2013 Iceland - Greenland
Borea Adventures is a small adventure company based in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords of Iceland. The company is owned and operated by people who are passionate about the outdoors, in particular the spectacular nature and fascinating cultures of the regions bordering the Arctic Circle. It is a passion we love to share, by providing access for people to these remote areas on our fun-filled and safe adventure trips and expeditions in Iceland and Greenland. „Where the glacier meets the sky, the land ceases to be earthly, and the earth becomes one with the heavens; no sorrows live there any more, and therefore joy is not necessary; beauty alone reigns there, beyond all demands“ Halldor Laxness, World Light 1940. Borea Adventures adheres to the principles of low impact, sustainable tourism. Our trips are “silent”, since we try to minimize the use of any kind of noisy and polluting engines. Indeed, we like to encourage physical activity, suited to all levels of ability, from easy sailing and hiking through to exhilarating action sports. We rely on local knowledge and respect local culture. In fact, we take great pride in using only guides with a thorough knowledge of the local nature and history. Our priority is to guarantee our guests an enjoyable wilderness experience, in perfect harmony with the natural environment that supports us all. Borea Adventures offers a variety of fascinating trips, but we can also customize trips for groups looking to put together their own itinerary for a unique adventure in the Northern Wilderness. Borea Adventures Aðalstræti 22b +354 456 3322 400 Isafjordur Iceland www.BoreaAdventures.com info@BoreaAdventures.com
t few can touch or be The wilderness are in us all bu gi and Runar for letting touched by it. Thank you Sig s and perhaps for Aurora expanding our horizon Brian, Ireland letting us look into our souls.
Winter
Adventures 2013
Iceland is a wonderland in the winter. With clear and crisp air and snow covered mountains, the nature invites you to enjoy the perfect winter adventure. Imagine standing on a secluded mountain top with only your travel companions there to share the moment. At night the northern lights race across the sky and you feel the beauty of mother earth. Borea offers trips in late winter when days are getting longer and the weather more stable. Our sailboat skiing adventures are very popular and new on offer is six days skiing trips based in our restored KvĂar farm. The winter camp trip is the perfect introduction to ski touring and mountaineering in the winter.
Yacting
Skiing
This was such an awesome adventure! Skiing, sailing, snowkiting, swimming, singing & hanging with everyone. Ken, USA.
Backcountry Boat Skiing Remote fjord skiing and local cuisine on board the sailing yacht AURORA Dates: Every Monday from March 18th until May 25th 2013, arrive back to port on Saturdays in the late afternoon in time for the last flight back to Reykjavik. Two early departures are on Sunday March 24th and April 28th with arrivals back in port on Fridays March 29th and May 3rd. These departures coincide with the Easter Weekend music festival and Fossavatn Ski Marathon on May 4th.
Price: ISK 249,000 (Minimum 4 and maximum 10 participants)
The Icelandic spring is a prime time for skiing and on this trip we head for the backcountry in the beautiful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Here we ski between remote fjords, anchoring our mobile “Backcountry Hut” Aurora in a different spot every night. Many of the mountains and ridges have never been skied before, so don’t expect to wait in some frustrating line before cruising down the mountain of your choice, from summit down to sea level! There are many different mountains to ski (some up to 800 meters drop), and we plan our routes to accommodate people of all abilities and interests. We also carry a few sea kayaks on the yacht and people are free to take a break from skiing and do some kayaking as well. We´ll more or less only stay on board the sailing yacht Aurora at anchor, so don´t be afraid of sea sickness. It´s never a problem. The delicious and mouth watering food served is well deserved after a long day of skiing.
