Organized Tours in Hornstrandir Nature Preserve

If you'd like a private guide instead of a group tour, contact the Ísafjörður information center, which keeps a list of licensed guides.

West Tours, Aðalstræti 7, Ísafjörður (tel. 456-5111; www.westtours.is), the most reputable tour operator in the Westfjords, offers scheduled day tours to Hesteyri (9 hr.; 18,900kr) and Hornvík (12 hr.; 32,900kr), guided day hikes from Sæból (in Aðalvík) to Hesteyri (12 hr.; 25,850kr), and spectacular 4-day, 3-night camping expeditions to Hornvík (82,000kr).

Iceland's premier hiking organization, Ferðafélag Íslands, Mörkin 6, Reykjavík (tel. 568-2533; www.fi.is), leads a variety of Hornstrandir trips even into October.

Borea Adventures, Hlíðarvegur 38, Ísafjörður (tel] 899-3817; www.boreaadventures.com), offers marvelous 6-day Hornstrandir trips aboard its 18m (60-ft.) racing yacht. Participants alight from the yacht for kayaking, observing wildlife, or, in winter, backcountry skiing. Prices range from 144,375kr to 157,500kr ($2,310-$2,520/£1,155-£1,260), including food and equipment.