Hornstrandir Accommodation: Wild Camping Guide
Where to stay on Hornstrandir — wild camping only, designated sites at Hornvík and Hlöðuvík, Hesteyri guesthouse and Ísafjörður before the boat.
Hiked by Lee
Self-guided
Last verified
Hornstrandir has no trail accommodation — no huts, no hotels, no shops. Every night is your tent unless you day-hike from a boat. A few designated camping areas exist; everything else is choose-your-spot wilderness.
Also read: Complete Guide · Itinerary · Packing list
On-trail: wild camping only
| Reality | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shelter | Your tent — wind- and rain-rated |
| Sleep | Your sleeping bag + pad |
| Cooking | Your stove — no facilities |
| Toilets | Rare pit toilets at some sites; otherwise LNT |
| Water | Rivers — filter or purify |
Lee camped at Hornvík (2 nights), wild by a river near Hlöðuvík, and at Tjaldvaði before the final push to Hesteyri.
Designated camping areas
| Site | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hornvík | Main base — sheltered valley, common stop for The Horn day hike |
| Hlöðuvík | Boat landing; relatively sheltered spots nearby |
| Between fjords | Wild camp where terrain allows — wind exposure is the constraint |
Don't count on toilets or flat ground everywhere. Extra tent stakes and guylines help in gusts.
Before the trail — Ísafjörður
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hostel / guesthouse | ~14,000–21,000 ISK/night — book for boat morning |
| Supermarket | Last food shop before the peninsula |
| Gear check | Fuel, stove, bear spray not needed — foxes only |
After the trail — Hesteyri
Hesteyri is an abandoned village with a summer café/restaurant — Lee's post-trek coffee. Occasional guesthouse beds in peak season; don't rely on availability.
Boat pickup is scheduled — confirm time with operator before you start Day 5.
Hornvík day-hike option
Boat in and out same day — camp not required. Still need full day-hike kit and weather readiness.
Camping essentials
- 3–4 season tent with solid pitch
- Cold-rated sleeping bag
- Insulated sleeping pad
- Stove + all meals
- Headlamp, dry bags
- Leave No Trace — pack out all waste
Compared to Laugavegur
| Hornstrandir | Laugavegur | |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | Tent every night | FI huts |
| Booking | Boats only | Hut reservations |
| Comfort | Raw wilderness | Dorm + kitchen |
| Weight | Full camping load | Sleeping bag + food |
Related planning
- Packing list — tent and sleep kit
- Food guide — cook at camp
- Cost guide — no hut fees
- Getting there — boat landings
Next guide
Hornstrandir Food Guide: Trail Meals & Cooking
What to eat on Hornstrandir — buy in Ísafjörður, cook at wild camps, dehydrated meals and Lee's 5-day self-sufficient food plan.
