Iceland – Circumnavigating Iceland - The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes (Itinerary 1)

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Duration: 9 days

Departures:
May 31, 2021
June 8, 2021
June 16, 2021
Price from:
$ 5,271 per person
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  • Explore mystical Iceland – the land of fire and ice
  • See fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
  • Experience a bird and whale watching paradise
  • Discover the entirety of Iceland´s coast
As our Iceland cruise sails north, scout for whales as the landscape changes to vast lava fields, volcanic mountains and smooth hillsides. Seen here in Akureyri with our expedition team.
Photo: Karsten Bidstrup
Iceland
Mt. Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in Grundarfjördur. The West region of Iceland offers spectacular views and is the home to thrilling Viking sagas of ancient times. A highlight is the Westfjords, a stunning nature reserve where teeming bird cliffs are abundant.
Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson
Mt. Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in Grundarfjördur. The West region of Iceland offers spectacular views and is the home to thrilling Viking sagas of ancient times. A highlight is the Westfjords, a stunning nature reserve where teeming bird cliffs are abundant.
The majestic Dynjandi waterfall, Ísafjörður. Experience the best of Iceland on our expedition cruise around the island. Our extensive voyage brings you to a spellbinding variety of nature, wildlife and settlements.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Request a quote Check prices and availability

Itinerary

Join us on an fascinating journey around the land of fire and ice. Discover Iceland’s ruggedly wild and singular beauty, and encounter its diverse wildlife, rich culture and welcoming people. Our expedition cruise completely circumnavigates the mystical North Atlantic island, so you totally experience one of the most unique places on Earth.
Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the purest and most remote waters of the world. As with all expeditions, nature prevails. Safety is always our top priority. We continuously evaluate our cruises to adapt to unexpected weather, ice and sea conditions, and exciting nature opportunities. That’s why we call it an expedition.
Day 1
Reykjavik - Embarkation
Arriving in Iceland
Harpa concert hall and conference centre, Reykjavík, Iceland
Harpa concert hall and conference center, Reykjavík, Iceland
Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting. The hub seems carved out of an arctic desert, with moss-covered lava rock and haunting mountains nearby. But just 45 minutes away is Reykjavík, a charming, vibrant and modern city, offering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets.

Harpa concert hall and conference centre, Reykjavík, Iceland
Harpa concert hall and conference center, Reykjavík, Iceland
Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson
A beacon on a cliff, Stykkisholmur, Iceland
A beacon on a cliff, Stykkisholmur, Iceland.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Hiking in rough landscape, Stykkisholmur, Iceland
Go hiking in rough landscape in Stykkisholmur.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Different eras of architecture in Stykkisholmur, Iceland
Different eras of architecture in Stykkisholmur.
Photo: Karsten Bidstrup
Day 2
Stykkishólmur - Full Day
Welcome to Sagaland
Hiking in rough landscape, Stykkisholmur, Iceland
Go hiking in rough landscape in Stykkisholmur.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner

The friendly town of Stykkishólmur features beautiful, well-preserved old houses and is surrounded by wonderful scenery.  Enjoy exploring the town´s interesting museums or join optional excursions to see such iconic sites on Snæfellsnes Penninsula as the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur.

Optional Excursions
  • Included
    Stykkishólmur - Walking tour & visit to the Eider center
    Explore the beautiful town of Stykkisholmur, the largest town on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
  • Hiking in the Berserk Lava Fields
    Join a guided hike through some of the most fascinating landscapes on Iceland. We visit the enormous Berserk Lava Field, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption about three to four thousand years ago.
  • Caves, Craters & Coves
    Welcome to an adventurous tour to some of the area’s best loved coastal hiking trails, together with approximately 45 minutes of cave exploration - all under the watchful eye of the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier.
  • Stykkishólmur - Highlights of Snæfellsnes
    This tour visits many of the wonderful highlights on Snæfellsnes peninsula – an area rich in natural beauty, history and culture
Day 3
Patreksfjördur - Full Day
Patreksfjördur
Visiting Dynjandi waterfall, Ísafjörður, Iceland
Visiting Dynjandi waterfall, Ísafjörður.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast of Iceland with about 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall of Dynjandi and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.

