Hornstrandir is a protected nature reserve in the Westfjords of Iceland.
What the reserve covers
Hornstrandir, Adalvik, Rekavik bak Latur and Fljotavik, together with part of Jokulfirdir, are protected together as a nature reserve.
The boundary of the Hornstrandir reserve runs along Skorarheidi between Hrafnsfjordur and Furufjordur.
What is inside it
Within the Hornstrandir reserve there are great bird cliffs, unique vegetation and cultural remains that stand as memorials to a way of life that has come to an end.
The nature reserve on Hornstrandir is the only place in Iceland where the Arctic fox is completely protected from hunting.
Foxes are a common sight there and unusually tame.
The Arctic fox is the only truly native land mammal in Iceland.
Getting in, and registering
The most common way into the Hornstrandir reserve is by sea.
The visitor centre for the Hornstrandir reserve, Hornstrandastofa, is in Isafjordur.
Visitors must register their entry into the Hornstrandir reserve.
Landowners and house owners in the area are exempt.
Isafjordur as the base
Isafjordur is the largest town in the Westfjords and a hub for reaching the surrounding area, including the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Isafjordur is reachable by car, by bus and by flight.
Checking conditions before you set off
Weather and road conditions in Iceland differ from what most visitors are used to and can change fast.
Use the Weather tool to help plan your trip.
Comparing Westfjords tours
You can compare Westfjords tours to see the current options.
