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",{"id":102,"label":103,"to":19,"icon":104,"target":41},261,"Based In Iceland",{"width":105,"height":105,"iconData":106,"iconName":107,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},64,"\u003Cg fill=\"#fff\">\u003Cpath d=\"M61.7 28q-.15-1.5-.6-3H2.8l-.6 3zM2.3 36q.15 1.5.6 3h58.3l.6-3z\"/>\u003Cpath d=\"M20 4.5c-1 .4-2 1-3 1.5v52q1.5.9 3 1.5zm8-2.2v59.5l3 .3V2q-1.5 0-3 .3\"/>\u003C/g>\u003Cg fill=\"#ed4c5c\">\u003Cpath d=\"M2 32c0 1.4.1 2.7.3 4h59.5c.2-1.3.3-2.6.3-4s-.1-2.7-.3-4H2.3c-.2 1.3-.3 2.6-.3 4\"/>\u003Cpath d=\"M20 59.5c2.5 1.1 5.2 1.9 8 2.2V2.3c-2.8.4-5.5 1.1-8 2.2z\"/>\u003C/g>\u003Cpath fill=\"#2a5f9e\" d=\"M17 25V6C10 10.1 4.8 16.9 2.8 25zm0 14v19C10 53.9 4.8 47.1 2.8 39zM32 2h-1v23h30.2C58 11.8 46.2 2 32 2m-1 37v23h1c14.2 0 26-9.8 29.2-23z\"/>","emojione:flag-for-iceland",false,{"pagination":110},{"page":111,"pageSize":112,"pageCount":111,"total":111},1,25,{"data":114,"meta":609},[115],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19,"cover":141,"region_cover":146,"media":151,"review_cover":231,"additional_sections":232,"feature":233,"region_of_interest":278,"company":291,"additional_info":354,"faq_items":361,"reviews":390,"tour_highlights":406,"drop_off_point":484,"itinerary_stops_list":490,"pickup_point":543,"seo":550},1913,"cz6evbhsxozv5q4sqh408sjy","The Arctic Ghost Town","the-arctic-ghost-town","A full-day walking tour through an abandoned Arctic settlement in Iceland's Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The village supported farmers, a doctor, and a whaling station until the last residents left in 1952. You arrive by boat and walk through the remains with guides who know every foundation and the stories behind them.","### Overview\n\n#### The Settlement\nHornstrandir is known for its cliffs and Arctic foxes, but the reserve also holds something rarer: an intact record of a community that simply walked away. For nearly a century, a small settlement thrived at the edge of one of Iceland's most remote glacial fjords, complete with a doctor's residence, a school, a church, and a Norwegian-built whaling station. By 1952, the last families had left. Many buildings remain, and few of them now host travelers and hikers visiting Hornstrandir, while others are still summer homes that have been passed down through generations.\n\n#### The Exploration\nThe day begins with a boat crossing through the glacial fjords north of Ísafjörður, the Westfjords capital. You step ashore into a landscape where wildflowers have overtaken former farmland, Arctic foxes treat the old foundations as territory, and seals sunbathe on the rocky shores. The walking route covers roughly five kilometers (3 mi) through the settlement and its surroundings. You'll venture to the ruins of the whaling station with its lone standing chimney, enjoy soup and pancakes at the restored doctor's house, and visit the stone foundations where a church stood before being relocated in the 1960s. By the end of the day, you will have walked through one of the most complete abandoned settlements in the North Atlantic, a place where seventy years without human interference have preserved everything the residents left behind.\n\n#### The Local Difference\nReaching this part of the reserve requires a boat and a crew that reads the landing conditions, which shift with every tide and weather system. Your guides have spent years running expeditions into these fjords and know the settlement's history down to individual foundations. This tour is for travelers who find empty buildings more compelling than crowded museums, and it is for those who want to enjoy pristine nature without feeling rushed.  It is not for anyone expecting boardwalks, wifi or interpretive signage.","EASY",0,"#### Included\n- Guided boat crossing to and from the nature reserve\n- Walking tour through the abandoned settlement and surroundings\n- light, homemade early dinner (traditional fish soup & bread)\n- Icelandic pancake dessert & coffee or tea","#### What to bring\n- Waterproof jacket and pants\n- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support\n- Warm layers (expect 5–18°C with wind chill)\n- Gloves, beanie, warm socks, buff\n- Lunch, snacks and water bottle\n- Daypack\n- Sunglasses, sunscreen \n- Camera\n- Motion sickness tablets for boat ride (if prone to getting seasick)","MEET_ON_LOCATION","1191089","2026-04-03T13:17:40.836Z","2026-08-09T13:53:53.639Z","2026-08-09T13:53:53.806Z",10,"",6,9,63100,"SMALL_GROUP","Most of Iceland's abandoned places are roadside ruins. This settlement hasn't seen a permanent resident since 1952, and the only way in is by sea.","PERSON","DAY_TOUR",14,{"id":142,"documentId":143,"url":144,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":145},1920,"tuje7zwfutez0z6w18a4s7d7","/uploads/hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e.jpg","The