Getting to Hornstrandir: Flights, Boats & Trailheads
How to reach Hornstrandir — Reykjavík to Ísafjörður flights, West Tours boat landings at Hlöðuvík and Hesteyri, and summer-only access.
Hiked by Lee
Self-guided
Last verified
Hornstrandir has no roads — you fly to Ísafjörður in the Westfjords, then take a boat to a trailhead. Plan both legs before you pack food for five days.
Also read: Complete Guide · Itinerary · Trek overview
Gateway town
| Hub | Ísafjörður, Westfjords |
| Access | Domestic flight from Reykjavík |
| Season | June–August (boats operate) |
Step 1: International → Reykjavík
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fly to Keflavík (KEF) | Main international airport |
| Transfer to Reykjavík | Flybus or taxi (~45 min) |
| Domestic airport | Separate from KEF — allow time + taxi cost |
Lee flew Amsterdam → Reykjavík, then taxi across town to the domestic terminal.
Step 2: Reykjavík → Ísafjörður
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Airline | Domestic carriers (e.g. Icelandair regional) |
| Duration | ~40 min |
| Cost | ~14,000–28,000 ISK return |
| Views | Dramatic fjord approach |
Book early for July/August. Weather can delay flights — build buffer before boat day.
Step 3: Boat to Hornstrandir
No roads on the peninsula — boat is mandatory.
| Operator | Notes |
|---|---|
| West Tours | Lee's choice — reliable, friendly |
| Borea Adventures | Alternative schedules |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | ~21,000–28,000 ISK round trip |
| Duration | ~2 hours each crossing |
| Landings | Hlöðuvík, Hesteyri, Hornvík (day hikes) |
Lee's routing
- Drop-off: Hlöðuvík (Day 1)
- Pickup: Hesteyri (Day 5)
Match boat dates to your itinerary — operators drop hikers at different points same morning.
Trail endpoints
| Landing | Common use |
|---|---|
| Hesteyri | Classic route start (east) |
| Hlöðuvík | Lee's start (west side) |
| Hornvík | Day-hike drop-off |
Pre-departure checklist
- Domestic flights booked (with flex if possible)
- Boat drop-off + pickup confirmed
- Ísafjörður hostel for night before boat
- Food bought in Ísafjörður
- Safetravel.is trip registered
- Emergency contact has boat schedule
Season timing
- Peak: July–August — boats daily, weather best odds
- Shoulder: June — fewer boats, snow patches linger
- Off-season: No boat service — peninsula inaccessible
Compared to Laugavegur access
| Hornstrandir | Laugavegur | |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway | Ísafjörður | Reykjavík bus |
| Final leg | Boat only | Bus or 4×4 |
| Frequency | Limited sailings | Daily summer buses |
Related planning
- Cost guide — flight and boat line items
- Itinerary — align boat with camp nights
- Accommodation — Ísafjörður hostel
- Laugavegur getting there — Iceland comparison
Next guide
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.
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