The Hornstrandir Nature Preserve is located on the outskirts of the Arctic Circle in Iceland’s West Fjords Region. Tucked away from mainstream tourism, the West Fjords are an excellent destination for those seeking remote adventure and a connection with nature. With breathtaking scenery, Hornstrandir is an ideal location for photographing the elusive Arctic Fox and witnessing this wintry tundra’s raw and untamed beauty.
I and five other photographers did this for six days, which was unforgettable.
Reaching Hornstrandir is an adventure, and due to its remoteness and Arctic weather, it is highly advisable to go with a guide in the winter months.
The boat ride there promises breathtaking scenery. Snow-capped fjords frame a pristine ocean, and Arctic birdlife and porpoises showcase their extraordinary grandeur.
You and your gear will board a raft from the boat to the shoreline. The path from the beach leads to Kviar lodge, a renovated farmhouse and your homebase. A hike uphill behind the lodge gives you a good view of the vast windswept tundra which is Hornstrandir in the winter. This is where you will get a true sense of how remote it is; disconnected from the rest of the world, I almost forgot I was in Iceland!
With an average winter temperature of -5 to 0 degrees C, any nature that survives here is a miracle. Strong winds and snowfall add even more challenge to this remote location. Our group experienced these conditions on our second day, making visibility and shooting conditions some of the most challenging you will ever encounter.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Withstanding the elements is what connected me to the fox and nature. I hoped to capture the raw beauty of this place in my photographs, although nothing can fully show its remarkable beauty and distinct energy.
This destination is ideal for those who desire to photograph Arctic nature and immerse themselves in it. Come prepared to battle the elements and connect with the wildlife and yourself like you never have before.
It is recommended that you pack warm, waterproof layers, extra socks, gloves, and batteries for your camera. I also highly suggest bringing ski goggles and cream to protect your face, as the wind can be brutal! Borea does a good job of listing all their recommended packing lists on the trip’s description. One of the biggest challenges you will face is keeping your camera warm and dry while waiting for the foxes. My camera is not weather-sealed, so I brought a waterproof jacket and a dry bag for the lens.
Pack your wide-angle lens and tripod, as your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are high in this wilderness. Due to weather patterns that change flight schedules, it is also highly advisable to book your flight to Isafjordur at least a day or two ahead of the trip’s departure date.
At its core, Arctic nature is raw and miraculous. Witnessing it was a gift I will never forget and a reminder of the respect it deserves.
After watching the foxes and ducks endure the elements day in and day out, I have so much more love and respect for Arctic wildlife. Every day is a race for survival, and I feel blessed to have shared this wild space with them. Immersing myself in the landscape and the elements taught me so much about myself as a photographer and as a person that I can endure more than I ever knew.
Thank you, Borea Adventures, for getting us there safe and sound and for our caretaker Jake, who kept our moods high and the coffee warm.
You are due north.
To book this experience Winter Arctic Fox Experience
