HORNSTRANDIR PHOTO SAILING trip 2022
Sail away to magical Hornstrandir. Traverse plunging cliffs and look for arctic fox in the remote Westfjords of Iceland.
TRIP DETAILS
Duration of the Expedition: 6 days / 5 nights
Embarkation: Isafjordur, June 19, 2022
Disembarkation: Isafjordur, June 24, 2022
Contact hello@isleyreust.com for future trips like this
Hornstrandir Sailing Trip
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6 DAY PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE IN HORNSTRANDIR HOSTED BY @ISLEYREUST
Isley Reust is a German/American photographer, videographer, and guide based in Isafjordur, Iceland. She lives in one of the most isolated and beautiful regions of Iceland just minutes from the Arctic Circle. Isley spends a majority of her time exploring and documenting the Westfjords and other arctic regions. She is inspired by the raw nature of the Arctic and how other worldly it feels in comparison to the rest of the world.
Hornstrandir, a remote nature reserve in the Westfjords of Iceland, is considered to be the most untouched place in the country. Here, you'll experience a peaceful and adventurous escape into nature. You find unspoiled beauty, plunging cliffs, and endless lush landscapes. The region is home to an active Arctic Fox population.
On this expedition with Isley Reust (@isleyreust), you will embark on a 6 day, 5 night sailing adventure onboard Aurora Arktika, where you'll be sailing around Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, hiking along 500 meter sea cliffs, and getting up close to an abundance of wildlife that you won’t see anywhere else in Iceland. You will feel like you are in another world in this remote wilderness. While hiking and exploring, you'll learn how to capture photos you'll love (all skill levels -- beginner to pro -- are welcome!) as well as learn about local culture and wildlife. You'll also have opportunities to sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard in the fjords.
For the intrepid explorer, this is the adventure of a lifetime you don't want to miss.
HORNSTRANDIR TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Welcome to Iceland! We will meet in the Isafjordur Harbour at our ship Arktika.
We will sail to Hrafnsfjordur and from here we will hike along the edge of the largest and only glacier in the Westfjords - Drangajokull.
DAY 2
We will wake up in Hornvik and hike Hornbjarg trail.
Hornbjarg is the signature sea cliff towering at the top of Hornstrandir nature reserve. The green and flower filled hills suddenly cut off by sheer dropping cliffs 500 meters straight down to the ocean.
Here you will see wild arctic foxes and millions of birds nesting on the cliff sides.
DAY3
We will hike from Hornvik to Latravik. Here you will see 2 breathtaking waterfalls that drop straight into the ocean along with out of this world views of the sea cliffs and rock formations on the coast. Latravik is also home to an old lighthouse named Hornbjargsviti which we will visit.
DAY 4
On this day we will hike from Hornvik to Haelavikurbjarg, between coves Hornvik and Haelavik, it is a 521 meter high sheer cliff. It is named after Haell, a freestanding rock in the sea just off the coast. Above the brink is a valley called Hvannadalur. Below the valley are two beautiful freestanding dikes, Langikambur and Fjol, in the sea, with a small cove named Kirfi in between them. Not far away is the third dike, Sulnastapi, standing in the sea close to the cliff.
From here we will make our way to Budir where Arktika will be waiting to pick us up.
DAY 5
We will start our day in Hesteyri, which is known for its old settlement and whaling station. We will make our way over a mountain ridge which looks like a foreign planet. Once we reach the ridge we will be greeted with amazing views looking down to Aldavik of meadows, rivers and sandy beaches. Here we will meet with Arktika and stay the night in this cove.
DAY 6
We will start our morning hiking up Straumnesfjall is a mountain above Aðalvík in Hornstrandir. From the village of Látrar there is an old road that leads you up to the mountain. During the years of 1953-1956 the American army built a radar station on top of the mountain and serviced the army for about 10 years. Now there are only wrecked houses, roads and flatlands that used to serve as an airport that tell the story of the American army in Hornstrandir.
Return to Isafjordur.
INCLDUED
Sleeping Accommodation aboard vessel
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee & tea. (Alcohol not included)
Crew and Guide Services
Guided Land and Water Excursions
Use of Stand-Up Paddle boards (SUP)
Use of Wet-Weather Sailing Clothes
Sea Kayaking Amongst the Fjords
Photographer Guide and mentoring
NOT INCLUDED
Flights and or transportation to and from Isafjordur
Accommodation before and after photography expedition
Personal travel insurance
Camera gear
Meals before and after the expedition