Hornbjarg, Basalt cliff in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland
Hornbjarg is a basalt cliff on the northern coast of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve reaching 534 meters high with steep slopes facing the Arctic Ocean. The formation features two distinct peaks, Kálfatindur and Jörundur, creating a dramatic natural fortress.
The cliffs are documented in medieval Icelandic manuscripts including Flateyjarbók, which contains a tale of a man who escaped death by catching wind currents. This ancient record shows how long this place has held significance in human memory.
The cliffs serve as breeding grounds for over 50 bird species including guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars that nest in large numbers. These bird colonies are visible and form the living center of this place.
Access requires boat transportation from Ísafjörður, available mainly during summer months when weather conditions permit. Winter access is not feasible due to harsh conditions and thorough planning is essential.
The cliffs are rarely visited due to their remote location and difficult access, making them a true wilderness experience. This isolation allows the bird colonies to breed completely undisturbed.
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