Iceland Westfjords BackpackING TRIP
WITH Cedar Path
JuLY 5-15, 2025
Iceland Westfjords Backpacking Trip
Backpack through the spectacular Westfjords with our partners at Cedar Path Expeditions on this Iceland Hiking Adventure.
Perched on the furthest tip of Iceland’s Westfjords, this peninsula is the most remote and wild backcountry region of Iceland. It is only accessible by boat. Considered one of Europe’s last wildernesses, this 589 square km (227sq m) reserve has an end-of-the-world feel. Waterfalls thunder down mountains, the midnight sun kisses the ocean, cliffs plummet to the sea and the mighty Drangajökull glacier overlooks the scene.
NOTE – You must have backcountry camping experience to participate in this expedition – rated moderate to challenging.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Incredible scenery and terrain. Wild remote wilderness, Iceland’s only native mammal the arctic fox, two of the largest bird cliffs in Europe, beautiful coast lines, enormous cliffs, mountain peaks, amazing company, and lots of laughs. We can except to hike on grass, scree, mud, dirt, lots of water crossings, beaches, over mountains, along cliffs and down valleys.
This adventure is for experienced backpackers only.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
JULY 5-15, 2025
DAY 1: Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland
We will meet at our Hotel/Guesthouse (TBD) in Ísafjörður in the afternoon to have an expedition orientation, split up food and group gear and check our personal gear together. There are a few outfitters in Ísafjörður that supply camping gear and rentals if you need anything. There are grocery stores for last minute items as well. We will have dinner out together that evening and perhaps visit the Dokkan Brewery.
Meals: -/-/D
DAY 2: Ísafjörður by boat – Hike Hornik
Today we will start the day with breakfast in Ísafjörður then catch the boat to our remote drop-off at Veiðileysufjörður. We will start our hike up and over the pass to Hornvik. As we hike up the Veiðileysufjörður fjord we will see beautiful waterfalls, summer flowers and gorgeous views of the valley and ocean behind us.
(11 km / 6.8 miles- 2387 ft up, 2361 ft down , approx. 7 hrs)
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3: Hornvik Hike to Horn
Today we will hike to the famous Hornbjarg and attempt to summit Kálfatindar. We’ll leave our backpacks at camp and travel light. We’ll hike along the edge of Hornbjarg cliff, crawl carefully to the edge to look down the sheer vertical cliff that drops a few hundred meters to the ocean. Weather permitting, we will then hike up to the summit, Kálfatindar. At the summit, you can hold on to the edge and look down over 500 meters straight into the ocean.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4: Hornvik to Hlöðuvík Camp
Along the hike today we will explore a detour to Hælavíkurbjarg – a hidden gem most people miss. We’ll leave our backpacks at the trail intersection, close to where the smaller trail to Hælavíkurbjarg starts. After the narrow path, we will get to a small hidden valley called Hvannadalur where we get up close and personal with the 258m vertical cliff Hælavíkurbjarg that drops right into the ocean next to the valley. The thousands of wild birds make it even more surreal. Perhaps not for the faint of heart although the grassy walkway down is about 3 meters wide. We will pass over Atlaskarð pass and Skálarkambur ridge along our hike as well, ending at a beautiful camp by the beach.
Distance: 6 miles, ↑ 1994 ft ↓1952 ft
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5: THlöðuvík to Fljotavatn Camp
Today we will hike through diverse terrain- boulders, scree, and steep terrain, over two mountain passes and descend to the shore of Fljotavatn camp nestled into the edges of the hills and river. We will descend a very steep, rocky section that requires passing packs and picking our way through large rocky edges. As we come down into the Fjord, we wade through marshes to a lovely campsite on the side of the lake, with a gorgeous view of the mountains around us.
Distance: 7 miles, ↑ 1712 ft ↓1708 ft
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6: Fljotavatn to Atlastadir
will be met with a magnificent plain of wildflowers and ocean views. Depending on our timing there may be the option to summit Today we will hike through the marshes along the Atlastadaos River aiming to cross to Atlastadir camp, where we will be met with a magnificent plain of wildflowers and ocean views. Depending on our timing there may be the option to summit Kogur peak.
