Iceland’s Hornstrandir region in the Westfjords is one of the country’s most remote and spectacular areas in Iceland. If you’re looking to explore the pristine wilderness of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve or experience the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords, Borea Adventures is the company you want to book with.
Based in Ísafjörður since 2006, Borea Adventures is a fully licensed adventure guiding company that specializes in guided tours and ferry boat services to some of Iceland’s most inaccessible and beautiful locations. Their experienced local guides know these waters and trails like the back of their hands, ensuring you get the most authentic wilderness experience possible.
We’ve partnered with Borea Adventures to offer our readers an exclusive discount code. Use EPICICELAND at checkout to get 5% off all tours and ferry services – and yes, this stacks on top of any other discounts they’re offering!
Contents
Why Borea Adventures
Choosing the right tour operator for remote wilderness adventures isn’t just about price – it’s about safety, experience, and getting access to places you simply can’t reach on your own. Here’s why we believe Borea Adventures stands out from others.
Local Expertise Since 2006
Borea Adventures has been operating in the Westfjords for nearly two decades. This isn’t some fly-by-night operation or a company that shows up during tourist season. The team lives in Ísafjörður year-round and knows every fjord, bay, and mountain trail in intimate detail. Their guides are knowledgeable about local wildlife, weather patterns, history, and ecology – which means you’re not just getting a tour, you’re getting an education from people who genuinely love this region.
Hiking through wild Hornstrandir with Borea adventures
Small Group Philosophy
Unlike mass tourism operators that pack boats and trails with dozens of people, Borea keeps their groups small. Most tours range from 2-10 participants. This approach ensures personalized attention from guides, minimal environmental impact, and a more intimate wilderness experience. You won’t be fighting for photo opportunities – you’ll be part of a tight-knit group exploring Iceland’s remotest corners together.
Fully Licensed and Safety-Focused
Operating in remote wilderness areas requires serious credentials, and Borea Adventures has them all. They’re a fully licensed adventure guiding company in Iceland with proper insurance, certified guides, and seaworthy vessels. Their boats have been specially refitted for safe passage through these challenging waters. Safety briefings are thorough, equipment is professional-grade, and guides are trained for emergency situations.
Sustainable Tourism Commitment
The Borea team operates on a simple principle: they’re not just running a business, it’s their lifestyle. This means respecting the fragile ecosystems they operate in and ensuring that tourism doesn’t damage the very wilderness that makes these tours special. Their tours are designed to operate in full harmony with nature, following Leave No Trace principles and educating guests about conservation. They’ve even rebuilt an abandoned farmhouse in Kvíar to create sustainable accommodation that doesn’t require new construction in the nature reserve.
Arctic Foxes seen on a tour by Borea Adventures
Borea Adventures Discount Code
Ready to book your Hornstrandir adventure? Here’s how to save money on what’s already one of the best-value wilderness tour operators in Iceland.
Our exclusive Borea Adventures discount code EPICICELAND gives you 5% off all tours and ferry bookings. This promo code works on everything from day tours to multi-day expeditions, and yes, it applies to boat services too. The best part? This discount stacks on top of any other promotions Borea is running, so you might save even more during special offers.
How to Use the Borea Adventures Discount Code
Applying your Borea Adventures promo code is straightforward. When you’re on the Borea Adventures website booking your tour or ferry service, you’ll go through their standard booking process where you select your dates, tour type, and number of participants.
How to use Borea Adventures coupon code (click to enlarge)
During checkout, look for the promotional code field. It’s clearly labeled and easy to find. Simply enter EPICICELAND in that field and click apply. The 5% discount will automatically calculate and reduce your total price. You’ll see the savings reflected in your final amount before you complete payment.
This Borea Iceland discount code works for online bookings year-round. Whether you’re planning a summer Hornstrandir trek or a winter photography expedition, the code remains active. There’s no limit to how many times you can use it either – if you’re booking multiple tours or ferry rides, use the code for each booking to maximize your savings.
Hornstrandir Tours
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is the crown jewel of Borea Adventures’ offerings, and for good reason. This protected peninsula at the northernmost tip of the Westfjords has been uninhabited since 1952, allowing nature to reclaim what was once farmland. The result is a wilderness paradise where Arctic foxes raise their cubs without fear of humans, and dramatic cliffs plunge into the Arctic Ocean.
