This is our longest sea kayaking trip, combining our Glacier Fjords Kayaking and Coastal Kayaking Adventure into one extended journey through some of Iceland's finest paddling territory.
Over six days, we explore two very different but equally spectacular areas: the sheltered, glacier-carved fjords of Jökulfirðir in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and the more exposed coastline of Ísafjarðardjúp. Both are considered among the best sea kayaking destinations in Iceland, offering an incredible variety of landscapes and conditions.
The first three nights are spent in comfortable houses, including the remote Kvíar Lodge, before we head out for two nights of wild camping on secluded beaches. Along the way, we paddle beneath towering cliffs, explore rocky coves and hidden inlets, and experience the changing character of the coastline. If conditions allow, we might even get the chance to play around in some small waves.
The wildlife is another highlight of the journey. The area is home to numerous seabird species during the summer months, and there's a good chance of encountering seals, porpoises, dolphins and even humpback whales along the way.
This is a proper sea kayaking expedition, with long days on the water, exposed stretches of coastline and several open-water crossings. The combination of camp-to-camp paddling and changing sea conditions makes this trip best suited to kayakers with substantial previous experience and confidence in open-water environments.
If you're newer to sea kayaking or have limited experience with longer crossings, we'd recommend taking a look at our Glacier Fjords Kayaking or Wild Camp Discovery trips instead.
Itinerary
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Note: Pre-Departure Meeting the day before
We meet at our base onMávagarður C (grey building) close to the Eastern harbour the day before departure at 5pm, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. Please let us know beforehand if you can't make it to that meeting.
Departure
Our adventure begins at 8 AM, when we meet at our base in Ísafjörður for final preparations before setting off from the harbour at 9 AM aboard our passenger boat. We cross the fjord to Hesteyri, once the largest settlement in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. After arriving, we unload our kayaks, pack our gear and go through a safety briefing before setting off on the water.
Our first stop is the old whaling station just around the coast from Hesteyri, which was operated by Norwegian whalers in the late 19th century. It's an interesting reminder of the history of this otherwise very remote region. After taking some time to explore and enjoy the surroundings, we get back in our kayaks and continue towards Kvíar Lodge.
The paddle takes us across two fjords, following a beautiful stretch of coastline framed by steep mountains and towering cliffs. Waterfalls are a constant feature along the way, cascading down the mountainsides and sometimes dropping almost directly into the sea. We'll make a few beach landings along the route to stretch our legs, have a break and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.
Our destination is Kvíar Lodge, tucked away in a valley with no other houses or roads in sight. The farmhouse was built in 1921 and was home to the same family until 1948, when they eventually moved to Ísafjörður in search of an easier life. It's hard not to appreciate the remoteness of the place when you arrive here by kayak, just as people once travelled between these valleys by boat.
Once we've settled in, we'll get the sauna going and have some time to relax after our first day on the water. We'll enjoy dinner together at the lodge and make ourselves at home. There's something special about spending the evening in a place like Kvíar, knowing that for the next few days, this little valley will be our home in Hornstrandir.
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Day 2: Exploring Lónafjörður
After breakfast, we leave most of our gear behind at the farmhouse and head out for a day of exploring one of the most beautiful fjords in Hornstrandir: Lónafjörður. Some even consider it the most beautiful fjord in Iceland, and it's not hard to understand why. Completely unspoiled and without any signs of human presence, it feels like a place where nature has been left entirely to itself.
We follow the coastline deeper into the fjord, surrounded by steep mountain slopes, rugged cliffs and the occasional waterfall finding its way down to the sea. Lónafjörður is also a haven for birdlife, so there's plenty to look out for as we paddle along the shore. Keep an eye on the water, too, as seals are frequent visitors in these waters.
One of the highlights of the day is Sópandi, a small bay home to a large seal colony. We'll take some time here to observe the seals from a respectful distance before continuing along the coastline. With a bit of luck, we might get to watch them resting on the rocks or curiously following our kayaks through the water.
We'll spend most of the day exploring the fjord at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to land on a beach, stretch our legs and enjoy a break along the way. It's a longer day of paddling, but without the need to carry all our overnight gear, we can focus entirely on enjoying the journey and the surroundings.