Distance: 5.3 miles, ↑ 472 ft ↓493 ft
Option to summit Kogur peak near the camp.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7 & 8: Atlastadir to Latrar
We will cross back over the Atlastadaos River and ascend up and over a pass to then drop down into the sheltered cove of Adalvik Bay and Latrar camp. The walk along the sandy beach is easy and you can see ancient ice hidden under the insulating sand under a sand hill in the middle.
11.5 kms / 7.2 miles, 1892 ft up, 1888 ft down- approx. 5-6 hrs
The following day we will rest and take in the incredible landscape we are in. There are options to relax and rest, wander the beach, or a couple options for hiking:
OPTIONAL In this area we have the option to ascend a mighty peak called Straumnesfjall to find an abandoned radar station built by the Americans when they had a military presence here in 1953. This base was left in 1960 when operations in the region began to die down, and now is an excellent example of how nature is reclaiming this region.
OPTIONAL We can hike up to Mt. Darri where the British Army built a base during WWII to keep watch on German ships passing NW Iceland. The remains of buildings and a big air defense cannon can easily be seen on top of the mountain.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9 & 10: Hiking around Latrar
DAY 9: Hesteyri – There were always a few farmers and fishermen living out in Hesteyri, ever since the time of settlement, but it wasn’t until the Norwegians built the whaling station Hekla in 1894, together with some dwellings for workers that the area became a true community. After the whaling ban in 1915, the station was closed, but it reopened later as a herring factory. For as long as the herring lasted, the village prospered, and at one point there were 80 people living in Hesteyri. When the herring stocks dwindled in the 1940’s so did the residents and in 1952 the residents collectively decided to leave the town.
Enjoy a drink and crepes at the Old Doctors House!
11 kms / 6.8 miles, 1425ft up 1436ft down, approx 6 hrs
DAY 10: From Saebol, hike up-valley, passing an old church and ascend into the mountains via the Fannadalslaegðir (“Snow Valley Basin”). From the mountain plateaus, enjoy views across the waters of the Jökulfirðir (“Fjord of the Glaciers”) to the ice of the Drangajökull, the lowest-lying glacier in Iceland. Savor the wild landscapes before descending to Hesteyri, another abandoned settlement near the mouth of the fjord called the Hesteyrarfjörður.
26 kms / 16.2 miles RT, 1557 ft up , 1545 ft down approx 10 hrs
Meals: B/L/D
Today we will catch our boat back to Ísafjörður, unpack our gear, get settled in town, and have an incredible dinner at one of the best seafood restaurants in all of Iceland- Tjöruhúsið Restaurant. It is truly its own wonder to enjoy. This is the official end of the expedition.
Plan to travel out of Isafjordur on July 15.
Meals: B/L/D
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
– approx. 8-15km per day / 5-9 miles per day
– rated moderate to challenging hiking (due to harsh weather & steep terrain sections)
– max 6 participants + 2 leaders- includes all meals, accommodation, permits and transportation while on expedition
*does not include – travel to Iceland, refreshments outside of meals, alcohol, personal snacks, tips
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until your trip is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
How did the ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trail originate?
The premise of the route was to offer a culturally immersive adventure travel and sustainable tourism product . The hope was that this would support local families in remote mountain areas through hikers staying the night at their guest houses.
At first, this sort of cross-border project may not sound like a big deal. But, when you consider the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, it really is. Virtually free movement across borders is now possible in a way that was inconceivable a couple of decades ago. The various bunker ruins and abandoned guard towers scattered across the region stand testament to this and to the evidence of change.
How do I get there?
Arrival- Meet in Ísafjörður, in the Westfjords of Iceland. Once in Iceland, fly domestic from Reykjavik to Ísafjörður on or before July 5th. There are two fights a day from Reykjavik, please book the morning one. The group will meet on July 5th in the afternoon at the Hotel/Guesthouse for orientation and dinner that night.
Ísafjörður is a lovely town that you could easily spend a day enjoying if you come early.
Departure- Book your flight out of Ísafjörður on July 16th.
If you have the time, it is highly recommended to rent a car and spend a few days driving from the Westfjords back to Reykjavik.
A paid public shuttle departs the Ísafjörður airport and can bring you into town.
What is the cancelation policy?
There is a $200 booking fee that is non-refundable.
