Viking Oceans Cruises – Iceland’s Natural Beauty (Iceland) 8 Days

Reykjavík, Iceland
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Reykjavík is the world’s northernmost capital city yet captures the distinctive feel of a fishing village. The Kentucky-sized island is Europe’s westernmost nation and one of the wildest places on earth. It is also lauded as one of the cleanest and most civilized countries, committed to finding the perfect balance between day-to-day living and harnessing its natural resources with eco-friendly practices. Vikings landed on this pristine land during the 9th century; their arrival is well chronicled in the medieval Sagas preserved at the Culture House.

Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík is home to endless charms, watched over by the majestic Esja mountain range. The striking Hallgrímskirkja church stands in the city center as a towering vision in white, while the glass Harpa concert hall is a wonder of modern architecture. Höfði House is one of Reykjavík’s highlights and is the site of the meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, which marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Farther afield, breathtaking natural sites are in abundance, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains, to blue thermal springs.

Shore Excursions – Árbær Open Air Museum & Snapshots of Reykjavík
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Get acquainted with Iceland’s picturesque capital and visit the Árbær Open Air Museum. Begin with a panoramic drive to the museum, a unique collection of historical buildings that showcase Iceland’s cultural heritage. Listen to insights from knowledgeable guides as you stroll through this charming village setting, where traditional houses and turf-roofed buildings offer a glimpse into Icelandic life from the 19th and 20th centuries. Continue your drive into the city, passing The Pearl and the University of Iceland, and pausing for photos in Grandi, Reykjavík’s old harbor, to view the Þúfa, a striking art installation. See Höfði House, where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met and marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Then head to the Harpa Concert Hall, where you can choose to continue exploring Reykjavík on your own or return to your ship.

ĺsafjördur, Iceland
ĺsafjördur was founded in the 9th century by the Viking Helgi Magri Hrólfsson. Foreign merchants arrived in the 16th century and set up trading posts here. Today, ĺsafjördur is home to one of the largest fisheries in Iceland and, despite its remote locale, boasts a cultural scene rich in music and drama. The oldest house in Iceland is here, built in 1734, as is the country’s largest concentration of old timber-frame homes. Many visitors explore farther afield, delving into the surrounding wilderness of Hornstrandir or discover the fishing heritage of charming coastal towns.

Shore Excursions – Ísafjördur & Bolungarvík Village
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the wild beauty of Iceland’s northwest corner, and the culture and history of the region’s small towns. Embark on a scenic drive around Ísafjördur, the principal town of the Westfjords peninsula. Surrounded by mountains that offer endless opportunities to enjoy nature and wilderness during all seasons of the year, the town is also known throughout the country for its rich cultural life. The fishing industry, however, has traditionally been the mainstay of the town and surrounding municipality, known as Ísafjardarbaer. Visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum, a fascinating replica of an old fishing outpost that offers a glimpse of how life treated the Icelandic fishermen until the beginning of the 20th century. Continue to Bolungarvík and enjoy a guided tour of the village before returning to Ísafjördur.

Shore Excursions – Ísafjördur & the Önundafjördur
Duration: 2 hours
Visit the coastal village of Flateyri and view the golden sands and dunes of Holt Beach. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive along the picturesque Önundafjördur. Arrive at Holt Beach and pause for photos of the sweeping bay, with its remote beach, tranquil waters and mountains that form a protective circle around the fjord. The grassland area is a breeding ground for eider ducks, who nest here during the early summer months. Visit the village of Flateyri and take a stroll around its harbor. This small town has a long history dating back to the 9th century; it was once a major fishing and trading center, and many of the historic buildings here reflect this legacy. En route back to your ship, you will stop at a viewing point for photos of the beautiful vistas over the fjord.

Akureyri, Iceland
Nicknamed the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is set at the end of the Eyjafjördur and enjoys a mild climate, unusual for a northern city just 62 miles from the Arctic Circle. Folk culture is robust in Akureyri; the Vefarinn dance was invented here to celebrate the harvest. Other points of pride include the Public Park and Botanic Garden, where some 2,000 plant species grow, and the hilltop Akureyrarkirkja, the local church that is home to a stained glass window that originated in a church in London, England, prior to World War II.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Akureyri
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Enjoy the fjord setting and alpine backdrop of Akureyri, one of the most attractive Icelandic towns. You will be welcomed at the dock by your knowledgeable local guide to Iceland’s undisputed “Capital of the North.” Influences of its Danish trading past prevail, evident in the many contrasts in the town’s varied architecture. Pass by Akureyri Church; one of the town’s proud symbols, which houses many interesting artifacts including a stained glass window above the altar that was part of a set originating in England before being brought to Akureyri for safekeeping during World War II. Explore the historic midtown area and continue to Akureyri’s Public Park and Botanic Garden; the excellent botanical garden was opened within the park’s grounds in 1957. Two thousand species of local and foreign flowers grow here thanks to Akureyri’s warm microclimate.