whaling station built by Norweigians in 1894, operated until 1915",{"id":147,"documentId":148,"url":149,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":150},1908,"eohhyke1w3gn9y9lyrqxnx87","/uploads/hesteyri_import_imm_hesteyri_5a7f06b9a6.jpg","Village of Hesteyri",[152,157,161,166,171,175,179,184,189,194,199,204,208,212,217,218,222,223,227],{"id":153,"documentId":154,"url":155,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":156},1556,"t6tqq58tnw99ch8t8tnahm1x","/uploads/2574260071_imm_P1024077_b2aabe03f7.jpg","Sunbathing seal",{"id":158,"documentId":159,"url":160,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":132},1919,"d20xcafy8f07u0jwnl37hxhq","/uploads/hesteyri_import_imm_purple_plant_7f854a4226.jpg",{"id":162,"documentId":163,"url":164,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":165},1909,"gj5xngqpcxudsdyqyosfqtyy","/uploads/hesteyri_import_imm_doctors_house1_15f84c1428.jpg","Læknishúsið \"The Doctor's House\"",{"id":167,"documentId":168,"url":169,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":170},1925,"ftzp2v1fzkgj1pgq7ow70xlf","/uploads/hesteyri_import_imm_hiking_to_whaling_factory6_924dc4f7d2.jpg","Hiking to the abandoned whaling 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Fjords","2026-01-17T18:44:44.126Z","2026-08-04T19:00:56.421Z","2026-08-04T19:00:56.444Z","west-fjords",{"id":287,"documentId":288,"url":289,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":290},1861,"ldxzvmamjo074nv0e0fnyl3o","/uploads/wwr_import_imm_lupine_fjord_6ef568eec0.jpg","Lupines in early July along Arnarfjörður",{"id":292,"documentId":293,"company_name":294,"company_id":295,"tripadvisor_id":296,"createdAt":297,"updatedAt":298,"publishedAt":299,"tripadvisor_review_amount":300,"tripadvisor_avg_score":301,"google_reviews_amount":302,"google_avg_score":303,"tours":304,"reviews":306},162,"tp54ihulfayf0dd3e9bll7r6","Borea Adventures","borea-adventures","3268221","2026-01-17T10:54:08.791Z","2026-04-03T16:02:08.924Z","2026-04-03T16:02:08.950Z",297,4.5,137,4.6,[305],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},[307,319,328,338,346],{"id":308,"documentId":309,"title":310,"text":311,"user_name":312,"rating":313,"travel_date":19,"publish_date":314,"feedback_type":315,"createdAt":316,"updatedAt":317,"publishedAt":318},253,"fdopxrfhhq1xve9td4b9tm8r","Fantastic day trip!","Had a fantastic day trip to Hesteyri. Highly recommend the tour and company, well organised and small group with a great guide!","Heinrich Lagtean",5,"2025-09-25","GOOGLE","2026-04-03T16:07:04.815Z","2026-08-09T13:21:11.079Z","2026-08-09T13:21:11.096Z",{"id":320,"documentId":321,"title":322,"text":323,"user_name":324,"rating":313,"travel_date":19,"publish_date":325,"feedback_type":315,"createdAt":326,"updatedAt":326,"publishedAt":327},255,"mqp6kfpg6knd2pqn4gwvsgie","Spectacular Scenery","We took the boat to Hesteyri and back in one day. One of the best decisions we made on our trip to Iceland. We were practically alone all day surrounded by nature! The scenery is spectacular.","Anna B","2026-08-03","2026-08-09T13:22:39.977Z","2026-08-09T13:22:40.000Z",{"id":38,"documentId":329,"title":330,"text":331,"user_name":332,"rating":313,"travel_date":333,"publish_date":334,"feedback_type":335,"createdAt":336,"updatedAt":336,"publishedAt":337},"psghqxwlygmmajdlbm27cz22","Memories that will last a lifetime","Our guide’s knowledge of the area really paid off. We saw arctic foxes multiple times, including playful fox kits playing on the rocks. We also spotted seals and learned about the local plant life, including which plants can be eaten and how to find blueberries and crow berries. When we stopped in the abandoned village, our guide shared the area’s history as we enjoyed fish soup, coffee, and pancakes at Læknishúsið (the Doctor's House). I only had a cell phone camera, but some of the other hikers who had nicer cameras shared their photos with me over lunch and they really got some great shots. I would say this is a great hike for nature photographers (or just people like me who want to see things either their eyes too). It was an easy hike.  As long as you are in decent shape and can walk about 5k, you should be fine.\n","Caron B","2025-07-23","2025-08-01","TA","2026-08-09T13:36:32.521Z","2026-08-09T13:36:32.548Z",{"id":60,"documentId":339,"title":340,"text":341,"user_name":342,"rating":313,"travel_date":343,"publish_date":343,"feedback_type":335,"createdAt":344,"updatedAt":344,"publishedAt":345},"ui9yu5udior2kl9so012hft6","The Best and only way to see Hornstrandir","Very professional and experienced operation. The very best way to see Hornstrandir. Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful guides. Highly recommend","Taryl S","2023-06-30","2026-08-09T13:38:08.051Z","2026-08-09T13:38:08.071Z",{"id":102,"documentId":347,"title":348,"text":349,"user_name":350,"rating":313,"travel_date":351,"publish_date":351,"feedback_type":315,"createdAt":352,"updatedAt":352,"publishedAt":353},"jxujbmidyr03fj7pbifb238q","Do you want the adventure of a lifetime?","The best part was our guide for the day. Brie was knowledgeable about local flora and the history of Iceland. She had lots of good stories and explained everything with enthusiasm. She led us through the route being mindful of any places that might be wet or unstable. Safety was prioritized and she used words and a tone that were easy to follow. The pace was just right. We were encouraged to stop and take breaks to change clothes, take photos, or eat. She often asked how each of us were doing. The highlight was at the end of the hike we were able to see a group of four fox kits. I had an amazing time photographing them.","Michelle A","2025-08-20","2026-08-09T13:43:24.199Z","2026-08-09T13:43:24.226Z",{"id":355,"title":19,"subtitle":19,"section_id":19,"items":356},1839,[357],{"id":358,"title":359,"text":360},6859,"Exclusions","**Extra food/ beverages at the Doctor's house**\nIf you would like to purchase extra pancakes, beer or other items from the menu, you must pay for them separately at the Doctor's house. \n(Fish soup with bread and Icelandic pancakes (2x) with coffee are included in the price of the tour.)\n\nPlease Note: You may pay with card, but it is recommended to have cash on hand in case the card reader is down. ",{"id":362,"title":363,"subtitle":19,"section_id":364,"items":365},1840,"Frequently Asked Questions","faq",[366,370,374,378,382,386],{"id":367,"title":368,"text":369},6860,"How does this compare to the more demanding Hornstrandir hiking tours?","This is one of the most accessible ways to visit the reserve. It is not so much a hiking tour, but an opportunity to learn about the settlement and explore the surrounding nature at a relaxed pace.  The average distance walked over the course of the day is about 5 km (3 mi), and the terrain is relatively gentle with not much incline. \n\nIf there is extra time after visiting the main spots, your guide may offer to take the group on an additional excursion to a viewpoint or waterfall. If you'd rather stay back and wander around the village, take photos, or enjoy an extra cup of coffee at the Doctor's House, you are welcome to do so.",{"id":371,"title":372,"text":373},6861,"What happened to the people who lived here?","The settlement was home to around 80 people at its peak. During the 1940s and 1950s, residents relocated south as jobs on military bases and in growing coastal towns offered a different kind of security. The last family left on November 1, 1952. Some of the houses are now used as summer homes by descendants, but the village has no permanent residents.",{"id":375,"title":376,"text":377},6862,"Will I see Arctic foxes?","The reserve is one of Europe's most important Arctic fox sanctuaries, and the animals are fully protected here. Without permanent human activity, they are notably less wary than elsewhere. That said, these are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will know where the current dens are, but whether the foxes show themselves is entirely up to them.",{"id":379,"title":380,"text":381},6863,"What if the weather prevents the boat crossing?","Conditions in the glacial fjords change quickly. If the crossing is not safe, the operator will work with you to reschedule or offer an alternative. This is the reality of traveling to one of the most remote corners of Iceland, and it is part of what keeps the nature pristine.",{"id":383,"title":384,"text":385},6864,"What is the maximum group size?","Maximum 10 people, but most groups are between 4-6.",{"id":387,"title":388,"text":389},6865,"What is the cancellation policy for this tour?","**Full Refund (100%):**\nBooking must be cancelled **more than 24 hours before the start of the tour** to receive a full refund.\n\n**No Refund:**\nIf booking is cancelled **within 24 hours of the start of the tour**.\n\n**Bad/ Unsafe Weather:**\nIf the tour is cancelled due to **bad/unsafe weather conditions**, you may have the chance to **reschedule** your tour if available, or receive a **full refund.