Here’s a quick comparison of Borea’s most popular Hornstrandir hiking tours to help you choose:
| Tour Name | Duration | Distance | Difficulty | Group Size | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlights of Hornvík | 1 day | 6 km | Challenging | 4-8 | $ | Travelers with limited time wanting to see Hornbjarg cliffs |
| Hornvík Heights and Sights | 2 days | 21 km | Challenging | 2-8 | $ | First-time campers wanting overnight wilderness experience |
| Hornstrandir Traverse | 3 days | 39 km | Challenging | 2-10 | $$ | Classic Hornstrandir experience with comfort camping |
| A Walk on the Wild Side | 4 days | 50 km | Demanding | 4-8 | $$ | Experienced hikers seeking remote eastern coastline |
| Lost Fjords | 6 days | 82 km | Demanding | 4-8 | $$$ | Serious backpackers wanting full wilderness immersion |
Hornstrandir Traverse
Hornstrandir Traverse tour by Borea
Hornstrandir Traverse is their signature three-day hiking and luxury camping experience. You’ll boat from Ísafjörður to the reserve, hike approximately 39 kilometers through pristine wilderness, and camp at their comfortable basecamp in Hornvík. The highlight is reaching the spectacular Hornbjarg cliffs, which rise up to 534 meters from the sea and host one of the largest bird colonies in the North Atlantic. Arctic foxes are almost guaranteed sightings here, and the midnight sun (in summer) means you can hike and photograph wildlife around the clock.
Highlights of Hornvík
Highlights of Hornvík tour by Borea Adventures
For those with limited time, Highlights of Hornvík offers a full-day hiking tour to the Hornbjarg cliffs. It’s physically challenging – covering about 6 kilometers of rugged terrain – but it gets you to that bucket-list viewpoint and back in a single day. The tour includes boat transport from Ísafjörður, professional guiding, and plenty of time to soak in the views and spot wildlife.
Hornvík Heights and Sights
Hornvík Heights and Sights guided tour by Borea
Hornvík Heights and Sights is a two-day version that gives you an overnight camping experience without the full three-day commitment. You’ll cover about 21 kilometers of hiking, spend a night in a cozy tent, and have more time to explore the area and observe the curious Arctic foxes that often approach the camp.
Lost Fjords
Borea Adventures Lost Fjords tour
For experienced hikers seeking true wilderness immersion, Lost Fjords is their six-day backpacking and camping expedition. This demanding tour covers 82 kilometers through some of Hornstrandir’s most remote valleys and coastlines. Group sizes are kept to just 4-8 people, and you’ll need to be in excellent physical condition. It’s not for everyone, but those who complete it describe it as a life-changing experience.
A Walk on the Wild Side
A Walk on the Wild Side tour
Looking for something completely unique? A Walk on the Wild Side is Borea’s 20th Anniversary Special – a four-day expedition along Hornstrandir’s eastern coastline that even their guides have been wanting to do for years. This demanding tour ventures beyond the familiar trails into areas that see almost no human visitors, with dramatic cliffs, glacial views, and crashing waves setting the rhythm of your days.
Hornstrandir Ferries
Not everyone wants a guided tour – some travelers prefer the freedom to explore Hornstrandir independently. That’s where Borea’s scheduled boat services come in. They operate two seaworthy vessels that make regular trips to various destinations in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve during the summer months.
Hornstrandir ferry boat schedule 2026:
|
Destination
|
Price (ISK)*
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
Sunday
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Veiðileysufjörður
|
14.900
|
|
9:00
16:00 |
16:00
|
9:00
|
9:00
16:00 |
|
16:00
|
|
Hesteyri
|
14.900
|
9:00
16:00 |
|
9:00
16:00 |
9:00
16:00 |
|
|
9:00
16:00 |
|
Grunnavík (per request)
|
14.900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hornvík
|
19.300
|
9:00
|
|
|
|
|
9:00
|
|
*boat schedule for the week of the 10th to 16th of August 2026 may differ from the above timetable
The boat schedule runs from late May through early September, with different destinations served on different days. Hesteyri – the former whaling station with a fascinating history – is accessible on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Veiðileysufjörður runs on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Hornvík, the deepest destination into the reserve, is served on Monday and Saturday.