Seydisfjördur, Iceland
Seydisfjördur enjoys a mountainous setting at the end of a fjord. It traces its origins to the early days of Viking settlements. Though the town is tiny, it boasts an impressive history. It hosted the world’s first modern whaling station and pioneered international communications when it welcomed the first telegraph cable, linking Iceland to Europe. Colorful wooden homes line the streets, overseen by starkly picturesque slopes and the soaring summits of Mounts Bjólfur and Strandartindur.

Shore Excursions – Seydisfjördur on Foot & Viking Festival
Duration: 2 hours
Venture out on foot during a stroll around picturesque Seydisfjördur and enjoy the Viking Festival. Meet your knowledgeable guide at the pier where you will set out for a leisurely walk. Stroll amid colorful streets and view the striking Blue Church as your guide explains more about the town’s culture. Brimming with creativity and rich in history, the town boasts a flourishing arts scene. Gain insight during a visit to the Herðubreið Community Center, where you will enjoy a musical performance of traditional Icelandic songs. You will also admire art exhibits showcasing works by local artists; various display pieces are available to for you to purchase, should you wish. Cap your tour with a tasting of typical Icelandic cuisine, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Djúpivogur, Iceland
Djúpivogur lies on Iceland’s east coast and has been a trading center since the 16th century. The town is presided over by the towering Búlandstindur; a mountain famed in local folklore for its ability to grant wishes during the summer solstice. Dotted around the town, several cultural sights can be explored, including The Tank and the Eggs of Merry Bay. Residents here favor embracing a slower pace of life. The town has adopted the cultural trend known as “Cittaslow” which is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable living, improving the quality of life for its residents.

Shore Excursions – Cultural Sights of Djúpivogur
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Explore the cultural sights of Djúpivogur and its local displays of art. See the famous Eggs of Merry Bay, a set of sculptures that showcase the eggs of 34 bird species that nest along the coastlines of Iceland. Continue your stroll to The Tank, a disused storage facility that once held locally produced fish liver oil. Now, it is a celebrated cultural venue that supports local musicians and artists, and boasts unique acoustic features—step inside the tank and exercise your vocal cords to see for yourself. Pass one of the town’s art galleries, Bones, Sticks and Stones, where collections of stones and minerals are used to create wonderful handicrafts. You will also walk past Langabúð; now the town’s heritage museum, it is the oldest building in the village, built in 1790. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Heimaey, Iceland
Heimaey is the only populated island in the Westman Islands. The scenery is stunning with its volcanic landscapes, moss-covered clifftops and picturesque homes with brightly colored rooftops. A number of breathtaking natural sights are a result of the volcanic eruption that took place here in 1973, which saw the evacuation of all 5,000 residents to the mainland. Each summer, millions of puffins pay a visit and countless other species migrate here to feed and breed. Several efforts are underway to protect the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea.

Shore Excursions – Heimaey On Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Get a deeper understanding of the geology of Heimaey and visit the Eldheimar Museum. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot as you explore the island’s nature. During your walk, your guide will explain the recent volcanic activity, including the story of the last eruption that took place in 1973 less than a mile from the town of Heimaey. On this eventful night, all 5,000 inhabitants had to evacuate the island and escape to the mainland. Hear the story of how the local townspeople rebuilt their island from the ground up and witness the result of their efforts. Stop at the Eldheimar Museum and view the moving collection of photographs that showcase the memories of the people from Heimaey. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – Snapshots of Heimaey
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the island of Heimaey and visit the Eldheimar Museum. Embark on a scenic drive with your guide and see the main sights. Marvel at the towering cliffs—home to multitudes of puffin, fulmar and guillemot, and the natural harbor below. Fishing has played an integral role in the lives of local residents since their arrival on this isle; today you will learn about how they continue to make their living from the sea. Stop at the Eldheimar Museum and learn about the volcanic eruption that struck the island on January 23, 1973. View the exhibits that showcase the events that took place and hear the story of how the local townspeople rebuilt their community. After your tour return to your awaiting ship.

Reykjavík, Iceland
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.