Expedition to Iceland—Hamburg to Reykjavík via North Atlantic Islands

Your adventure to Iceland begins

Your expedition cruise sets sail from Hamburg—a city full of history, art and culture. There's plenty to see and do here, so take some time to explore before boarding your expedition ship.  

You'll discover many of the city's attractions in the old town, or Altstadt, including St. Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Be sure to check out the interesting history of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chilehaus and the world’s largest warehouse complex. 

Once aboard, you'll collect your complimentary expedition jacket, meet your Expedition Team, explore the onboard comforts of your ship and settle into your cabin as we set sail.

Enjoy a leisurely sea day aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen

As your expedition cruise travels from Hamburg toward Norway’s Lysefjord, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the places you'll visit with your expert Expedition Team. Join them for lectures in the Science Center and learn all about the journey ahead.

A day at sea gives you plenty of time to relax, and your modern expedition ship allows you to do it in style. Head to the wellness area, sauna, or infinity pool. You’re sure to enjoy our delicious, locally sourced Nordic and international dishes served in the three restaurants.

Today, we’ll sail down Lysefjord, which is 25 miles long. Enjoy a day of remarkable landscapes from the observation decks, taking in the sublime scenery of the long and narrow fjord among striking vertical cliffs.  

From the fjord we can take a peek from below at the world-famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and look out for the equally renowned Kjæragbolten, a giant boulder that seems precariously wedged into a mountain crevasse. If you're feeling adventurous, join our Expedition Team for small expedition boat cruising or kayaking and see the immense fjord from a new perspective.

Discover the deep Norse roots of Scotland's Shetland Islands

We cruise northwest to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery. 

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and Shetland lace shawls. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall. 

Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, as well as local birdlife such as red-throated divers, redshanks and curlews.

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands

Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbor) is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals. 

Wander through the cobblestone alleyways and delight in the colorful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.  

About half a mile outside of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Waterfalls and wildlife in special Seyðisfjörður

At the end of a deep fjord with picturesque mountains and waterfalls lies the quirky village of Seyðisfjörður. Colorful wooden houses line the streets, while the aptly-named Rainbow Road offers a vibrant photo opportunity.  

Walk to an unusual sound sculpture, Tvisongur, or take a longer hike in the hills above the town. Or you can choose to join a visit to Skalanes, a private nature reserve home to reindeer, Arctic fox and mink. Here, scan the skies for Black-tailed Godwits, Golden-Plovers and Gyrfalcons, Europe’s largest falcon.  

Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins

A remote, windswept island of breathtaking beauty, Grímsey is rich in wildlife and steeped in myth and legend. Weather permitting, we'll land to visit the Atlantic Puffin colonies.   

As Grímsey is the only part of Iceland crossed by the Arctic Circle, you’ll also have the chance to step across the imaginary line of latitude, hopping between the Arctic and back! 

By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic as the Arctic Circle creeps northwards at a rate of about 48 ft a year.

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls

Gaze at snow-capped peaks as we sail Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales as well.  

“The Capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Enjoy the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens in addition to a selection of top-notch eateries and museums.  

Farther afield you can visit iconic Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also seek out eider and harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.

Exploring northwest Iceland, expedition-style

One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there's no preset plan. Rest assured, because your captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure on the day.  

We may go cruising in our small expedition boats or take you ashore for a hike, swim, or beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!

Don’t forget: you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or enjoy the sauna.

A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatching

In Patreksfjörður  you’ll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe's westernmost village. From here, it’s convenient to travel to some of the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that make this remote corner of Iceland truly unique. 

Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords, or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls—six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords. Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff. ching

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

It’s as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colorful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.  

Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed “Little Iceland” for its array of volcanic landscapes. 

At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. You can also ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.

Discover the town that defied a volcano

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, which are found off the south coast of Iceland.It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.  

Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. You could also  take a hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below.

Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisure

As your Iceland expedition cruise reaches its conclusion, you still have one last terrific destination to explore: Iceland's art-, culture- and history-packed capital, Reykjavík. 

Stroll along the city’s main street Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries, admire the striking Hallgrímskirkja church and peruse Reykjavík Art Museum. You can even seek out a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a 'hot pot' – an important part of Icelandic culture.