Included: All food, accommodation onboard, use of sailing clothing and safety gear, professional guiding and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
Boat Ride
Kvíar Lodge
Many thanks for the wonderful days . It’s not just about skiing but the overall experience , just amazing! I will never forget the funny days and the great outdoor activity we had. Ferdinand, Germany
Skiing
Kvíar Ski Lodge - NEW! World class skiing during the day, cozy dinner by the fire at the evenings Dates: April 22nd – 27th April 29th – May 4th May 6th – 11th May 11th – 18th May 20th – 25th
Price: ISK 219,000 (Minimum 4 and maximum 14 participants)
Borea has opened up a lodge in the center of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. We tunerd the beautiful abandoned farm of Kvíar into a cozy but rugged haven for adventurers to enjoy great atmosphere after a great day out. The house was built in 1921 and in 1948, the last inhabitants left this isolated place in search for a better life. Though not many people would want to live there permanently, Kvíar is a great getaway and the perfect stepping stone for our trips both in winter and summer. We use our comfortable speed boat Bjarnarnes to shuttle us to the best skiing locations in the area. At the end of the day, the speed boat picks the group up and takes it back to Kvíar where mouth-watering dinner awaits. The house has three rooms upstairs and two downstairs plus a living room. The kitchen, storage and drying room is in the cellar. We promise that you will return home with great memories after a week far away from modern amenities.
Included: All food, boat transfer, accommodation, professional guide and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
Skiing
Guesthouse
Camping
Amazing adventure with fantastic explorers. Memories are so important and I will never forget this trip. Paolo, USA.
Hot Spring
Northern Lights Winter Camp Introduction to Arctic winter camping under the Northern Lights Dates:
Located just below the Arctic circle, the West Fjords of Iceland are an ideal playground for winter travel. This winter trip is intended to give people with little or no previous experience of winter touring an opportunity to learn the skills in a safe and fun environment.
March 27th – 30th April 3rd – 6th April 17th – 20th April 30 – May 3 th
rd
Price: ISK 99,000 (Minimum 4 and maximum 8 participants)
Even if we are in real Arctic environment, we are still relatively close to nearest settlements in case the weather gets challenging. We will spend the first day on the remote Korpudalur farm which has been converted to a comfortable guesthouse. We will then head on into the mountains and use two days to cross an easy mountain range over to Heydalur valley where we will finish the trip with a nice dip into a natural, outdoor, geothermal pool and good dinner at the farm guesthouse in the valley. This is prime time to see the Northern Lights racing across the sky.
Included: All food and fuel during the course, accommodation in guesthouses during program, guiding and instructions, use of tents, stoves, ice axes, crampons, ropes, harnesses etc and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
Summer
Adventures 2013
The summer around the the Arctic circle is the time when nature springs back to life after the long winter. The air is filled with the scent of the summer flora and the sea. Days are long with the sun just touching the horizon at midnight. Birds fly back and forth with its prey for their youngsters in the big cliffs and seals play outside the shores. Welcome to the wilderness of Iceland. Borea offers a broad selection of adventure trips where the natural habitat is the key to a great experience. No matter if you’re looking for easy hiking or kayaking the calm waters, or exciting climbs or multi-day sea kayaking and camping.
Yacting
Hiking
The most wonderful trip, perfect weather, blue skies, whales, seals, porpoises, so many birds & the arctic fox appearing on cue. Francesca, UK.