**\n",[391,394,397,400,403],{"id":308,"documentId":309,"title":310,"text":311,"user_name":312,"rating":313,"travel_date":19,"publish_date":314,"feedback_type":315,"createdAt":316,"updatedAt":317,"publishedAt":318,"user_avatar":19,"company":392,"tour":393},{"id":292,"documentId":293,"company_name":294,"company_id":295,"tripadvisor_id":296,"createdAt":297,"updatedAt":298,"publishedAt":299,"tripadvisor_review_amount":300,"tripadvisor_avg_score":301,"google_reviews_amount":302,"google_avg_score":303},{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},{"id":320,"documentId":321,"title":322,"text":323,"user_name":324,"rating":313,"travel_date":19,"publish_date":325,"feedback_type":315,"createdAt":326,"updatedAt":326,"publishedAt":327,"user_avatar":19,"company":395,"tour":396},{"id":292,"documentId":293,"company_name":294,"company_id":295,"tripadvisor_id":296,"createdAt":297,"updatedAt":298,"publishedAt":299,"tripadvisor_review_amount":300,"tripadvisor_avg_score":301,"google_reviews_amount":302,"google_avg_score":303},{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},{"id":38,"documentId":329,"title":330,"text":331,"user_name":332,"rating":313,"travel_date":333,"publish_date":334,"feedback_type":335,"createdAt":336,"updatedAt":336,"publishedAt":337,"user_avatar":19,"company":398,"tour":399},{"id":292,"documentId":293,"company_name":294,"company_id":295,"tripadvisor_id":296,"createdAt":297,"updatedAt":298,"publishedAt":299,"tripadvisor_review_amount":300,"tripadvisor_avg_score":301,"google_reviews_amount":302,"google_avg_score":303},{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},{"id":60,"documentId":339,"title":340,"text":341,"user_name":342,"rating":313,"travel_date":343,"publish_date":343,"feedback_type":335,"createdAt":344,"updatedAt":344,"publishedAt":345,"user_avatar":19,"company":401,"tour":402},{"id":292,"documentId":293,"company_name":294,"company_id":295,"tripadvisor_id":296,"createdAt":297,"updatedAt":298,"publishedAt":299,"tripadvisor_review_amount":300,"tripadvisor_avg_score":301,"google_reviews_amount":302,"google_avg_score":303},{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},{"id":102,"documentId":347,"title":348,"text":349,"user_name":350,"rating":313,"travel_date":351,"publish_date":351,"feedback_type":315,"createdAt":352,"updatedAt":352,"publishedAt":353,"user_avatar":19,"company":404,"tour":405},{"id":292,"documentId":293,"company_name":294,"company_id":295,"tripadvisor_id":296,"createdAt":297,"updatedAt":298,"publishedAt":299,"tripadvisor_review_amount":300,"tripadvisor_avg_score":301,"google_reviews_amount":302,"google_avg_score":303},{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_ca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-23.125078","2026-04-03T16:01:40.154Z","2026-04-03T16:01:40.196Z",[],[418],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},[],{"id":279,"documentId":280,"name":281,"createdAt":282,"updatedAt":283,"publishedAt":284,"locale":12,"slug":285},[],{"id":423,"documentId":424,"name":425,"slug":426,"location_type":427,"coordinates":428,"createdAt":429,"updatedAt":430,"publishedAt":431,"locale":12,"itinerary_description":432,"media":433,"related_tours":434,"page_sections":436,"seo":19,"region":437,"cover":19,"localizations":438},180,"e9i31g0uptwmsxg6dwwzpayf","Hesteyri","hesteyri","ATTRACTION"," 66.336236, -22.873070","2026-08-05T17:49:33.328Z","2026-08-06T12:45:08.072Z","2026-08-06T12:45:08.117Z","A historic settlement in the pristine wilderness of Hornstrandir, which now serves as a base to explore the reserve.",[],[435],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},[],{"id":279,"documentId":280,"name":281,"createdAt":282,"updatedAt":283,"publishedAt":284,"locale":12,"slug":285},[],{"id":440,"documentId":441,"name":442,"slug":443,"location_type":427,"coordinates":444,"createdAt":445,"updatedAt":445,"publishedAt":446,"locale":12,"itinerary_description":447,"media":448,"related_tours":449,"page_sections":451,"seo":19,"region":452,"cover":19,"localizations":453},175,"zqyvz7dtg7hyh744e48w9hnt","Hesteyri Whaling Factory","hesteyri-whaling-factory","66.344404, -22.843242","2026-08-06T11:14:10.805Z","2026-08-06T11:14:10.850Z","An abandoned whaling factory near the settlement of Hesteyri on the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.",[],[450],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},[],{"id":279,"documentId":280,"name":281,"createdAt":282,"updatedAt":283,"publishedAt":284,"locale":12,"slug":285},[],{"id":455,"documentId":456,"name":457,"slug":458,"location_type":427,"coordinates":459,"createdAt":460,"updatedAt":460,"publishedAt":461,"locale":12,"itinerary_description":462,"media":463,"related_tours":464,"page_sections":466,"seo":19,"region":467,"cover":19,"localizations":468},177,"v43q4i9ql6xivus9zs2g9rdc","Læknishúsið ","laeknishusid-hesteyri","66.336295, -22.873171","2026-08-06T12:15:30.073Z","2026-08-06T12:15:30.121Z","Læknishúsið or \"The Doctor's House\" was once a medical center in the settlement of Hesteyri prior to its abandonment in 1952. It was revived in 1992 and transformed into a cafe and guesthouse by Birna Hjaltalín Pálsdóttir. It serves as a quaint, welcoming base for hikers and travelers exploring the area, offering