Hornstrandira

Hornstrandir is a protected nature reserve at the very tip of the Westfjords, abandoned by its last permanent residents in the 1950s and now one of the wildest corners of Europe. The reserve covers over 580 km² of sheer sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys with no roads and no services — only trails worn by hikers and the island’s thriving arctic fox population.

The highlight for most visitors is the towering headland of Hornbjarg, where precipitous bird cliffs rise 534 metres above the sea and host thousands of nesting seabirds including razorbills, puffins, and guillemots. Multi-day hiking routes link the bays and inlets, rewarding those willing to carry everything in with extraordinary solitude and scenery.

Access is by seasonal ferry or chartered boat from Ísafjörður, typically running June through August. There is no accommodation infrastructure inside the reserve — bring a tent, food, and all supplies. Weather can be severe at any time of year; proper mountaineering layers are essential even in summer.