Sea Kayaking Sightseeing
Hornstrandir Wild Life Yacht based expedition to experience the wildlife and culture through sailing, hiking and kayaking Dates: June 10th - 15th June 24th - 29th July 1st - 6th
Price: ISK 179,900 (Minimum 4 and maximum 10 participants)
Included: All food onboard and during day activities (except alcohol), accommodation onboard, use of sailing clothing (Gore-Tex jacket and pants), guiding, kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and life jacket) and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offers adventure seekers the perfect opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Situated on the NW tip of Iceland, the area has been uninhabited for more than 60 years and the only way to get there is by boat. On this trip we’ll use our expedition sailing yacht Aurora as mother ship and experience new things every day and anchor in a new magical place each night. You will find lush valleys filled with wild flowers, beautiful sandy beaches, deep fjords and towering cliffs. Great hiking and walking routes wind their way between the desolated fjords and bays, with spectacular views from the mountains to the sea. The island of Vigur is a very unique place where man and nature have coexisted in balance and harmony and where thousands of birds such as Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots come to breed during the short summer. Hesteyri has rich history and here are oportunities for wonderful hikes such as over to Aðalvík bay to the north. From here we will sail along the northern capes to the spectacular landscape of Hornvík bay. Here are two of the largest bird-cliffs in Iceland with the world’s largest colonies of Guillemots but also major populations of Kittiwake, Razorbill and Fulmars. This is also the kingdom of the Arctic Fox and the only place in Iceland where they are fully protected, leaving them fairly relaxed around human visitors. We believe that time spent exploring the Hornstrandir will leave you fascinated and inspired
Yacting
Hiking
Sea Kayaking Wildlife
Sightseeing
Thank you so much for an absolutely incredible trip! Each day the views were more and more spectacular. Thank you for being so flexible and allowing us to hike, kayak or relax whenever we wanted. The food has been amazing and the company great! I hope to return on another trip with you. Melissa, USA.
Hornstrandir – Nature in Abundance Four days of sailing, hiking and birdlife Dates: July 8th – July 11th July 13th – July 16th July 18th – July 21st
Price: ISK 109,000 (Minimum 4 and maximum 10 participants)
Included: All food onboard and during day activities (except alcohol), accommodation onboard,use of sailing clothing (Gore-Tex jacket and pants), guiding, kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and life jacket) and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
The Hornstrandir nature reserve is a place of majestic, natural beauty with an abundance of wild life. This adventure is the perfect choice for travelers that want to experience as much they can in a short time. Using our sailboat Aurora, we can cover a lot of ground and make shore landings wherever we want. Here we include three unique locations for hiking, sea kayaking and wildlife: the bird island Vigur, the abandoned village of Hesteyri and Lónafjörður fjord. The island of Vigur is a very unique place where man and nature have coexisted in balance and harmony and where thousands of birds such as Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots come ashore to breed during the short summer. Hesteyri has rich history and it’s like time has stopped when last inhabitants left around 70 years ago. We will cruise the Jökulfirðir (Glacier Fjords) bay, sail past the Drangajökull icecap and anchor in the lovely Lónafjörður fjord. Here are great options for hiking and kayaking and to quietly observe the Seals and Arctic Foxes playing or the rare White Tailed Eagle soaring above. Hornstrandir is a captivating place leaving you with fabulous memories and the dream of returning once again.
Boat Ride
Hiking
Camping
You guys have a really special thing going here – and your love and respect for the mountains and nature is inspiring. Thanks especially for your hard work, great guiding and flexibility. Brian, USA.
Sightseeing
Lost Fjords - NEW! Wild hiking between the bays and fjords of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve Dates: July 15th – 20th July 29th – August 3rd August 12th – 17th
Price: ISK 159,900 (Minimum 4 and maximum 16 participants)
Included: Boat ride into the nature reserve, all meals for 6 days (except breakfast on day one and dinner on day six), tents, cooking gear and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
The Hornstrandir nature reserve is a place of magnificent untouched beauty and wildlife. The sheer basalt mountains stretch from the sea to the sky chaotically divided by deep fjords, secluded alcoves and valleys. At the coastline the relentless power of the ocean has molded towering sea cliffs richly populated by birds and many of the alcoves and scurries of the coast are home to an abundance of seals. Inland the crawling glaciers of the last ice age have hewn ancient mountain passes and lakes into the rugged peninsula and there the arctic fox wanders in its natural environment. At the settlement of Iceland and until the middle of the 20th century the area was populated by the toughest of Icelandic fishermen and craftsmen. Many of them making their livelihood from crafting unsurpassed vessels for the North Atlantic Ocean. Hornstrandir is now empty of permanent settlers but their abandoned homes and workshops are scattered around the area, nestled deep in the fjords and valleys. You can be sure that trekking through the Hornstrandir will leave you amazed and packed with memories that will last a lifetime.
