Tours

Our starting point Reykjavik, the world’s most Northern capital, the gateway to the wild west. On the edge of the Arctic circle and on the edge of civilization just before nature gains control, lies the biggest city of Iceland. During the ten days of this voyage, we will follow a trail of out posts were men won and men lost. Learn about the cruel beauty and hard ship these people endured. We sail in a setting of snow covered slopes, shifting into fields of flowers in every spectacular form and color! Accompanied by Killer whales, Fin whales, humpbacks and Sperm whales.

Setting of in to the Faxafloi the Arctic blue gifs a magical twist to the mountains covert in mist. A good first stop is Hvalfjordur, translated – whale fjord. At it’s entrance lies the abandoned whale factory, witness to Icelands whaling past not so long ago. Crossing the Flaxafloi we are part of the sagas for which the area is famous. To starboard lies Reykholt the setting for Eggils saga. Named after the boisterous main character.

Sneafellsnes mountain range is the natural border between the Faxafloi and the Breidafjordur, but also between the Westfjords and the rest of the country! Rounding the peninsula on a clear day the snow-covered table mountains of the Westfjord area make the difference very obvious. While on starboard we find the relatively young lava field at the foot of the Sneafellsnes, 30 NM to the North the vulcanos, once trapped by the glaciers, leave a landscape of table mountains. We slowly make our way North, but not before exploring the Breidafjordur. Olafvik is another good place to start a hike up the slopes of the Sneafelsness, or just a stroll up one of the less demanding cliffs. Grundarfjordur 20NM further into the Breidafjordur, also offers some great walks after a good day sailing. The old fishing port is still used by the locals as a main place for landing their catch of Cod. In the two centuries before it was used by the French for the same reason. There used to be a French hospital, sailors Inn and many French trading houses! The French fished the rich banks to the North with their Famous topsail schooners, fitted out with roller-reefing patents! This of course for obvious reasons.

Crossing the entrance of the Isafjardardjup we arrive at the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Abandoned in the 1950’s Hornstrandir was left to look after its self. It is now home to most Arctic fauna that flourish in the short and intense summer. Arctic foxes roam freely, while Puffins, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots nest on the towering sea cliffs! One of the highlights while in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a walk up one of the cliffs of Hornbjarg. Amidst all the wild flowers you are sure to spot an Arctic fox or her cups!

  We end our trip in Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords with a staggering 1500 inhabitants! Two planes a day land at the air strip. For the those who have some more time it is a great point to explore the rest of Iceland. Either by car bus or boat!