Highlights of Iceland 15% Advantage

This eight day expedition circles Iceland, linking the Westfjords, the north coast, remote east coast communities, and the Westman Islands into a varied route. You travel between basalt mountains and deep fjords, towns shaped by maritime history, and islands whose geology is defined by volcanic activity. Landings and excursions are adapted to weather and local conditions, in keeping with the flexible nature of an expedition voyage. Seabirds along the coasts are typical, and near Húsavík there are often good chances of whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay. In early autumn, quieter places also come within reach and, with some luck, the first northern lights may appear as the Arctic winter draws closer.

Highlights of Iceland: The Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Reykjavik
In Reykjavik, your journey begins in Iceland’s vibrant capital. The services included in the trip start with dinner on board, before the departure through Faxaflói Bay follows old Nordic sea routes toward the Westfjords. Depending on conditions, first impressions of the coastal landscape and the North Atlantic accompany the night at sea.

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Day 2: Ísafjörður in the Westfjords
Ísafjörður lies nestled between basalt mountains and deep fjords, and shows the contrast of remoteness and small town life. Its history as a trading post since the 16th century shapes the place just as much as the colorful houses and the surprisingly cosmopolitan center. Cool breezes and wide views frame explorations on land, while the Westfjords, with their dramatic topography, underline the expedition character of the route.

Day 3: Siglufjörður and Grímsey
In Siglufjörður, the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland, the time of the herring boom becomes tangible through the streets and the Herring Era Museum. The fjord scenery also offers good opportunities for birdwatching. Later, the journey continues to Grímsey, the only part of Iceland that crosses the Arctic Circle. On a guided walk, the focus is on the island’s rugged nature, trusting seabirds, and the Arctic Circle marker Orbus et Globus, which is adjusted each year to small changes in the Earth’s orbit.

Day 4: Akureyri on Eyjafjordur
Akureyri lies at the end of Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, and is considered the capital of the north. Despite its manageable size, a striking cathedral, the country’s first botanical gardens, geothermally heated swimming pools and a lively cultural scene shape the cityscape. Thanks to its sheltered position between hills, the climate often feels milder, while volcanic soils allow agriculture and the cold fjord waters are rich in fish. Landings and activities depend on the weather and local procedures.

Day 5: Húsavík
Húsavík, Iceland’s oldest settlement, dates back to the Viking Náttfari in the late 9th century and is today closely associated with whale watching. In Skjálfandi Bay, whales are regularly sighted, although sightings always depend on the sea and the weather. Museums explore topics such as whale conservation and Iceland’s contributions to expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. There is also time in town, before the journey continues along the north coast.

Day 6: Djúpivogur on the Southeast Coast
Djúpivogur is surrounded by fjords, mountains, and bird rich habitats, and is one of the traditional ports of call in the North Atlantic. Around the harbour, the town history reaches back to the 16th century, while public art such as the sculpture Eggin í Gleðivík adds modern accents. In the surrounding area, paths invite hiking and observation, and a black sand beach within a short walking distance is considered especially rich in bird species. The exact schedule remains flexible and is guided by local conditions.

Day 7: Heimaey, and a Passing View of Surtsey
Heimaey, the largest island of the Westman Islands, features a landscape of lava fields and volcanic formations around Eldfell. Bird colonies are typical of the region and, depending on the season and weather, can often be observed well. The events of 1973, when residents fought the lava flows with seawater jets, give the visit a special historical context. Weather permitting, departure is followed by a passing view of Surtsey, a young volcanic island reserved exclusively for scientific research.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Reykjavik
Back in Reykjavik, the journey ends after breakfast with disembarkation. Depending on the arrival process, there is time for a final look at the city, which closes the loop of coastal towns, fjords, and islands on this circumnavigation.

Special features:
As is typical for an expedition, the schedule remains flexible and depends on weather and local conditions. Nature and wildlife viewing are a key part of the journey, with good chances of whale sightings near Húsavík and seabirds on Grímsey and Heimaey, but without guarantee. Surtsey is reserved exclusively for scientific research and, if conditions allow, is only passed at a distance. On Grímsey, Orbus et Globus marks the Arctic Circle and is moved each year to account for minimal changes in the Earth’s orbit.
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