Hornbjarg Bird Cliffs, Iceland Cruises

Hornbjarg Bird Cliffs, Iceland Cruise Port

Located on the northern tip of the Hornstrandir Peninsula, Hornbjarg is a cliff in northwestern Iceland. The seaward side is almost a complete drop-off into the Arctic Ocean while the landward side offers a steady incline creating a brisk yet manageable hike to the top. The cliff itself is rather isolated and is only accessible by foot or boat. As the name implies, this is an opportune spot for bird watching many distinct species of seabird. The peninsula is located in an area called the Westfjords, which is tucked away among numerous glaciers including the massive Drangajokull. Like the rest of the region, it sits on an ancient basaltic plateau where the oldest rocks in all of Iceland can be found. The surrounding area supports over 260 species of flowering plants and ferns. A number of these species are quite rare because there are absolutely no sheep in the area to disrupt their growth.  

• For the best views atop the cliff, Breioanef’s highest point stands at almost 1,800 feet above sea level. Needless to say, this is a popular bragging spot for many hikers.
   
• While not located on the Bird Cliffs, Hornbjarg Lighthouse is actually a few miles to the south, is in working order, and offers its own unique view of the surrounding area.
   
• Drangajokull is one of the largest glaciers around with an area of roughly 330 miles. It also has numerous glacial tongues and unlike many glaciers, hasn’t suffered a decline in mass in the past few years.
   
• Birding remains one of the peninsula’s major activities because of the many distinct species including: alcids, penguins, puffin monks, kittiwakes, guillemots, and billed Murres.