Boat Ride
Kvíar Lodge
Camping
Hiking
Sightseeing
Awesome country and landscapes, excellent local „cuisine“, very nice crew, dedicated to make discover the Iceland way of life. Galdric, France
Trekking Fjords and Birdcliffs - NEW! Enjoy the luxury of hiking light between the most beautiful places in the Nature Reserve Dates:
During this trip you will experience spectacular scenery and challenging hikes while not compromising in comfort and great food!
July 8th – 13th
We spend two nights at our old and rugged Kvíar Lodge where we have the chance to take day hikes in the surrounding fjords, paddle a kayak or even fish for arctic char. On day three we will take an 8-hour hike to the heart of Hornstrandir, Hornvík itself.
July 22nd – 27th August 5th – 10th August 12th – 17th
Price: ISK 169,000 (Minimum 4 and maximum 16 participants)
Included: Local guide, boat ride, accommodation, tents, cooking gear, food for 6 days (except breakfast on day one and dinner last day) and transport to and from Ísafjörður airport.
Hornvik Bay is the favorite place of many travelers in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The jaw dropping beauty of the mountains and high cliffs, the amazing vegetation, curious arctic foxes and seals sunbathing on rocks outside the beach. With comfortable tents and food supplies waiting for us, we’ll then have two full days exploring two of the largest bird cliffs in Iceland. On the last day we’ll hike back to the fjord system to take the boat back to civilization.
Boat Ride
Sea Kayaking Camping
Sightseeing
Thanks for the trip of a lifetime. Iceland is gorgeous, your hospitality wonderful and many many memories. You´re the best! Paul, Canada.
Hot Pools Kayaking Islands, wildlife and hot pools blended with local culture Dates: July 1st – 5th July 22nd – July 26th
Price: ISK 159,900 (Minimum 4 and maximum 8 participants)
Included: All food (except breakfast on day one and dinner last day), tents, cooking gear, transfer to and from Ísafjörður airport, boat or car transfer on first and last day of the trip kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and bottoms, life jacket and dry bags).
This trip is the perfect introduction to multi-day kayaking. We’ll visit beautiful islands and enjoy the midnight sun in at least two geothermal pools in the area. The Bay of Ísafjarðardjúp is the ideal place for kayakers of all levels that want to spend time in the wilderness but still close to civilization. The bay stretches 60 kilometers inland with numerous interesting places to explore either by kayak or on foot. We make camps in exclusive places where mountains and waterfalls make the perfect backdrop, with views over the sea and distant fjords that can’t be beat. The history is rich in this part of the Westfjords where stories of sorcery, hard life and interesting people is connected with every hill you see.
Boat Ride
Sea Kayaking Camping
Sightseeing
Many thanks for a great trip. Too short to discover your awesome country. Hope to be back soon for other adventures. Benoit, France.
Paddle in the Wild Fjords, bays, pristine wilderness and great camping Dates: June 10th – 15th July 8th – 13th August 5th – 10thth
Price: ISK 189,000 (Minimum 4 and maximum 8 participants)
Included: All food (except breakfast on day one and dinner last day), tents, cooking gear, transfer to and from Ísafjörur airport, boat or car transfer on first and last day of the trip and kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and bottoms, life jacket and dry bags).
During this kayaking adventure you will venture through Jökulfirðir (Glacier Fjords) a unique area in Iceland with its pristine fjords and sheltered valleys where nature took over about 70 years ago when the last inhabitants left. The area is rarely visited and only few summer houses remain in some bays. We begin the trip in the old village of Hesteyri where boats are loaded before paddling to Lónafjörður, surely one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland. The steep mountains and the surprisingly lush valley of Rangali is the perfect locale for agreat sleep. The trip continues for the next five days with a visits to a seal colony, glacier filled valley, paddling under steep cliffs, camping near Möngufoss waterfall and island hopping in Æðey and Vigur island. There is also a good chance of seeing whales spouting in the distance. This trip is intended for adventurers with some kayaking experience and they need to be in overall good physical condition to be able to enjoy the trip in full. Nights will be spent in good and comfortable tents. This trip takes place in a more isolated area than the Hot Pools Kayaking trip and is a bit more challenging.
