Off The Grid In Iceland Hornstrandir

Off The Grid In Iceland Hornstrandir

NEWS IN FROM OUR GROUP OF INTREPID EXPLORERS ABOVE THE ARTIC CIRCLE

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Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (established in 1975) is part of the Westfjords and Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, known for its dazzling cliffs, rich birdlife and arctic foxes. It takes a bit of travelling to get there, but the unique hiking opportunities in this area are totally worth it! The 580 km² nature reserve is only accessible by boat during the summertime as there are no roads.

The nature reserve is an incredibly remote area with no services and to visit this extraordinary region we have to be entirely self reliant. There are no roads in the nature reserve so you must travel there by boat. Trails in Hornstrandir are marked with cairns and are fairly easy to follow however in the mountain passes fog is common and the cairns can become difficult to spot. We have to carry a GPS in case of low visibility. We have walked on snow, mud, rocks, sand, steep inclines, steep declines and crossing many smaller streams and larger rivers. Some streams are easily crossed by walking on rocks in the river however others will need to be waded!

The latter part of our week we are spending at a ski hut, embracing the nature via kayaking and hikes.

We’re fully off the grid and in love with Iceland!

“Willie and Damian set the bar as high as the mountains they climb!”

“In my experience, few provide a more complete, safe and rewarding expedition experience than the Benegas Brothers. When it comes to expedition judgement, safety and climbing ethics, Willie and Damian set the bar as high as the mountains they climb. There’s a lot more to high altitude climbing expeditions than just getting to the top. Team dynamics, the opportunities to learn skills, making lifelong friends, enjoying new cultures and cuisine are some of the important elements of an expedition. In my experience, few provide a more complete, safe and rewarding expedition experience than the Benegas Brothers. When it comes to expedition judgement, safety and climbing ethics, Willie and Damian set the bar as high as the mountains they climb. My son Matt and I have 100% trust and confidence in Willie and Damian and when I’m not climbing with Matt, it’s reassuring to know he’s with the Benegas Brothers. ”

–Mike Moniz