Midnight Sun & Arctic Foxes
On this three day tour, you can enjoy the unique opportunity to visit Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in a relatively short timeframe, experience the midnight sun, learn about and feel the history of the area and see Arctic Foxes in their natural environment. If you're a wildlife fanatic and a seasoned walker, this is the tour for you!
What to expect?
Day 1
We meet at our office in Aðalstræti 17 (downtown main street) at 3 pm for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. We depart from the harbor in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry Bjarnarnes at 5 pm. The destination is our renovated farmhouse Kvíar which stands on the shore between the fjords of Veiðleysufjörður and Lónafjörður. The journey takes around an hour.
En route, there is a very good chance that we’ll see humpback whales. We enjoy a relaxing evening with a nice home cooked meal and the wood-heated sauna!
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we will head out for an adventure in the surrounding mountains and fjords. We normally split the day into a good hike in the morning and a sea kayaking tour into Lónafjörður fjord in the afternoon.
We will take a short walk up the valley to the edge of the mountains where we get a panoramic view of the magnificent Lónafjörður fjord. While keeping a close lookout for Arctic Foxes, guests can enjoy the rich birdlife around the area; from common species such as eider ducks, swans, oystercatchers and snipes to more rare birds, such as the white-tailed eagle.
After lunch, we head to the shore where we can try our skills on the water, if conditions are good. Sea kayaking is very easy and we use stable and seaworthy kayaks for a comfortable paddle. Back to Kvíar for a nice dinner and another session in the sauna.
The plan is very flexible. We can do a full day of hiking or a full day of kayaking if you would prefer. Please tell us what you’d like to do!
Day 3
On the last day, we can take a ride on our RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). This is a small speedboat which we can use to explore the surrounding fjords. It is a great way to visit secluded spots further away from Kvíar. It’s really nice to pack a picnic and head to a beautiful spot, turn the engine off and keep an eye out for the curious seals which populate our shores.
We then head back to Kvíar and await the passenger ferry which will transport us back to Ísafjörður. The boat arrives around 6-7pm. We arrive back in town at approximately 7-8pm. Please note that sometimes the RIB may not always be available.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.
What is included?
- Boat ride to and from Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
- All food
- Accommodation at Kvíar Farmhouse
- Professional guide
Is this experience for me?
- This tour is highly flexible in terms of its difficulty
- We make a plan based on the ability and desires of the guests
What do I need to bring?
- Warm outdoor clothing including hiking pants and warm upper layers (please avoid cotton as it keeps you cold when wet and takes a very long time to dry)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hiking boots (please use waterproof high-top hiking boots, which provide ankle support)
- Hat and gloves
- Small backpack.
- Personal medical kit
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and after sun cream
- Binoculars are nice to have for watching wildlife (optional)
- Water bottle
- Towel and bathing suit for the sauna
- Personal items (e.g. toiletries, spare clothing, etc)
Additional information
- Voucher: You will receive a secure voucher to either print out or present on your mobile phone.
- Cancellation Policy: For a full refund, please cancel at least 1 week in advance of the start of the experience.
- Quality Assurance: Travelade only works with selected local partners we trust to provide high-quality service.
Meeting point
- Our office in Aðalstræti 17 (downtown main street), Ísafjörður.