Boat Ride
Sea Kayaking Camping
Sightseeing
The Pearls of Hornstrandir - NEW! 11 days of expedition sea kayaking in isolated bays and under sheer birdcliffs Dates July 30th – August 9th
Price: Only ISK 239,900 (Minimum 4 and maximum 8 participants) This expedition is only for experienced paddlers with few long trips under their belt who can safely paddle in rough water.
Included: All food (except breakfast on day one and dinner last day), tents, cooking gear, transfer to and from Ísafjörður airport, boat or car transfer on first and last day of the trip and kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and bottoms, life jacket and dry bags).
This trip is a true trial expedition where we´re offering people the chance to break new grounds for future adventurers with all its joys and challenges. The nature reserve of Hornstrandir at the edge of the Arctic Circle, offers adventurous paddle along its magical coastline that is very rarely visited by humans. This is the place where the high latitude midnight sun gives us the chance to paddle in the golden hours where day and night merge into one and the water turns to glass. The sheer cliffs of Hornbjarg and Hælavíkubjarg; two of the biggest in the Atlantic, rise from the water and the noise from millions of sea birds fills the air. The whole nature reserve has been uninhabited for over 50 years. Nature has taken over and the only sounds you´ll hear are from streams running, bird rookeries, waves breaking on the shores and the arctic fox protecting its territory.
Yacting
Hiking
Sea Kayaking Wildlife
Culture
Sightseeing
Thanks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Great food, great boat, great conversation! The whole trip was fun, fun, fun. Even when the going was rough, the combination of kayaking, sailing & gourmet eating can´t be beat. Ken, USA
East Greenland - The Forbidden Coast 15 days expedition sea kayaking and hiking through the wildest landscape in the world Dates: July 27th – August 10th
Price: ¤ 4.450 (Minimum 4 and maximum 9 participants)
Included: All food onboard and during day activities (except alcohol), accommodation onboard,use of sailing clothing (Gore-Tex jacket and pants), guiding, kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and life jacket).
The stretch of coast between Angmagssalik and Scoresby Sound is considered one of the most difficult in Greenland; in much of this area the mountains rise almost vertically from the sea to form a narrow bulwark, with rifts through which active glaciers discharge quantities of ice. Here are the highest mountains in the Arctic and some of the longest and most ice-filled fjords - here the Polar Bear and Narwal rule unchallenged. This is a place that only a few hardy adventurers in the annals of Arctic exploration have ever deigned to challenge (and some of them died in the process). Borea Adventures has been exploring this area for many years and in 2013 we are doing one exclusive expedition to this spectacular place – only nine seats will be available. We will sail from Isafjordur in NW Iceland on our sturdy expedition yacht AURORA, cross the Denmark Strait and make landfall on the southern edge of the Blosseville coast. From here we will make our way south to the Angmagssalik area and visit many beautiful locations on the way such as Nansen fjord, Kangerdlugssuaq fjord, Nigertuluk and Kangertigtivatsiaq fjords. Each night we will stay in a safe anchorage and there will always be opportunities to explore on foot or on kayak. The trip will end in the village of Kulusuk where our guests will catch their flight back to Reykjavik. This is an expedition suitable for anyone looking for a true adventure off the beaten path.
Yacting
Hiking
Sea Kayaking
Wildlife
Culture
Sightseeing
I really appreciated your sense of exploration, discovery of varous aspects of Greenland and constant sense of adventure. Thanks for creating a wonderful change in my life. Diana, USA
East Greenland – Arctic Fjordscapes 8 days of culture, fjords, icebergs, wildlife and history Dates August 29th – Sept 5th Sept 7th – 14th
Price: ¤ 2.650 (Minimum 4 and maximum 10 participants)
Included: All food onboard and during day activities (except alcohol), accommodation onboard,use of sailing clothing (Gore-Tex jacket and pants), guiding, kayaking gear (boat, paddle, dry-suit top and life jacket).
