Wonders & Wildlife of Iceland

Reykjavik is renowned as the perfect starting point for experiencing the Golden Circle Tour, visiting three remarkable locations: Thingvellir National Park, a keystone of Icelandic geological history; the Geysir geothermal area, home to the impressive Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes; and Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most picturesque and impressive in Iceland. You will also have opportunities to take a dip in the soothing waters of the geothermal pools of the nearby Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

From its picturesque location nestled deep within the west of Iceland, Grundarfjörður is surrounded by magnificent wildlife, including puffins, Arctic terns and eiders. Grundarfjörður itself is sprinkled with vibrantly colourful houses, many of which reflect the town’s love of nature. Views of the glacier-covered Snæfellsjökull volcano glistening in the sun can be seen from hiking trails throughout the park’s lush valleys and dramatic lava fields, while a snowcat adventure to the top of Snæfellsjökull Glacier, towering 1,446m above sea level, is not to be missed. A tour to Helgafell, a small, sacred mountain steeped in folklore, where legend has it that a quiet climb to the top may grant three wishes can be enjoyed on a tour from your ship.

Renowned for being the westernmost point of Iceland, the towering cliffs of Látrabjarg are home to vast numbers of seabirds, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in the world, which you will be able to see from the decks of your ship as you sail past. Along with large populations of razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars, during the summer months, you will also be lucky enough to witness puffin colonies burrowed along the cliff edges. You can also admire views of volcanic sand beaches from your ship and discover that Látrabjarg was the site of a dramatic rescue of sailors in the mid-20 th century.

Renowned for its spectacular fjords, mountains, and valleys, Ísafjörður is a delight to explore in the summer months. Enjoy Ísafjörður from the unique perspective of the fjord on a kayak or guided boat trip. You’ll also have the chance to visit the spectacular waterfall at Dynjandi, which flows down the mountainside, spreading out like a bride’s veil. Meanwhile, enjoy sampling traditional Icelandic dishes, particularly freshly caught seafood, or local specialities like dried fish and stew.

Located in the far-flung corner of Iceland, Vigur is a remote island in the Westfjords, with a history dating back to the original settlement of Iceland. This tiny, peaceful island offers a charming glimpse into traditional Icelandic life as home to just a single farming family. From the decks of your ship, you’ll spot Iceland’s only windmill, turf-roofed houses and Europe’s smallest post office. Vigur is also alive with birdlife – puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots and eider ducks’ nest here in their thousands . Today, the island is both a working heritage farm and a protected nature reserve, where the preservation of its history and wildlife remains at the heart of daily life.

Husavik is well-known for its exceptional whale-watching opportunities, as the bay it sits within is rich in marine life, and during the summer months it’s possible to see a wide variety of whale species. For nature lovers, a hike around the tranquil trails of the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon in Vatnajökull National Park is the perfect way to experience the sheer vastness of Iceland, and witness the thundering waters of Dettifoss Waterfall. Meanwhile, the volcanic lakes of nearby Myvatn offer numerous natural attractions, including the warming waters of the Nature Baths, pseudo-craters, and a rich diversity of birdlife. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and enjoy exploring the landscapes on a traditional Icelandic horse.

The Arctic Circle crosses at the northernmost point on Grimsey Island, Iceland – the only part of the country which lies within the Arctic Circle, a tiny island which is home to millions of seabirds, including Arctic terns and puffins. The incredible Midnight Sun can be seen here during the summer months.

The natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun occurs north of the Arctic Circle where the sun remains above the horizon, and is therefore visible at midnight, meaning that it never sets in this part of the world during the summer months. Many towns and cities in Northern Norway experience the Midnight Sun casting a yellow glow onto their coastlines and mountain peaks, as the sunlight dapples like in early evening, before brightening again for the following day.

The picturesque town on Seyðisfjörður is surrounded by green valleys where, during the summer months, over 20 waterfalls cascade down into the lagoon at the head of the fjord. You will have the opportunity to explore nearby Skálanes bird cliff on a tour from your cruise ship, where you will find many species of seabirds, including the black-tailed godwit, and several species of plant life. On your return, you may be able to spot seals and porpoise in the surrounding waters. In the town itself, you will be able to admire the brightly coloured wooden houses, in hues of red, blue, yellow, and green, sitting alongside the quaint bright blue church; or immerse yourself in Icelandic life by hiking to waterfalls in Vestdalur Valley; or enjoy a horseback ride on the unique Icelandic breed of horse.