Optional Excursions
  • Included
    Patreksfjördur - Stroll through the most western village of Europe
    We will start by a stroll through the lively harbour of the fishing village Patreksfjörður, learn about the importance of the fisheries for the village and get to know some different kinds of fish.
  • Patreksfjordur - Splendid Combination
    Admire the beauty and culture of the Westfjords with a scenic drive and walking tour featuring the powerful Dynjandi waterfall.
  • Patreksfjordur - Latrabjarg Cliff
    Walk on Europe’s largest bird cliff, the stunning Látrabjarg, the western-most point of Europe. Enjoy the amazing world of bird life and incredible nature as well as a stop at a fascinating Folk Museum.
Visiting Dynjandi waterfall, Ísafjörður, Iceland
Visiting Dynjandi waterfall, Ísafjörður.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
View to the scenic village of Patreksfjordur, Iceland
Scenic Patreksfjordur.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Beautiful Icelandic landscape with flag
Beautiful Icelandic landscape
Photo: Karsten Bidstrup
Latrabjarg bird cliff, Iceland
Latrabjarg bird cliff, Iceland
Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland
Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland.
Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson
Day 4
Northwest Iceland - Exploration Day
Northwest Iceland
Latrabjarg bird cliff, Iceland
Latrabjarg bird cliff, Iceland

Our experienced captain will plan a day exploring the stunningly beautiful fjords of northwest Iceland.

Conditions will determine the final program and activity for the day. We might visit a small settlement, take you on hikes, or launch our kayaks.

Day 5
Akureyri - Full Day
Northern Center
The spectacular Goðafoss waterfall, Akureyri, Iceland
The spectacular Goðafoss waterfall.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Akureyri is a lively town, famous for its botanical gardens and pretty traffic lights. It is the most populous community outside Reykjavík, and the center of trade, culture and services in northern Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s renowned natural treasures, like Mývatn lake and Goðafoss waterfall.

Optional Excursions
  • Included
    Akureyri - Town Walk & Botanical Garden
    You will discover the past and present of Akureyri strolling at a leisurely pace around town.
  • Akureyri - Off the Beaten Track
    Dare to venture off the beaten track! This tour offers sights not seen by the usual tours. Our 4x4 Super Jeeps offer the chance for fun and excitement as we discover some of the best of the island.
  • Akureyri on Horseback
    Discover and enjoy Iceland’s beautiful nature on horseback.
  • Mývatn Nature Baths
    We visit the spectacular Godafoss falls before we take you to Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy a completely natural experience. Enjoy a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam and a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 8,200 feet.
The spectacular Goðafoss waterfall, Akureyri, Iceland
The spectacular Goðafoss waterfall.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Great photo opportunities in nature, Iceland
Great photo opportunities in nature, Iceland
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Monumental cliffs, Grimsey, Iceland
Monumental cliffs, Grimsey, Iceland
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Great photo opportunities on the cliffs, Grimsey, Iceland
Great photo opportunities on the cliffs, Grimsey, Iceland
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer
Ceremony crossing the Polar Circle
Ceremony while crossing the Polar Circle. Grimsey marks the place where the Arctic Circle touches Iceland, and we will make sure we cross the legendary line before we head south towards the East region of Iceland.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Day 6
Grimsey Island - Full Day
Step Across the Arctic Circle
Great photo opportunities on the cliffs, Grimsey, Iceland
Great photo opportunities on the cliffs, Grimsey, Iceland
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

We will use our tender boats to reach this green and grassy island. It is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You get the chance to step across the boundary between the far north and south.

