Iceland's Westfjords - In Search of the Arctic Fox

Summary

Iceland’s western coastline is the country’s most inaccessible region; however, it is arguably its most beautiful. The Westfjords region occupies approximately one-fifth of Iceland’s total landmass but is home to just over 7,000 people, making it the most sparsely populated region in the country. It is for this reason that the wildlife of the Westfjords thrives, being home to the largest population of Arctic Fox in the country, concentrated within the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the north. Accessible only by boat, and with no permanent human settlement since the 1950s, the reserve was set up in 1975 to enforce the protection and conservation of Iceland’s only terrestrial mammal. Due to the lack of persecution, individuals here are more approachable than anywhere else in Iceland, and we’ll dedicate time to searching for these beautiful creatures. During our time here we will also enjoy Iceland’s many other creatures, including Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise and White-beaked Dolphin from a dedicated cetacean-watching boat trip, as well as a variety of seabirds, waders and waterfowl, all in bright breeding plumage, set within the spectacular scenery of Iceland’s Westfjords.