 Hours)

On the final day, before returning to Ísafjörður, we hike up Straumnesfjall to explore the fascinating remnants of a Cold War-era radar station. Built by the U.S. military in the late 1950s, it was intended to monitor Soviet bombers flying over the North Atlantic. The station was operational for only a few years before being abandoned in 1962, leaving behind eerie reminders of global power struggles and Cold War paranoia.

After our mountain hike, we board Aurora for the return voyage to Ísafjörður.