{"id":392,"date":"2012-05-05T17:00:44","date_gmt":"2012-05-05T17:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icelandaurora.com\/tours\/?p=392"},"modified":"2023-11-19T11:57:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-19T11:57:24","slug":"hornstrandir","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.icelandaurora.com\/archive-phototours\/hornstrandir\/","title":{"rendered":"Hornstrandir Reserve – Westfjords Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hornstrandir is a nature reserve in the northern part of the West Fjords. Hornstrandir nature reserve is, perhaps, the most remote part of Iceland, and because there are no roads, it is not easily accessible. There are boat services from \u00cdsafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur, light aircraft services from \u00cdsafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Airport, and hiking routes for more adventurous travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote Nature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hornstrandir is so remote that the only option for travelers is camping. There are very decent camp sites. Some of them have very basic services, such as toilets and cold water taps. Although there are camping facilities in most of the old harbour areas, Don\u2019t expect warm showers, and don\u2019t expect to have a phone signal. It is essential to visit these areas well prepared for every eventuality. I enjoyed a cold shower under a waterfall in the totally unspoiled wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"midnight<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hornvik<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For wildlife lovers and travelers who don\u2019t mind roughing it, Hornstrandir is an ultimate escape.\u00a0 Due to the lack of roads, the main mode of transport is hiking.\u00a0 Having a boat works well,<\/em> and you can charter one from Isafjordur. If you are unable to hike, then you won’t get a lot of landscape photography done.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hornstrandir<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hornvik can be overwhelmed by sea mist.  On my trip, we were stranded for a few days because the plane couldn\u2019t fly to us.  In thick sea mist, there is not a lot to see or do.  There is an interesting coastline that, sort of, works in the mist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you have a comfortable tent and a good supply of cuppa soups.\u00a0 Realistically, you are limited to what you can carry if you are flying.\u00a0 You can take luggage on the plane, but it is still a mile to the campsite from the runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FlyDrive – Westfjords<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Horstrandir Tourist Boom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the sudden increase in tourism was helpful for the economy, it was devastating for the area.  Local tour companies were transporting hundreds of poorly equipped bac-packers here.  The used the rescue hut for accommodation which is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography tips:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be prepared to hike and to be able to carry your gear in a backpack. Hornstrandir nature reserve has plenty of wildlife such as arctic fox and sea fowl. A long lens could be useful, although, the foxes get so close you can capture them with 50mm. Because of luggage restraints and the need to hike, I would probably recommend a good walk-about-lens. I think 24-70mm would be a good choice. There is plenty of coast line to explore, but don\u2019t always expect path ways and be prepared to wade occasionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hornstrandir is quite mountainous, so it is easy to find an elevated viewpoint to open out the coastline. As well as the coast, there are plenty of waterfalls inland for you to enjoy some long exposure photography.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sponsored<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00cdsafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Hotels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These sponsored links feature hotels and guesthouses in \u00cdsafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur with quick links to Hornstrandir travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n \r\n Booking.com<\/a>\r\n<\/ins>