accommodation, delicious icelandic pancakes, coffee and other refreshments. ",[],[465],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},[],{"id":279,"documentId":280,"name":281,"createdAt":282,"updatedAt":283,"publishedAt":284,"locale":12,"slug":285},[],{"id":470,"documentId":471,"name":472,"slug":473,"location_type":427,"coordinates":474,"createdAt":475,"updatedAt":475,"publishedAt":476,"locale":12,"itinerary_description":477,"media":478,"related_tours":479,"page_sections":481,"seo":19,"region":482,"cover":19,"localizations":483},179,"gags9d841lxtnck99hs4r7d6","Hornstrandir Nature Reserve","hornstrandir"," 66.390329, -22.570966","2026-08-06T12:39:39.208Z","2026-08-06T12:39:39.257Z","Hornstrandir is the most northern region of the West Fjords and was declared a Nature Reserve in 1975. It is an area of pristine nature with over 260 plant species.",[],[480],{"id":116,"documentId":117,"title":118,"slug":119,"short_description":120,"description":121,"difficulty_level":122,"min_age":123,"included":124,"requirements":125,"meeting_type":126,"bokun_id":127,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129,"publishedAt":130,"locale":12,"bokun_alt_id":19,"bokun_alt_id_name":19,"duration":131,"excluded":132,"seasonal_from":133,"seasonal_to":134,"price":135,"is_optional_pickup":108,"private_option":136,"tour_card_text":137,"price_unit":138,"tour_type":139,"priority_order":140,"is_price_from":19,"is_light_logo":19},[],{"id":279,"documentId":280,"name":281,"createdAt":282,"updatedAt":283,"publishedAt":284,"locale":12,"slug":285},[],{"id":485,"time":486,"instructions":487,"specifics":488,"location":489},1601,"19:00:00","Arrival back in Ísafjörður harbor, concluding the tour.\n\nPlease note: Arrival time in Ísafjörður can vary **up to an hour or more** due to low tide or poor weather conditions. We recommend you keep your plans for the evening flexible in case the return is delayed. ","19:00 Arrive back in Ísafjörður",{"id":408,"documentId":409,"name":410,"slug":411,"location_type":412,"coordinates":413,"createdAt":414,"updatedAt":414,"publishedAt":415,"locale":12,"itinerary_description":19},[491,500,508,516,524,529,537],{"id":492,"itinerary_heading":493,"icon":494,"itinerary_description":498,"itinerary_stop_location":499},1746,"09:00am Boat Departs for Hornstrandir",{"width":495,"height":495,"iconData":496,"iconName":497,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},24,"\u003Cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m4.8 17.194l-.597-3.343a2 2 0 0 1 1.326-2.246l.171-.058m0 0l5.658-1.92a2 2 0 0 1 1.284 0l5.658 1.92m-12.6 0v-3.8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h2.5m8.1 5.8l.171.058a2 2 0 0 1 1.326 2.246l-.597 3.342m-.9-5.646v-3.8a2 2 0 0 0-2-2h-2.5m-3.6 0h3.6m-3.6 0V4.8a1.8 1.8 0 0 1 3.6 0v.947M3 20.398c.647.658 2.222.844 3.725.217c1.032-.43 2.336-.441 3.391-.071a5.83 5.83 0 0 0 3.768 0c1.055-.37 2.359-.36 3.39.07c1.504.628 3.08.442 3.726-.216\"/>","mynaui:boat","The boat journey takes approximately one hour to get to Hesteyri after embarking from Ísafjörður. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the fjords from the deck, or head inside the cabin and warm up. ",{"id":408,"documentId":409,"name":410,"slug":411,"itinerary_description":19,"location_type":412},{"id":501,"itinerary_heading":502,"icon":503,"itinerary_description":506,"itinerary_stop_location":507},1747,"Arrive at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve",{"width":495,"height":495,"iconData":504,"iconName":505,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},"\u003Cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m4 7l13-3m-3 7V4.692M9 20V5.846M5 6.77V19a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h13a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-7a1 1 0 0 0-1-1H9m4 9v-4a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h1a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v4\"/>","mingcute:house-line","Once on shore, your guide will give an introduction to the history, wildlife and nature of Hornstrandir and the abandoned settlement of Hesteyri. ",{"id":470,"documentId":471,"name":472,"slug":473,"itinerary_description":477,"location_type":427},{"id":509,"itinerary_heading":510,"icon":511,"itinerary_description":514,"itinerary_stop_location":515},1748,"Hike to the abandoned Whaling Factory",{"width":495,"height":495,"iconData":512,"iconName":513,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},"\u003Cpath fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M13.5 5.5c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2s-.9-2-2-2s-2 .9-2 2s.9 2 2 2m4 5.28c-1.23-.37-2.22-1.17-2.8-2.18l-1-1.6c-.41-.65-1.11-1-1.84-1c-.78 0-1.59.5-1.78 1.44S7 23 7 23h2.1l1.8-8l2.1 2v6h2v-7.5l-2.1-2l.6-3c1 1.15 2.41 2.01 4 2.34V23H19V9h-1.5zM7.43 13.13l-2.12-.41a1 1 0 0 1-.79-1.17l.76-3.93a2 2 0 0 1 2.34-1.58l1.16.23z\"/>","ic:baseline-hiking","Your guide will lead the group on a 2 km (1.5 mi) hike along the Hesteyjrarfjörður fjord to the abandoned Whaling Station, surrounded by 360° of breathtaking views. The path takes you past the heart of the settlement, and through fields of native flora, which grow abundantly due to the absence of grazing sheep and invasive plant species, unlike the rest of the country.  