The east coast of Greenland is an awesome wilderness. With more than 2,600 kilometres of coastline sparsely populated by only 3,500 people in small towns and settlements, this is the Arctic with all its breathtaking beauty and striking scenery. This trip is suitable for anyone interested in experiencing the magic of late summer in Greenland onboard our expedition sailing yacht the Aurora. Cruising in the sheltered ice-filled fjords of the Angmagssalik area, we welcome people of all ages and with varying interests. Some like to explore by kayak or on foot whilst others simply like to observe nature from the yacht or immerse themselves in the culture of the local people. We will sail the big Sermilik ice-fjord, walk the streets of Tasiilaq and cruise the sounds and channels between the villages of Tiniteqilaq, Kummiut and Sermiligaq. We stop at the abandoned WW2 military base Bluie East 2 and spend nights in spectacular, remote anchorages. This is early autumn in the Arctic and the northern lights will surely light up the night sky for us. We can feel the winter approaching and it is quite possible to see a sprinkle of fresh snow on the mountain tops. The trips start and end in the village of Kulusuk. Here are daily flights to Iceland and other parts of Greenland
Hornstrandir Boat Service - NEW! Day trips to the wild Hornstrandir region Borea offer exciting day trips to Hornstrandir on our new and comfortable speed boat Bjarnarnes. The boat takes 18 passengers and can travel fast and safely to all the beautiful bays and fjords in the nature reserve. Both scheduled and customized trips are available.
Summer Itinerary Trip Mon Glacier Fjords Circle* Aðalvík Bay
Tue Wed 9:00
14:00
Glacier Fjords Circle*
Thu Fri Sat 9:00
14:00
17:00
Sun 9:00
14:00
17:00
17:00
Price (ISK) 6-9.000 6.500 6-9.000
Day in Hesteyri - Full day where you explore on our own. Lunch included
13.990
Jökulfirðir Panorama - Great guided trip with lunch and dinner included
29.990
*Stop over in Grunnavík, Hesteyri and Veiðileysufjörður. Other destinations on request.
Bræðraborg Café Our new coffee house and booking center Opening hours:
On offer:
The center of the company is for sure Bræðraborg coffee house, bar and adventure base in downtown Ísafjörður. Almost all of our trips and expeditions start or end in Bræðraborg. All sorts of delicacies are on offer throughout the day, from breakfast, lunch, cakes and coffee and dinner in the evenings for groups. All goods on offer is made in-house from organic and local ingredients whenever possible.
Exciting trips, both short and long, coffee and cakes, lunch and great atmosphere!
Bræðraborg is also a popular place for locals and adventure seekers to meet before or after their great adventures in the Westfjords. You can also drop in for few beers in the evenings.
9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and 9:00 to 1:00 AM Fri and Sat.
Welcome to Bræðraborg Café!
Day Trips from Ísafjörður Captivating Mountains, Untouched Wilderness and Pristine Waters Ísafjörður is the mecca for day trips in the Westfjords of Iceland. Our small and picturesque town nestled between rugged mountains offers unique opportunities for all sorts of outdoor pursuits. With the domestic airport only a few minutes away from our office, you can fly in and out on the same day and still manage to have an exciting adventure! Our day trips vary in length, some are 3 hours and others can be up to 13 hours. Each trip varies in difficulty and there is something to suit everyone’s interest and capabilities. Visit the Borea website, www.borea.is, for further information.
Borea Adventures
Aðalstræti 22b
|
400 Ísafjörður
|
Iceland
+354 456 3322 | www.BoreaAdventures.com | info@BoreaAdventures.com