Enchanting scenescapes like the Blue Mountains of Vopnafjörður and charming village of Heimaey make this a journey that inspires the imagination. An overnight stay in Reykjavík gives you the opportunity to explore the renowned city more deeply and experience its nightlife, like the possibility of seeing the enchanting Northern Lights
In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever.Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill..
Tales of sea monsters and sorcerers, bold and beautiful peaks, and charming pubs abound in Patreksfjörður, sitting amid the extraordinary Westfjords. Trek the beach at Rauðisandur (translating to Red Sands). Named for their golden-red hue, these sands create a stunning scene as they meet the bright blue waters. From Patreksfjörður you can also venture to the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall, the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords. Visit the neighboring village of Hólmavík, home of the world-famous Icelandic Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery.
The village center of Sauðárkrókur is quite charming, with a small collection of distinctive, traditional buildings. Located in a fertile valley along the southwestern shore of Skagafjörður – where you’ll find large, glacial rivers – it calls out to the spirit of exploration. It’s also a gateway to Malmey Island, Drangey Island and Lundey Island (or Puffin Island). For a more in-depth view of the ingenuity and craftsmanship that was born in this remote location, visit the Minjahúsið Folk Museum. If you’re interested in birdwatching, head to the southern shores of Áshildarholtsvatn Lake. The locals frequently update information boards with the species currently hanging around the area.
The town of Húsavík sits on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay, known around the world as the Whale Capital of Iceland. Skjálfandi Bay also offers incredible bird watching opportunities. There you can observe an Atlantic puffin colony where thousands of these charming “clowns of the ocean” nest during the summer. Take the illustrious Arctic Coast route that winds through the incredible fjords along Iceland’s northern coastline. Unwind with a dip in the geothermal waters of the GeoSea Spa.
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
You will be awestruck by the untouched beauty of nature and warmed by the culture of the small town of Vopnafjörður. If you promise to resist the temptation of taking a stone, be sure to visit Skjólfjörur Beach, with a rocky shore of colorful stones that capture the eye. Fish in the same salmon-rich rivers that the Prince of Wales and the late President George Bush frequented. For a true local experience, seek out the remote riverside swimming pool Selárdalslaug. Vopnafjörður is also the gateway to the Blue Mountains, otherwise known as Bláfjöll, home to the most popular skiing slopes in Iceland
Although remote and small – with only about 400 people living there – you still find the village of Djúpivogur lively with cafés, restaurants and shops. Explore the cultural center with exhibits of incredible sculptures, local craftspeople with studios and quirky outdoor galleries. Dominating the landscape is the pyramid-shaped peak Búlandstindur, one of the most beautiful mountains in Iceland. For a true off-the-beaten-path experience, make your way to the uninhabited island of Papey, just off the coast of Djúpivogur…
Say halló to volcanoes, lava fields, caves, and mountains in the fascinating island of Heimaey – literally translated as Home Island. Part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (Westman Islands), this destination offers views of lush cliffsides and classic Icelandic architecture that will take your breath away. Built around the remains of an excavated home buried by ash during Eldfell’s eruption you’ll find the Eldheimar Museum, which offers an excellent audio guide that takes you through the home and describes the history and events before, during and after the eruption. One of the most iconic landmarks of Vestmannaeyjar, Elephant Rock, lies just off the south coast of Iceland. And there’s no need to squint to see it, because from every angle, you can see a gargantuan elephant in the middle of the sea.
Your cruise ends in Reykjavík. Make sure there is sufficient time before you begin your journey home to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík’s regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
My voyage was great. All of the logistics worked out perfectly, right down to the correct size of allocated wellington boots!
I enjoyed Spitsbergen. The wildlife was like nothing I have ever seen before (polar bear, puffins, reindeer, birdlife). I still get a thrill every time we cruise around in Zodiacs and the glaciers were quite spectacular. Looking back at my photo’s reminds me of how astonishing the scenery is in Spitsbergen. The crew were great, and it was nice to meet up again with some familiar faces on board.
June 23, 2018
My trip in June to Svalbard was one of the high spots of my life. I am a wildlife devotee and green supporter so for years I have had a huge conflict about pursuing the former without transgressing the latter too much. Somehow, this cruise felt right – Ice Tracks and the entire ship’s crew are really conscientious about their environmental impact and told us about it – very reassuring. I loved the zodiac trips out right up to huge glaciers – one of which we saw calving – and onto the land where we trekked and got a real sense of the presence of polar bears – their tracks and where they’s scrambled out of the water onto the snow. We saw all 3 land mammals of the Arctic – wonderful birds including King Eiders – a bird high up on all birders’ ‘must see’ list, and whales including a Beluga with two calves, swimming so close to us!
I was travelling on my own – but everyone was very sociable and I was never on my own for long. The on board staff were always kind, helpful and hugely knowledgeable. A brilliant trip.
June 20, 2018
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