On the way, you may encounter wild foxes or seals sun bathing on the rocky shores. At the Whaling Station, you'll learn about the history and have time to explore the area before heading back toward the village.",{"id":440,"documentId":441,"name":442,"slug":443,"itinerary_description":447,"location_type":427},{"id":517,"itinerary_heading":518,"icon":519,"itinerary_description":522,"itinerary_stop_location":523},1749,"Fish Soup at the Doctor's House",{"width":495,"height":495,"iconData":520,"iconName":521,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},"\u003Cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 11h16a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v.5c0 1.5-2.517 5.573-4 6.5v1a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H8a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-1c-1.687-1.054-4-5-4-6.5V12a1 1 0 0 1 1-1m8-7a2.4 2.4 0 0 0-1 2a2.4 2.4 0 0 0 1 2m4-4a2.4 2.4 0 0 0-1 2a2.4 2.4 0 0 0 1 2M8 4a2.4 2.4 0 0 0-1 2a2.4 2.4 0 0 0 1 2\"/>","tabler:soup","Læknishúsið, meaning The Doctor's House, was once a small medical center before the settlement's abandonment in 1952. It was revived in 1992 by Birna Hjaltalín Pálsdóttir who transformed the house into a cafe and guesthouse, serving as a relaxing base for hikers and travelers exploring the area. Here, your group will sit down for a light meal of fish soup and homemade bread. ",{"id":455,"documentId":456,"name":457,"slug":458,"itinerary_description":462,"location_type":427},{"id":525,"itinerary_heading":526,"icon":19,"itinerary_description":527,"itinerary_stop_location":528},1750,"Exploring the area","Between meals, you'll have the opportunity to relax, take pictures, search for wildlife and explore the surrounding area, or join your guide for more sightseeing.  Depending on the weather, trail conditions, and desires of the group, you'll either hike to a view point or waterfall, or go for a stroll along the shore. There is a possibility of doing all of these, if time allows.",{"id":423,"documentId":424,"name":425,"slug":426,"itinerary_description":432,"location_type":427},{"id":530,"itinerary_heading":531,"icon":532,"itinerary_description":535,"itinerary_stop_location":536},1751,"Pancakes & Coffee",{"width":495,"height":495,"iconData":533,"iconName":534,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},"\u003Cpath fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M18.5 3H6c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v5.71c0 3.83 2.95 7.18 6.78 7.29c3.96.12 7.22-3.06 7.22-7v-1h.5c1.93 0 3.5-1.57 3.5-3.5S20.43 3 18.5 3M16 5v3H6V5zm2.5 3H18V5h.5c.83 0 1.5.67 1.5 1.5S19.33 8 18.5 8M5 19h14c.55 0 1 .45 1 1s-.45 1-1 1H5c-.55 0-1-.45-1-1s.45-1 1-1\"/>","ic:round-coffee","Your group will head back to the Doctor's house for dessert, where you will be served Icelandic pancakes with coffee or tea.",{"id":455,"documentId":456,"name":457,"slug":458,"itinerary_description":462,"location_type":427},{"id":538,"itinerary_heading":539,"icon":540,"itinerary_description":541,"itinerary_stop_location":542},1752,"5:00pm Boat ride back to Ísafjörður",{"width":495,"height":495,"iconData":496,"iconName":497,"isSvgEditable":108,"isIconNameEditable":108},"Boat returns to pick up the group around 17/17:30 (5/5:30pm). Your guide will inform the group if there are any delays due to low tide or poor weather. ",{"id":423,"documentId":424,"name":425,"slug":426,"itinerary_description":432,"location_type":427},{"id":544,"time":545,"instructions":546,"specifics":547,"location":548},1600,"08:30:00","Your guide will meet the group **30 minutes** prior to start of the tour and ensure all participants are present before boarding the boat. (Specific location will be given upon booking.)","08:30am Meet at Ísafjörður Harbor",{"id":408,"documentId":409,"name":410,"slug":411,"location_type":412,"coordinates":413,"createdAt":414,"updatedAt":414,"publishedAt":415,"locale":12,"itinerary_description":19,"region":549},{"id":279,"documentId":280,"name":281,"createdAt":282,"updatedAt":283,"publishedAt":284,"locale":12,"slug":285},{"id":551,"metaTitle":552,"metaDescription":137,"keywords":553,"metaRobots":554,"metaViewport":19,"canonicalURL":555,"structuredData":556,"metaImage":568,"openGraph":569},1771,"The Arctic Ghost Town | Layover","Hornstrandir, abandoned settlement Iceland, ghost town Iceland, Westfjords day tour, Arctic