In the afternoon, we make our way back to Kvíar Lodge, where a warm sauna and a delicious dinner will be waiting.
Distance: 17-20 km (10.6–12.4 miles)
Day 3: Towards the Glacier
After a relaxed morning and a good amount of coffee, we get back on the water and paddle across the bay towards the western side of the fjord, near Höfði. From here, we get a beautiful view into Leirufjörður, with the elegant Drangajökull glacier rising in the distance.
The name Leirufjörður, meaning "silty fjord", becomes clear as we get closer. The glacial river carrying meltwater from Drangajökull brings clay and silt down into the fjord, giving the water its distinctive color.
Depending on the conditions and how we're feeling, we have a couple of options for exploring the area. We can land in the small cove of Kjós and hike up to the nearby headland for a closer look at the glacier, or continue paddling into Leirufjörður and head out for a hike towards the glacier itself. Either way, it's a great opportunity to stretch our legs and experience the landscape from a different perspective.
After exploring the area, we get back in our kayaks and make our way across the bay to our cozy home at Kvíar. We'll be back in time for dinner, with another good day of paddling and exploring behind us.
Distance: 15–18 km (9.3–11.2 miles)
Day 4: Leaving Kvíar Behind
Today we leave Kvíar Lodge behind and move on to the camping part of our journey. Before setting off, we'll make sure everything is packed and ready for the next three days, as we'll be carrying all our camping gear and supplies in the kayaks.
Our route takes us across Jökulfirðir Bay before following the coastline towards Grunnavík. Along the way, we'll pass a beautiful rock arch that we can paddle through at high tide. Keep an eye out for porpoises, too, as they are sometimes spotted close to shore, especially when the sea is calm.
If time and conditions allow, we might also make a detour for a hike up Maríuhorn (356 m). The climb is well worth the effort, offering wonderful views across the entire fjord system and the coastline we've been exploring over the past few days.
By the end of the day, we'll find a suitable spot near the beach to set up camp. With the tents up and everything in place, we'll enjoy a good meal together and settle in for a well-deserved night's sleep under the open skies of Hornstrandir.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Day 5: Along Snæfjallaströnd
Today we leave the sheltered fjords of Jökulfirðir behind and make our way out into the much larger bay of Ísafjarðardjúp. The coastline changes as we paddle along, with steep mountains dropping straight into the sea and countless waterfalls finding their way down from the highlands. Many of these are rarely seen by visitors, as they are almost impossible to reach on foot. From our kayaks, we get a front-row view of this wild and rugged stretch of coastline.
We continue along Snæfjallaströnd, taking breaks along the way and enjoying the scenery as we make our way towards our next campsite. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, we'll either set up camp in the beautiful little cove of Ytraskarð (around 20 km) or continue a little further to the impressive Möngufoss waterfall (around 24 km).
Once camp is set up, there's time to enjoy the beach, gather around a campfire and watch the evening light settle over the mountains. Another night out in the wilderness, far away from roads, houses and everyday distractions.
Distance: 20–24 km (12.4–14.9 miles)
Day 6: A Final Day on the Water
For our final day on the water, we make our way towards the island of Æðey, our first stop of the day. The island is home to one family during the summer months and is a lovely place to take a break, stretch our legs and get a glimpse of life on a remote Icelandic island. The surrounding waters are full of seabirds, with puffins seemingly everywhere you look!
After spending some time on Æðey, we set off on a longer crossing of around 9 km towards the island of Vigur. This is one of our best chances of spotting humpback whales, which spend the summer months in Ísafjarðardjúp. Keep an eye on the water and listen out for the unmistakable sound of a whale coming up for air!
We won't land on Vigur, but the birdlife around the island is just as impressive. Puffins gather in large numbers on the water and around the rocky shores. As we continue towards our final destination, it's hard not to be entertained by them skipping across the water's surface as we paddle past.
Our journey ends in the small village of Súðavík, where a car will be waiting to take us back to Ísafjörður. We expect to arrive around 4 PM, leaving enough time for those catching the afternoon flight back to Reykjavík.
It's a lovely way to finish our journey through Hornstrandir, with a final day among the islands and wildlife of Ísafjarðardjúp.
Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.
