Hesteyri & Glacier Fjord Cruise
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Port
Isafjordur, Iceland
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$239.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Visit the abandoned village of Hesteyri, reached only by a 70-minute boat ride. The landscape in Jökulfirdir Fjord is very beautiful, with impressive, steep, snow-flecked mountains and quiet, secluded coves. In the late 1940s, all 80 inhabitants of Hesteyri village decided to move away. At the time, they were living without telephones, electricity or roads. By 1952, the village was completely abandoned.
Stroll through the village with your guide, enjoying traditional Icelandic refreshments at the old doctor's house. You will feel the distinctly eerie atmosphere of this unusual place where time has stood still.
Renowned Icelandic crime and thriller author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir wrote a fantastic ghost story, Ég Man Þig (I Remember You), set on Hesteyri Island. The story was recently made into a movie filmed on location here during the winter. During the tour you may be lucky enough to spot seals, arctic foxes and even whales.
Notes:
Due to Ísafjörður's remoteness and the scarcity of professional guides, all guiding is handled by locals; some are not professional, but all have great experience in guiding and extensive knowledge of the area. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Terrain includes gravel paths, uneven surfaces, and a marine ramp from the pier to the boat, which can be very steep at low tide. Tour requires a 200-yard walk from the ship to where the tour boat is docked. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Suitable for guests with mobility limitations with a companion to assist. Restrooms are not available on the boat. The boat portion of the tour is unguided. The sighting of wildlife is not guaranteed.