fox, nature reserve hiking","index, follow","https://layover.is/tours/the-arctic-ghost-town",{"name":118,"@type":557,"offers":558,"@context":563,"provider":564,"tourType":567,"description":120},"TouristTrip",{"url":555,"@type":559,"price":560,"availability":561,"priceCurrency":562},"Offer","63100","https://schema.org/InStock","ISK","https://schema.org",{"url":565,"name":8,"@type":566},"https://layover.is","Organization","Day Tour",{"id":142,"documentId":143,"url":144,"alternativeText":132,"mime":30,"ext":31,"caption":145},{"id":570,"ogTitle":552,"ogDescription":137,"ogUrl":555,"ogType":571,"ogImage":572},814,"website",{"id":142,"documentId":143,"name":573,"alternativeText":132,"caption":145,"width":574,"height":575,"formats":576,"hash":605,"ext":31,"mime":30,"size":606,"url":144,"previewUrl":19,"provider":274,"provider_metadata":19,"createdAt":607,"updatedAt":608,"publishedAt":607,"focalPoint":19},"hesteyri_import_imm_whaling-factory2.jpg",5844,3854,{"large":577,"small":584,"medium":591,"thumbnail":598},{"ext":31,"url":578,"hash":579,"mime":30,"name":580,"path":19,"size":581,"width":246,"height":582,"sizeInBytes":583},"/uploads/large_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e.jpg","large_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e","large_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling-factory2.jpg",135.91,659,135909,{"ext":31,"url":585,"hash":586,"mime":30,"name":587,"path":19,"size":588,"width":254,"height":589,"sizeInBytes":590},"/uploads/small_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e.jpg","small_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e","small_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling-factory2.jpg",37.89,329,37885,{"ext":31,"url":592,"hash":593,"mime":30,"name":594,"path":19,"size":595,"width":262,"height":596,"sizeInBytes":597},"/uploads/medium_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e.jpg","medium_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e","medium_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling-factory2.jpg",79.99,494,79992,{"ext":31,"url":599,"hash":600,"mime":30,"name":601,"path":19,"size":602,"width":603,"height":270,"sizeInBytes":604},"/uploads/thumbnail_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e.jpg","thumbnail_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e","thumbnail_hesteyri_import_imm_whaling-factory2.jpg",10.16,237,10157,"hesteyri_import_imm_whaling_factory2_99be6a438e",3376.39,"2026-08-08T09:58:29.327Z","2026-08-09T13:50:05.053Z",{"pagination":610},{"page":111,"pageSize":112,"pageCount":111,"total":111},{"data":612,"body":613},{},{"type":614,"children":615},"root",[616,625,632,638,644,649,655],{"type":617,"tag":618,"props":619,"children":621},"element","h3",{"id":620},"overview",[622],{"type":623,"value":624},"text","Overview",{"type":617,"tag":626,"props":627,"children":629},"h4",{"id":628},"the-settlement",[630],{"type":623,"value":631},"The Settlement",{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":634,"children":635},"p",{},[636],{"type":623,"value":637},"Hornstrandir is known for its cliffs and Arctic foxes, but the reserve also holds something rarer: an intact record of a community that simply walked away. For nearly a century, a small settlement thrived at the edge of one of Iceland's most remote glacial fjords, complete with a doctor's residence, a school, a church, and a Norwegian-built whaling station. By 1952, the last families had left. Many buildings remain, and few of them now host travelers and hikers visiting Hornstrandir, while others are still summer homes that have been passed down through generations.",{"type":617,"tag":626,"props":639,"children":641},{"id":640},"the-exploration",[642],{"type":623,"value":643},"The Exploration",{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":645,"children":646},{},[647],{"type":623,"value":648},"The day begins with a boat crossing through the glacial fjords north of Ísafjörður, the Westfjords capital. You step ashore into a landscape where wildflowers have overtaken former farmland, Arctic foxes treat the old foundations as territory, and seals sunbathe on the rocky shores. The walking route covers roughly five kilometers (3 mi) through the settlement and its surroundings. You'll venture to the ruins of the whaling station with its lone standing chimney, enjoy soup and pancakes at the restored doctor's house, and visit the stone foundations where a church stood before being relocated in the 1960s. By the end of the day, you will have walked through one of the most complete abandoned settlements in the North Atlantic, a place where seventy years without human interference have preserved everything the residents left behind.",{"type":617,"tag":626,"props":650,"children":652},{"id":651},"the-local-difference",[653],{"type":623,"value":654},"The Local Difference",{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":656,"children":657},{},[658],{"type":623,"value":659},"Reaching this part of the reserve requires a boat and a crew that reads the landing conditions, which shift with every tide and weather system. Your guides have spent years running expeditions into these fjords and know the settlement's history down to individual foundations. This tour is for travelers who find empty buildings more compelling than crowded museums, and it is for those who want to enjoy pristine nature without feeling rushed.  