Optional Excursions
  • Included
    Grimsey Island - Arctic circle crossing ceremony
    Just off the north coast of Iceland is the island of Grimsey – Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island. Covering an area of only 5,3 km², the island is small enough to easily be explored on foot.
Day 7
Bakkagerdi - Full Day
Land of the Elves
Bakkagerði, a coastal hamlet in eastern Iceland
Bakkagerði, a coastal hamlet in eastern Iceland
Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður, an area known for its natural beauty and as “the land of the elves.” Puffin colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and lovely views.

Optional Excursions
  • Included
    Bakkagerdi - Puffin Colony visit
    Shuttle bus between port and Hafnarhólmi puffin colony.
Bakkagerði, a coastal hamlet in eastern Iceland
Bakkagerði, a coastal hamlet in eastern Iceland
Photo: Karsten Bidstrup
Seagulls nesting in Bakkagerdi, Iceland
Seagulls nesting in Bakkagerdi, Iceland
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
A visit to Heimaey stave church, Iceland
A visit to Heimaey stave church, Iceland
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Arriving Heimaey Island with Hurtigruten
Arriving Heimaey Island in Hurtigruten's complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner
Picturesque view of Heimaey
Picturesque view of Heimaey.
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer
Day 8
Heimaey - Full Day
Iceland`s Pompeii
Arriving Heimaey Island with Hurtigruten
Arriving Heimaey Island in Hurtigruten's complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Heimaey, or “Home Island” physically embraces our arrival. The harbor has a very narrow entrance, formed by a famous volcanic eruption in 1973. Most of the island has steep cliffs, is well-vegetated and provides a habitat for countless birds, including the charming puffin.

Optional Excursions
  • Included
    Heimaey - Fun and lively walk over the lava with a local
    This hiking tour is a great way to get to know the volcanic history of the island and get in touch with the beautiful nature.
  • Heimaey Island Tour
    Join a 3-hour scenic drive to the main attractions of Heimaey. Visit several stunning natural sites and learn about the volcanic eruption that took place here in 1973 at the Eldheimar Museum.
  • Heimaey - Boat tour of Heimaey
    Sail around Heimaey and its landscape and wildlife from a different angle.
Day 9
Reykjavik - Full Day
The End of the Adventure
The Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik, Iceland.

Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. If you have the time, we recommend you stay a few extra days to explore this unique and fascinating Nordic city.

The Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik, Iceland.
Interesting architecture in Reykjavik
Stay behind and explore the interesting architecture in Reykjavik.
Photo: Karsten Bidstrup
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What's Included

Included in Your Expedition

Expedition Cruise  

  • Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice 
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim 
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 
  • Complimentary tea and coffee 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported. 
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board 
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and accompany activities onboard and ashore 
  • Range of included excursions 

Onboard Activities 

  • Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics 
  • Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes 
  • Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with live scientific research 
  • Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
  • Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come

Landing Activities 

  • Escorted landingswith small expedition boats while in Iceland
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
  •  Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
  • Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings 

Not Included In Your Expedition

  • International flights  
  • Travel insurance
  • Luggage handling
  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 
  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team  
  • Optional treatments in the wellness and spa area  

Notes

  • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions 
  • Excursions and activities are subject to change  
  • Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
  • No gratuities expected 
Cruise with MS Fridtjof Nansen in Svalbard
Science Center
Photo: Agurtxane Concellon
Suite MD on MS Roald Amundsen
Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Your Ship

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Year built 2020
Shipyard Kleven Yards, Norway
Passenger capacity 530 (500 in Antarctica)
Gross tonnage 20 889 T
Length 140 m / 459 ft
Beam 23.6 m / 77 ft
Speed 15 knots
Cruise with MS Fridtjof Nansen in Svalbard

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom-built ships – and represents the next generation of expedition ships. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Read more about MS Fridtjof Nansen

Aune Restaurant
Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Optional Excursions

Some expedition cruises may include excursions that can be reserved for no additional charge. These included excursions can often be combined with other excursions available in port.

