Hornbjarg from Hornvík
Hornbjarg
A long, wild day in Hornstrandir from Hornvík to the rim of the Hornbjarg bird cliffs, with arctic foxes and no roads for miles.
- Distance
- 19 km
- Out & back
- Time
- 6–8.5 hours
- Ascent
- 1200 m
- Max 535 m
- Difficulty
- Challenging
The Hornbjarg hike from Hornvík is one of the great wilderness day walks in Iceland, deep in the roadless Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the far north of the Westfjords. The measured route is 19 km out and back, takes 6–8.5 hours and involves about 1,200 m of total ascent, reaching roughly 535 m. It is challenging: long, remote and exposed, with no services and no quick way out.
Hornbjarg is a vast wall of sea cliffs rising straight from the Arctic Ocean, home in summer to huge numbers of nesting seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and puffins. The walk from the campsite at Hornvík crosses tundra and climbs to the cliff tops, with views back over the bay and along the coast. Arctic foxes are often seen, as the reserve protects them.
Highlights
- The towering Hornbjarg seabird cliffs above the Arctic Ocean
- Arctic foxes, which are protected in Hornstrandir
- A true wilderness setting with no roads or villages
- Views over Hornvík bay and the rugged northern coast
The route
Hornvík campsite across the bay
From the camping area at Hornvík, the route crosses the flat head of the bay. Streams and the estuary must be crossed, and their depth depends on tide and recent rain, so check locally and time it sensibly. The ground is boggy in places. Fox tracks and birdlife are common on the flats.
Climb to the Hornbjarg cliff tops
The trail climbs steadily up grassy and rocky slopes to the cliff edge. Paths are faint in places and there is little waymarking, so navigation skills are needed. At the top the ground drops away into the sea with enormous bird colonies on the ledges. Keep well back from the edge, which can be undercut and crumbly.
Along the cliffs and back
Follow the cliff tops for views along the wall of Hornbjarg, then return the same way to Hornvík. The descent is long and tiring, and fog can roll in from the sea very quickly. Leave enough daylight and energy for the stream crossings at the head of the bay.
Getting to the trailhead
There are no roads into Hornstrandir. Hornvík is reached by boat, with scheduled summer services usually sailing from Ísafjörður and sometimes from Norðurfjörður, depending on the year. Boats run only in season and depend on sea conditions. Check current schedules with the operators and book well ahead. You must carry everything you need, including food and camping gear.
Where to stay
Most visitors camp at the designated campsite in Hornvík, which has basic facilities in summer. Camping in Hornstrandir is only allowed in designated areas or with care for the reserve's rules, so check current regulations. Before and after the trip, Ísafjörður has hotels, guesthouses, a campsite and shops for supplies.
Best time to hike
The season runs from late June to August, when scheduled boats operate and the snow has mostly melted. Seabird colonies are busiest from late spring through midsummer, with puffins typically present roughly May to August. July and August usually have the most stable weather, though fog and cold rain are possible at any time.
Safety
Hornstrandir is remote, with no roads, little mobile coverage and help potentially many hours away. Carry navigation, warm and waterproof clothing, food and an emergency shelter. Leave a travel plan with SafeTravel.is. Keep well back from the cliff edge, which is unstable. Stream and estuary crossings can be deep. Fog is common. In an emergency call 112 if you have a signal.
Plan & book
Book your Hornbjarg from Hornvík hike
TransportBoat to Hornstrandir
Scheduled summer boats from Ísafjörður to Hesteyri, Aðalvík and Hornvík.
Westfjords ferry operators
Guided tourGuided Hornstrandir Expeditions
Small-group treks with boat transfers from Ísafjörður and a guide who knows the tides and the foxes.
Westfjords operators1–6 days
Gear rentalHiking & Camping Gear Rental in Reykjavík
Rent tents, sleeping bags, stoves, poles and microspikes instead of flying them over.
Reykjavík outfitters
Online booking opens soon. Press any button to get notified when it does.
Hornbjarg from Hornvík FAQ
How long is the Hornbjarg hike?+
From Hornvík the measured route is 19 km out and back with about 1,200 m of total ascent, taking around 6–8.5 hours.
How do you get to Hornbjarg?+
By boat. Summer services usually run to Hornvík from Ísafjörður, sometimes from Norðurfjörður. There are no roads into Hornstrandir.
Can you see puffins at Hornbjarg?+
Yes, puffins are among the seabirds nesting on the cliffs, typically present roughly May to August, alongside guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars.
Is the Hornbjarg hike hard?+
Yes. It is long, involves significant climbing and requires self-sufficiency and navigation skills in a remote area.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
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