It is not for anyone expecting boardwalks, wifi or interpretive signage.",{"data":661,"body":662},{},{"type":614,"children":663},[664,670],{"type":617,"tag":626,"props":665,"children":667},{"id":666},"included",[668],{"type":623,"value":669},"Included",{"type":617,"tag":671,"props":672,"children":673},"ul",{},[674,680,685,690],{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":676,"children":677},"li",{},[678],{"type":623,"value":679},"Guided boat crossing to and from the nature reserve",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":681,"children":682},{},[683],{"type":623,"value":684},"Walking tour through the abandoned settlement and surroundings",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":686,"children":687},{},[688],{"type":623,"value":689},"light, homemade early dinner (traditional fish soup & bread)",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":691,"children":692},{},[693],{"type":623,"value":694},"Icelandic pancake dessert & coffee or tea",{"data":696,"body":697},{},{"type":614,"children":698},[699,705],{"type":617,"tag":626,"props":700,"children":702},{"id":701},"what-to-bring",[703],{"type":623,"value":704},"What to bring",{"type":617,"tag":671,"props":706,"children":707},{},[708,713,718,723,728,733,738,743,748],{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":709,"children":710},{},[711],{"type":623,"value":712},"Waterproof jacket and pants",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":714,"children":715},{},[716],{"type":623,"value":717},"Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":719,"children":720},{},[721],{"type":623,"value":722},"Warm layers (expect 5–18°C with wind chill)",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":724,"children":725},{},[726],{"type":623,"value":727},"Gloves, beanie, warm socks, buff",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":729,"children":730},{},[731],{"type":623,"value":732},"Lunch, snacks and water bottle",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":734,"children":735},{},[736],{"type":623,"value":737},"Daypack",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":739,"children":740},{},[741],{"type":623,"value":742},"Sunglasses, sunscreen",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":744,"children":745},{},[746],{"type":623,"value":747},"Camera",{"type":617,"tag":675,"props":749,"children":750},{},[751],{"type":623,"value":752},"Motion sickness tablets for boat ride (if prone to getting seasick)",{"data":754,"body":755},{},{"type":614,"children":756},[757],{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":758,"children":759},{},[760],{"type":623,"value":311},{"data":762,"body":763},{},{"type":614,"children":764},[765],{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":766,"children":767},{},[768],{"type":623,"value":323},{"data":770,"body":771},{},{"type":614,"children":772},[773],{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":774,"children":775},{},[776],{"type":623,"value":777},"Our guide’s knowledge of the area really paid off. We saw arctic foxes multiple times, including playful fox kits playing on the rocks. We also spotted seals and learned about the local plant life, including which plants can be eaten and how to find blueberries and crow berries. When we stopped in the abandoned village, our guide shared the area’s history as we enjoyed fish soup, coffee, and pancakes at Læknishúsið (the Doctor's House). I only had a cell phone camera, but some of the other hikers who had nicer cameras shared their photos with me over lunch and they really got some great shots. I would say this is a great hike for nature photographers (or just people like me who want to see things either their eyes too). It was an easy hike.  As long as you are in decent shape and can walk about 5k, you should be fine.",{"data":779,"body":780},{},{"type":614,"children":781},[782],{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":783,"children":784},{},[785],{"type":623,"value":341},{"data":787,"body":788},{},{"type":614,"children":789},[790],{"type":617,"tag":633,"props":791,"children":792},{},[793],{"type":623,"value":349},1786626176397]