Please note excursions are subject to change and are not yet available for booking for departures after March 2021.

A large lawn in front of a house A large lawn in front of a house

Stykkishólmur - Walking tour & visit to the Eider centre

Iceland

Duration

2 hrs

Price per person

Free – please reserve

Booking Code

INCL-STY1

See Excursion

Hiking in the Berserk Lava Field

Iceland

Duration

3h

Price per person

From $ 266

Booking Code

G-STY3

See Excursion
A close up of a hillside next to a rock A close up of a hillside next to a rock

Caves, Craters & Coves

Iceland

Duration

7 hours

Price per person

From $ 299

Booking Code

G-STY7

See Excursion
Church at Hellnar with Snaefellsjökull in the background Church at Hellnar with Snaefellsjökull in the background

Stykkishólmur - Highlights of Snæfellsnes

Iceland

Duration

5 hours 15 min

Price per person

From $ 233

Booking Code

G-STY5

See Excursion
A close up of a hillside next to a body of water A close up of a hillside next to a body of water

Patreksfjördur - Stroll through town

Iceland

Duration

1 hr

Price per person

Free – please reserve

Booking Code

INCL-PJF1

See Excursion
The stunning Westfjords, Iceland The stunning Westfjords, Iceland

Patreksfjordur - Splendid Combination

Iceland

Duration

6 hours

Price per person

From $ 274

Booking Code

G-PJF1

See Excursion
Látrabjarg, Iceland, Europe's largest bird cliff Látrabjarg, Iceland, Europe's largest bird cliff

Patreksfjordur - Latrabjarg Cliff

Iceland

Duration

5 hours 30 mins

Price per person

From $ 274

Booking Code

G-PJF2

See Excursion
A large building with a mountain in the background A large building with a mountain in the background

Akureyri - Town walk & Botanical Garden visit

Iceland

Duration

2h30

Price per person

Free – please reserve

Booking Code

INCL-AKU1

See Excursion
Magnificent Bárðardalur Valley Magnificent Bárðardalur Valley

Akureyri - Off the beaten tracks

Iceland

Duration

7 hours 30 minutes

Price per person

From $ 399

Booking Code

G-AKU4

See Excursion
A group of sheep standing on top of a lush green field A group of sheep standing on top of a lush green field

Akureyri - Akureyri on Horseback

Iceland

Duration

2 hrs

Price per person

From $ 133

Booking Code

G-AKU7

See Excursion
Lake Mývatn is one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures Lake Mývatn is one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures

Myvatn Nature Baths

Iceland

Duration

5h 30min

Price per person

From $ 199

Booking Code

G-AKU3

See Excursion
A large body of water A large body of water

Grimsey Island - Arctic circle crossing ceremony

Iceland

Duration

2 hrs 30 min

Price per person

Free – please reserve

Booking Code

INCL-GRY1

See Excursion
A bird flying in the air A bird flying in the air

Bakkagerdi - Puffin Colony visit

Iceland

Duration

4h

Price per person

Free – please reserve

Booking Code

INCL-BKK1

See Excursion
A body of water with a mountain in the background A body of water with a mountain in the background

Heimaey - Fun and lively walk over the lava with a local

Iceland

Duration

2hrs

Price per person

Free – please reserve

Booking Code

INCL-HEI1

See Excursion
View from Helgafell over Heimaey View from Helgafell over Heimaey

Heimaey Island Tour

Iceland

Duration

3h

Price per person

From $ 183

Booking Code

G-HEI1

See Excursion
Cruising around Heimaey, Iceland Cruising around Heimaey, Iceland

Heimaey - Boat tour

Iceland

Duration

2 hours

Price per person

From $ 116

Booking Code

G-HEI3

See Excursion

Practical Information

Sailing with MS Fridtjof Nansen

Before you travel with MS Fridtjof Nansen

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