Hurtigruten Expeditions Circumnavigating Iceland: The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes - Itinerary 2

11-day itinerary

Day 1: Cosmopolitan Reykjavik

Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik will be the first destination on your captivating expedition cruise.  A city which boasts a rich variety of cultural, historical, and artistic context, Reykjavik is a place worth immersing yourself in.

Take a scenic walk along Laugavegur wits its charming boutiques and outdoor shops, or drop in at the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum – before boarding the MS Fram. Upon boarding your expedition cruise ship, take time to familiarise yourself with the excellent onboard facilities, and settle into one of the ship’s comfortable cabins.

Depending on how much time you have, there are pre-programme packages available to travellers who wish to experience the highlights of Reykjavik in greater depth.

Day 2: Snæfellsnes peninsula

Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, is the gateway to the spectacular Snæfellsnes. Here, it’s almost as if time has stood still. The sheer contrast between the vibrant houses and the distant mountains creates a picturesque backdrop which you can marvel at, as you commence your expedition adventure.

Often referred to as ‘Little Iceland’ due to its wide variety of volcanic landscapes, Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park is a must-visit on this journey. Here, you’ll be able to see the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip, as well as the extremely unique Djúpalónssandur’s iconic black sand beach.

Day 3: Breathtaking Patreksfjörður

Experience the wondrous natural beauty of Europe’s most westerly village, Patreksfjörður. Being a village built on deep fishing traditions, learn about the history and background of this incredibly distinct part of Iceland, whilst also taking in the incredible views surrounding the area.

Explore the local region by participating in a planned hike through the visit, or alternatively visit Rauðasandur beach to witness the wide variety of wildlife in the area. The six combined falls of the Dynjandi waterfalls make up the largest and most remarkable waterfalls in the westfjords, and guided tours are available for travellers to fully immerse themselves in the magnificent scenery.

Bird enthusiasts’ are also in luck. Látrabjarg is home to a varied ecosystem of birdlife, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills live on Europe’s largest bird cliff.

Day 4: Exploring Iceland’s Northwestern region

Depending on the suitable conditions, the expedition’s plan is to spend the fourth day in Iceland’s Northwestern region, with the Expedition Team taking you hiking, kayaking or beach clean-ups. Both the Captain and onboard team will continually monitor the interchangeable surroundings to ensure the visit to this area is as safe and efficient as possible.

Back onboard, you will be able to listen to more intriguing lectures, visit the Science Centre, and take advantage of the excellent facilities inside the MS Fram.

Day 5: Explore Djupavik’s eerie factory

Djupavik, a small remote village which landscape contrasts the stunning rural setting against the enormous abandoned herring factory, is the next destination on your journey. As part of your holiday package, take a guided tour of this mysterious factory, home to the deserted desks and machines of the workers which remain stranded.

On the other hand, explore the unmissable surroundings and take a short walk to the waterfall located just above the factory. See if you can spot an historic rusting ship when looking down onto the shore – Djupavik is truly a place of rich variety.

Day 6: Eyjafjörður to Akureyri

Marvel at snowcapped peaks as your cruise journey’s on towards Iceland’s longest fjord – Eyjafjörður.  Along with the nearby Skjálfandi bay, this is one of Europe’s best areas to spot whales.

Referred to by some as Iceland’s ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri is home to a modern oasis of a botanical garden as well as local restaurants and museums.

Looking further afield, experience the remarkable Godafoss waterfall, where sky-blue waves crash against the black rocks.  Being one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic ridge up close, Lake Mývatn’s active volcanic area is another place where travellers will get to witness geology burst into life.

Day 7: Grimsey Island

Steeped in folklore, including stories about Grimur, the Islands’ first settler, this isolated island is home to only 60 people, with the Atlantic Puffin colonies outnumbering human life in this region.

Despite being home to around one million puffins during Summer months, Grimsey is arguably better known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Travellers will potentially have the once in a lifetime opportunity to hop back and forth between the Arctic and back on the island, as it’s expected that Grimsey will lie fully outside the Arctic by 2050!

Day 8: Crossing the Arctic Circle and visiting Husavik

Known for its whale-spotting opportunities, Husavik is a charming, small town which will be the next stop on your cruise. Looking out over the Skjálfandi bay, passengers will be able to experience the utopia of captivating wildlife in the region. Scan for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even the occasional blue whale. Learn more about these rare creatures in the Husavik Whale Museum.

Regarded as the gateway to the north, experience Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettiffos, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to Icelandic myth, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin.

After this, you will be sailing along the coast of Grimsey Island, passing across the Arctic Circle and on towards the following destination.

Day 9: Explore Bakkagerði, a place beloved of puffins and elves

Having experienced the wonders of Husavik, your journey will now continue to Bakkagerdi, a small coastal hamlet located in Eastern Iceland. Inhabited by a large number of huldufolk (local elves and land spirits) according to popular local folklore, Bakkagerdi is a mysterious yet intriguing place for any traveller.

Take time to explore the emerald, green valleys and blissful scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks, with the coastal cliffs being home to a wide array of fulmars, puffins and eiders when in season.

Day 10: Heimaey’s explosive past

Being the only inhabited town in the Westman Islands, located off the south coast of Iceland, the town of Heimaey has a captivating historical significance, with this small Island still bearing the scars of a volcanic eruption which almost destroyed the entire landscape.

Be sure to visit Eldheimar, a museum featuring an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the aftermath of the devastating volcanic eruption. You’ll also have the opportunity to climb Mount Eldfell, with there being incredible views of the town below at the volcano’s summit.

Day 11: Reykjavik and beyond

Your Iceland expedition cruise ends back in the fascinating city of Reykjavik. Miss any sights when you first arrived? This is the best opportunity to experience more of what the city has to offer.

Immerse yourself in more of the Icelandic culture by visiting a geothermal pool or a ‘heittur pottur’, translating to a ‘hot-pot’. Still feel as thou you haven’t quenched your desire to fully experience Iceland’s natural beauty? If so, be sure to visit the ‘Blue Lagoon’, often regarded as one of the true natural wonders of the world with the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.

Guests will also have the option to join one of the post-programme packages to explore more of the joys of Iceland.

MS Fram