One-way ferry tickets cost 14,900 ISK for Hesteyri, Veiðileysufjörður, and Grunnavík, while Hornvík is 19,300 ISK due to the longer journey. Children under 4 travel free, and kids aged 4-12 get a 50% discount. Remember, these are one-way prices – you’ll need to book a return journey separately based on when you want to come back.
Hornstrandir ferry discount code EPICICELAND on Borea boats
The boats leave from Ísafjörður harbor at the scheduled times, and you need to be at the docks 20 minutes before departure. If you’re booking a return trip, note that pickup times from Hornstrandir vary depending on the day’s routes, weather conditions, and passenger loads. The crew will inform you of your pickup time when you board.
Important note about luggage: One backpack per person (roughly 20kg including camping gear) is included. If you’re bringing extra bags – kayaking equipment, heavy photography gear, or extended camping supplies – there’s a 5,000 ISK fee per additional bag. Traveling with a dog also costs 5,000 ISK.
Westfjords Tours
While Hornstrandir gets most of the glory, Borea Adventures offers excellent tours throughout the broader Westfjords region too. These tours are more accessible and often make great day trips if you’re staying in Ísafjörður:
- Calm Water Kayaking is perfect for beginners and families. This 2.5-hour tour paddles through the calm waters around Ísafjörður, surrounded by towering mountains. No previous kayaking experience is required. It’s an excellent introduction to sea kayaking with minimal physical demands.
- Fjord Discovery Kayaking takes you to Önundarfjörður, a stunning fjord carved between steep mountains with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. This 5-hour tour is rated moderate difficulty and offers opportunities to spot seals basking on rocks and diverse birdlife.
Ísafjörður Borea Adventures Kayaking tour
- Whale Watching in Ísafjarðardjúp is a 2.5-hour easy-rated tour that searches for humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the deep bay. The tour also features abundant birdlife including puffins, eider ducks, and guillemots. With larger group sizes (25-40 people), this is one of Borea’s more affordable options and runs from late May through September.
- Around the Walls – Biking is a half-day mountain biking trip around Ísafjörður. This off-road tour takes you over the town’s distinctive avalanche barriers and through Icelandic “forests” (which, let’s be honest, are more like tall shrubs – but charming nonetheless). The 10-15 kilometer route is rated easy and suitable for ages 12 and up.
Reviews
Don't just take our word for it - Borea Adventures has a rating of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 stars on Google. They also consistently earn excellent reviews across multiple other platforms. TripAdvisor reviewers rank them top (4.5 out of 5), and they have a 94% satisfaction rate on Facebook.What do guests love most? The customer service stands out repeatedly. Multiple reviewers mention guides going above and beyond, whether that’s adjusting itineraries for weather, sharing detailed local knowledge, or simply making everyone feel welcome and safe.
Our friend Jeffrey, who completed the Hornstrandir Traverse in February 2024, wrote that it was “literally my favorite three day hike ever” despite having hiked on five continents over 40 years. He praised the scenery, logistical support, and overall vibe, noting that tents were already pitched when hikers arrived at camp each evening and warm drinks awaited in the communal tent.
Guide cooking a meal on a tour
Another friend Claire did the three-day Hornstrandir Traverse in June 2024 with guide Nicole. She highlighted the beautiful walks taken at a pace that allowed plenty of time for photos and taking in views. The camp was comfortable with good tents and camp beds, and Nicole cooked great meals while doing an excellent job guiding. They were lucky with weather, and saw Arctic foxes with cubs in stunning sunshine at Hornbjarg cliffs.
And for example John used Borea for transportation to Hornstrandir and appreciated the company’s helpfulness in planning, their willingness to take calls ahead of time to discuss trip details, and their attention to safety when a weather delay occurred. The deckhand was wonderful and helped everyone get on and off safely.
On the negative side? Reviews are remarkably consistent in their positivity. The few complaints mention weather-related cancellations, but even those reviewers note that Borea handled the situations professionally and prioritized guest safety over profits.
Our Experience with Borea
We and our friends have only had a great experience with Borea 🙂
What’s it actually like to travel with Borea Adventures? Based on our own and our friends’ travels with Borea, here’s our summary:
- Professionalism meets personality. The guides are professionals, but they’re also friendly locals who love sharing their home with visitors. Expect thorough safety briefings, but also expect storytelling around the campfire.
