History at Hesteyri – Hornstrandir Visit

The small village of Hesteyri, reachable by a 70-minute boat ride from Ísafjörður, was abandoned between the late 1940s and early 1950s when its 80 former inhabitants decided to move away. Remnants of the town include an old doctor's house (which nowadays serves Icelandic refreshments to visitors) and a cemetery, making this a slightly eerie trip back through time. Generous mountain views and a feeling of utter tranquility add to the village's timeless appeal.

Ísafjörður (Isafjordur) is the largest town in Iceland's beautiful Westfjords, making it a perfect jumping off point for day trips around the region. The town itself, surrounded by dramatic scenery, also has a lot to offer in the way of historical value and opportunities to get out into nature. Located in the Westfjords of Iceland, Isafjordur is one of the most remote towns in the country. In the winter, the snowfall and winding roads make the region nearly inaccessible, but in the summer, the midnight sun turns this area into a magical place. The deep blue fjords, snow capped mountains and sweeping vistas of the ocean make this a gorgeous destination. Spend your time in town or stay in Isafjordur and check out guided sightseeing day tours, horseback riding, hikes or biking trips while you're there.