Stretching along the south part of the Hornstrandir Peninsula, Jökulfirðir consists of five narrow fjords, Hesteyrarfjörður, Veiðileysufjörður, Lónafjörður, Hrafnsfjörður and Leirufjörður. This remote area was permanently inhabited until the 1960s when the inclement weather and harsh living conditions finally routed the last inhabitants out. A baffling fact when you travel the area during summer. The steep, snow-flecked mountains and quiet and secluded coves are breathtaking. You can’t help but wonder why people would leave such a majestic, pristine and tranquil nature. Especially if you are kayaking, this being one of Iceland’s favorite kayaking area. But remember winter always follows summer. Here, it arrives early and stays late.

No roads will lead you to Jökulfirðir. They are only accessible by boat from Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík or Súðavík. Travelling through this endless quiet wilderness is an experience you are likely to treasure.

Sea Kayak Iceland offers a multi-day expedition to Jökulfirði. Paddling into one of the most remote fjords of Iceland you will need some paddling experience. Weather can be unpredictable and harsh even in the summertime. On our trip, we will visit all the fjords and hopefully see Drangjökull which is the only glacier in the Westfjords. We will be camping along the way, being surrounded by pristine nature and wildlife. The members of the expedition will have an opportunity to learn and challenge themselves in this unique environment.

Arctic foxes in Jökulfirðir are sometimes friendlier than elsewhere in Iceland and might even get up close and try to steal your freshly caught fish, you can hear them in the evening calling to each other. White-tailed eagles can also be seen there, as well as falcons, harlequin ducks and many other bird species. We can expect to meet seals along the way and, if we are lucky, even whales.