- Comfort in the wilderness. Borea’s camping setups aren’t luxury glamping, but they’re far from roughing it either. Tents come with camp beds, there’s a communal cooking and dining tent, and meals are properly cooked (not just freeze-dried camping food). On multi-day trips, guides handle camp setup and cooking, letting you focus on hiking and enjoying the experience.
- Flexibility within structure. Tours follow planned itineraries, but guides have the experience and authority to make changes based on weather, wildlife sightings, or group preferences. If conditions are perfect for a longer hike or an Arctic fox family is particularly active, guides will adjust to maximize your experience.
- Real wilderness access. This isn’t a tourist attraction with railings and viewing platforms. You’re accessing genuinely remote areas that require boat transport and serious hiking. Cell phone service is nonexistent in Hornstrandir. Weather can change rapidly. This is real adventure travel, which is exactly what makes it special.
Having fun with the guides
- Small group bonding. Whether you’re sharing a boat ride with a BBC film crew documenting Arctic foxes or hiking alongside fellow adventure enthusiasts from around the world, the small group sizes foster genuine connections.
- Wildlife encounters. Arctic foxes are the stars of Hornstrandir, and summer visitors almost always see them. They’re curious and unafraid of humans, sometimes approaching quite close to camps. Bird cliffs are absolutely spectacular during nesting season. Seals are common along the coasts. Whales are regularly spotted from boats.
- Physical challenge. Don’t underestimate the difficulty ratings. Hornstrandir terrain is rough, unmarked, and sometimes requires crossing streams and snow fields. Tours rated “challenging” or “demanding” genuinely are – you need good fitness and appropriate gear. But for those prepared for it, the physical challenge is part of what makes the achievement so rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Borea tent camping
What is the Borea Adventures discount code?
The Borea Adventures discount code is EPICICELAND, which gives you 5% off all tours and ferry services. This promo code can be used for any booking on their website and stacks with other available discounts.
How do I use the Borea Adventures promo code?
Enter the code EPICICELAND in the promotional code field during checkout on the Borea Adventures website. The 5% discount will automatically apply to your total booking amount before payment.
When is the best time to visit Hornstrandir?
The best time to visit Hornstrandir is from June through early September when Borea’s tours and ferry services operate. July and August offer the warmest weather and most reliable conditions, though they’re also the busiest months. June can be excellent for seeing Arctic fox cubs and has longer daylight hours.
Do I need hiking experience for Hornstrandir tours?
It depends on the tour. Day tours like “Wildlife and Heritage of Hesteyri” are rated easy and suitable for families. However, multi-day treks like the Hornstrandir Traverse require good fitness and some hiking experience. The “Demanding” rated tours like Lost Fjords require excellent physical condition and previous backpacking experience.
Borea has vast experience with handling harsh Hornstrandir weather
What should I bring for a Hornstrandir tour?
Essential items include waterproof hiking boots, waterproof/windproof outer layers, warm insulating layers, hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and any personal medications. For multi-day tours, bring a sleeping bag (or rent one from Borea), headlamp, and personal toiletries. Check Borea’s equipment list on their website for specific tour requirements.
Can I explore Hornstrandir independently?
Yes! Borea Adventures offers scheduled ferry services to several Hornstrandir destinations, allowing independent travelers to explore on their own. However, be aware that Hornstrandir has no facilities, scarcely marked trails, no cell service, and unpredictable weather. Only experienced wilderness travelers should go unguided. We have a detailed Hornstrandir hiking guide.
Are Arctic fox sightings guaranteed?
While no wildlife can be 100% guaranteed, Arctic fox sightings in Hornstrandir during summer are extremely likely. The foxes are habituated to humans and often curious enough to approach camps. Summer is when they’re raising cubs, making them more active and visible.
What’s included in Borea Adventures tour prices?
Tour prices typically include professional guiding, boat transportation from Ísafjörður, camping equipment (tents and camp beds on multi-day tours), all meals for multi-day tours, and safety equipment. Day tours usually include any specialized equipment needed (kayaks, life jackets, etc.). Check individual tour descriptions for specific inclusions.
