ICELAND
Sailing – Exploring – Trekking
24 June 1 July / 4 – 12 July 2023
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
The Hornstrandir region is located at the North Western end of Iceland, inside there are no roads and can only be reached by sea, more than sufficient and ideal characteristics to be included among the “Mountaisailing” proposals. In the period following the Second World War, the whole area was completely depopulated and in 1975 the nature reserve was officially established, today there are only a dozen houses in the whole area, which the old landowners have renovated and transformed into weekend houses or cottages where you can spend moments of extreme relaxation.
DAY 1
The first day includes the departure from Isafjordur to reach the bay of Latravik after about 3/4 hours of navigation depending on the sea and wind conditions. From Latrar we reach the highest point of Capo Straumnes (m. 370) to then return by boat to Latrar. A first soft trek to prepare for the next stages. Dinner and overnight on the boat. N.B. Given the arrival times for air flights to Isafjordur, arrival in the city must be expected the previous day.
DAY 2
Crossing from Latrabas to Hesteyril, a beautiful itinerary that through the Hesteyrarskard pass will take us between small lakes, stony plateaus up to Hesteyril, a tiny “village” of 6 houses overlooking the Hesteyarfjordur where we will meet the captain and the boat where we will dine and sleep in an truly bucolic.
DAY 3
Boat transfer along the Veidileysufjordur to Meleyri, about 1h. 30′ of navigation, the daily trekking stage begins here. After a first coastal part we will climb up to an altitude of 480 m. on the Kviafjall and then descend to the sea at Kviar where we get back on the boat to reach Skipeyri where we will spend the evening and night on the boat.
DAY 4
The objective of the day is to reach Drangajokull, the glacier of the Hornstrandir reserve, it is the northernmost glacier in Iceland and reaches an altitude of 925 m at its highest point. The return will be along a different itinerary from the outward journey which will take us to the small bay of Kios where we will get back on the boat which in the meantime will have moved here. Dinner and overnight on the boat in Kios.
DAY 5
Stage without altitude difference, as it is a stage along the coast but, with the possibility of varying the length as desired, in fact we will have more chances of being recovered from the boat in several points also considering the expected return to Isafjordur with an obligatory passage to the area usually sighting humpback whales, a great opportunity not to be missed.
DAY 6
Last trek of the week, we will climb up to Hnifafiali to be able to admire the bay of Isafjordur from above, a not too long stage to leave us time for a swim in the 40-degree waters of the small swimming pool in the village and a subsequent super dinner in the Top restaurant in Isafjordur. Last night on the boat safely moored in port.
DAY 7
Return flight or possible extension of the program “on the ground” to Reykjavik.
Activities
Mountainsailing, Trekking
Number of participants
Min 4
Prices
2.000 EUR per person
Activity duration
8 days / 7 nights
Objectives
“Twin” to the Faroe trip, a week spent in Iceland is perfect for those of you who are attracted to experiencing new adventures in new places. Treks meander through the Westfjord peninsula and in the Hornstrandir nature reserve. Thanks to our sailboat, we will be able to make our travelers’ wishes come true by discovering Iceland from another perspective. The treks will range from 2 to 6 hours of duration, allowing us to wander in one of world’s most fascinating places for both its natural and geological features.
Practical Information
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The arrival airport is Keflavik (KEF), it is located 50km south-west of Iceland’s capital city Reykjavík. You will then transfer to Isafjordur. To do so, you can either choose to take an internal flight (about 40 minutes) or use ground transportation (about 7 hours by coach).
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You will meet the crew and board the sailboat in Isafjordur.
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Italian and EU citizens can travel to Iceland with their ID cards. A valid passport is advised but not required for members of the Schengen area.
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If you are coming from a country outside the Schengen area, visit Iceland’s government website to learn more about visas.
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Treks will range from 2 to 6 hours of duration, but it will be possible to skip a trek and stay on the boat with the skipper, for those who wish to rest and relax.
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The entire trekking experience does not present any technical difficulties, although it is advised to be trained in walking long distances and be willing to adapt.
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Out of the 6 days available, 4 days will be dedicated to treks, while 2 will consist of exploring and visiting coastlines and shores.
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Temperatures in Iceland during the month of July can reach up to 15/16 °C, with an average of 14 °C.
Recommended clothing and equipment
Complete trekking apparel: GoreTex shell, rainproof and windproof cape, fleece sweatshirt, hat and gloves, technical base layers and socks (make sure you always have an extra pair), warm hiking trousers, sturdy footwear, backpack and backpack cover, headlamp. Sleeping bag, personal towels and effects are needed for the accommodation on the boat.
Bring a duffel bag, no luggage nor trolleys. Trekking poles are advised but not necessary.
You can and should bring energetic and chocolate bars if you commonly consume them when on hikes.
Room and Board
The sailboat will be the accommodation in which we will sleep, eat generous breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners after each day we will spend out exploring. There might be evenings in which we will want to eat out, the decision will be taken as a group. Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or specific dietary needs.
THE RATE INCLUDES: Organization and support by our Alpine Guide UIAGM for the duration of the trip; accommodation aboard the sailboat, skipper service, galley supply, breakfasts, post-trek snacks, dinners on board. Fuel, dinghy, port charges.
THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE: round-trip flight, any dinners at restaurants, anything that is not included in the “The rate includes” section.