westfjords · Iceland
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir is Iceland's most remote and pristine nature reserve, at the very northern tip of the Westfjords. Abandoned by farmers in the 1950s, the reserve has no permanent residents and is inaccessible by road — only accessible by ferry from Ísafjörður in summer. The dramatic coastline of jagged peaks and sea cliffs up to 500 m high is home to Iceland's densest arctic fox population, plus massive seabird colonies and occasional polar bears drifting over on sea ice from Greenland. Multi-day hikes without trails or bridges.
About Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir is Iceland's most remote and pristine nature reserve, at the very northern tip of the Westfjords. Abandoned by farmers in the 1950s, the reserve has no permanent residents and is inaccessible by road — only accessible by ferry from Ísafjörður in summer. The dramatic coastline of jagged peaks and sea cliffs up to 500 m high is home to Iceland's densest arctic fox population, plus massive seabird colonies and occasional polar bears drifting over on sea ice from Greenland. Multi-day hikes without trails or bridges.
Did You Know?
- ✔Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one of Iceland's many spectacular natural features
- ✔Iceland's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge creates extraordinary geological diversity
- ✔The country experiences continuous volcanic and geothermal activity
Tours Near Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
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Dynjandi & more shore tour from Ísafjörður port for cruise guests
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Book NowAbout Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a natural wonder in westfjords, one of the many extraordinary geological and natural formations that make Iceland a world-class travel destination.
Choose your lake ride that wake
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Peaks and Mines
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Isafjordur and Westfjords Private Day Tour
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Book NowStory & Folklore
Hornstrandir is Iceland's most remote and pristine nature reserve, at the very northern tip of the Westfjords. Abandoned by farmers in the 1950s, the reserve has no permanent residents and is inaccessible by road — only accessible by ferry from Ísafjörður in summer. The dramatic coastline of jagged peaks and sea cliffs up to 500 m high is home to Iceland's densest arctic fox population, plus massive seabird colonies and occasional polar bears drifting over on sea ice from Greenland. Multi-day hikes without trails or bridges.
Why Visit
Abandoned by farmers in the 1950s, the reserve has no permanent residents and is inaccessible by road — only accessible by ferry from Ísafjörður in summer.
Did You Know?
Abandoned by farmers in the 1950s, the reserve has no permanent residents and is inaccessible by road — only accessible by ferry from Ísafjörður in summer.