For the July 5-15, 2025 expedition:
Until April 4, 2024- 100% refundable (minus the booking fee)
After April 4, 2024- 50% refundable (minus the booking fee)
Two months prior, May 4, 2024- not refundable
Do I need a Visa to enter Iceland.
No. USA and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa to enter Iceland.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
Yes. You will need to purchase travel insurance that includes sports and/or hiking and back country travel for the expedition. We recommend our umbrella company Finisterra Travel for your insurance quote and easy purchasing. We require proof of medical travel insurance for all of our expeditions.
Is this area safe; how do we deal with emergencies on the trip?
Yes, this area is safe to backpack and travel in.
We carry backcountry emergency devices and have access to local support, including helicopters. There are a few rangers stations along the trail with 24/7 rangers.
Like any back country trip we can not mitigate all the risks and challenges… and that is what we love about it! Our expeditions are true adventures which we will manage with skill, competence and thoughtfulness as we go.
Do I need to bring any cash on the hike?
Yes. Please bring some cash (Icelandic Kronas) to pay for drinks, alcohol or snacks at the last campsite where we will have access to a cafe. You will be asked to bring a credit card and ID in case of emergency evacuations.
What can I expect for weather?
July: Expect anything! The reason this hike is rated challenging is mostly due to weather. This is the window of time in Iceland that we anticipate the best weather, but we also expect storms, high winds, white outs and rain. In the case of extreme winds or storms we will wait it out in our campsite. Storms usually pass within a day or two. At this time of year, the sun barely sets, so we can also expect day light almost 24 hrs/day!
For those of us that live, work and play in the outdoors, we are well aware of the changing climate and no longer predictable weather patterns. Take this into account with regards to expectations and packing.
How difficult is this expedition?
This expedition is rated challenging, although there are no technical skills or technical equipment needed. Some parts will be easy going and smooth and some parts will be challenging and harder with long days and rocky, muddy and very steep terrain. You can expect a lot of elevation gain and loss everyday.
You will be carrying a backpack (35-40 lbs) with all of your personal gear, some group gear, group food included.
The weather is unpredictable and extreme. You must have backpacking and camping experience and be familiar with packing systems, setting up camp, cooking and traveling in uncomfortable conditions. This trip is ONLY for people with hiking, backpacking and camping experience.
What are the campsites like?
We will be staying in tents at remote designated campsites. They all have pit toilets and some have emergency shelters for cooking. We practice Leave No Trace camping everywhere we go.
What are the tenting and sleeping arrangements like?
Camping: We will share tents based on group size and gear. If you would like your own tent, and you don’t mind the extra pack weight, you are welcome to carry your own personal tent.
Hotel/Guesthouse: We will share rooms with separate beds.
Do I need my own camping gear?
Yes. You will need to bring your own personal backpacking gear and tent. If you do not already own gear, we are happy to give you suggestions and advice.
Cedar Path will provide all the kitchen and cooking supplies, tarps and emergency gear.
What is the food like?
Cedar Path will purchase and plan the expedition meals. It will consist of simple camping style breakfasts and dinners, and will be mostly snacks for lunch. All participants will be responsible for cooking and cleaning throughout the trip.
Example Breakfasts: granola/oatmeal with dried fruit, dehydrated eggs and hash browns, pancakes.
Example Dinners: Noodles and veggies, rice and bean burritos, pasta, hearty soups.
Lunch: nuts, crackers, cheese, meats, peanut butter, chips, dried fruit
The expedition includes:
2 x in town dinners
2 x in town breakfasts
9 x camping dinners
9 x camping breakfasts
You are welcome to, and encouraged, bring your own favorite snacks.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
To a certain degree, yes.
Vegetarian- easy to accommodate.
Vegan and Gluten-free – We recommend you bring your favorite back country supplemental snacks for adequate nutrition. We are happy to help you plan for that.
Can I drink the water on the trail?
We recommend you treat all of your water. Please bring your own preferred water treatment or filter system. We will be carrying 2-3 L of water each day.
Please note- even if you are comfortable drinking fresh water from streams on your usual backcountry expeditions, please reconsider for this trip. Traveling in a different country, with different bacteria and different health facilities could have a huge impact on the group’s experience. Prevention is the best form of health care.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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