Iceland Cruise from Reykjavík — 17 Days

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavík is a capital with one foot in the wild. The Atlantic frames the city, volcanic mountains rise on the horizon, and geothermal water warms its pools. Start at Hallgrímskirkja, whose tower commands broad views, then walk down to the harbor and Harpa concert hall. Cafés, design shops, and museums make the compact center easy to explore on foot. Beyond town, geysers and waterfalls make a striking day trip; return for a soak in a neighborhood pool.

Isafjordur, Iceland

Ísafjörður is the Westfjords’ principal town, set between a sheltered harbor and steep, often snow-streaked mountains. Walk its compact center to see colorful timber houses, then visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum in the historic harbor district. Its exhibits trace the fishing trade that shaped life along Iceland’s remote western coast. Beyond town, dramatic fjord scenery unfolds along winding roads. With a full day ashore, consider the drive to Dynjandi, one of the region’s most striking waterfalls.

At Sea (At Sea)

Jan Mayen Island, Norway

Jan Mayen is less a conventional port than a rare landing on Norway’s remote Arctic island. Set between Greenland and the Norwegian Sea, it is dominated by Beerenberg. At 2,277 metres, its glaciated summit is the world’s northernmost active volcano. With no town or visitor infrastructure, landings depend on weather and sea conditions. If ashore, expect stark volcanic shores, broad Arctic horizons and seabird colonies—not shops or sightseeing buses.

At Sea (At Sea)

Longyearbyen, Norway

Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement of its size, set beside Adventfjorden on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Coal built the town; the Svalbard Museum traces its mining past and the realities of Arctic life. Choose a guided excursion for glacier views, wildlife watching or a snowmobile journey into polar terrain. Outside town, travel with an experienced guide: polar bears roam Svalbard, and the wilderness demands respect. Visit in summer for the midnight sun, or winter for blue twilight and northern lights.

Coastal Cruising (Coastal Cruising)

At Sea (At Sea)

Siglufjordur, Iceland

Set beneath steep mountains at the head of a narrow fjord, Siglufjörður feels close to Iceland’s northern edge. Once the center of Iceland’s herring boom, this compact harbor town preserves its story at the Herring Era Museum. Walk the waterfront, then explore restored herring buildings and exhibits tracing the industry’s rise and fall. Beyond town, mountain roads and hiking routes open onto the dramatic Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Its fjord setting and steep peaks make the town as memorable as its past.

Patreksfjordur, Iceland

From Patreksfjörður’s sheltered Westfjords harbour to Höfn beneath Vatnajökull, Iceland’s western and southeastern edges reveal strikingly different landscapes. Patreksfjörður is a quiet base for exploring dramatic sea cliffs and Látrabjarg, where puffins nest in summer. Höfn is celebrated for langoustine and views of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Farther west along the south coast, glacier lagoons bring icebergs close to shore.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavík is a capital with one foot in the wild. The Atlantic frames the city, volcanic mountains rise on the horizon, and geothermal water warms its pools. Start at Hallgrímskirkja, whose tower commands broad views, then walk down to the harbor and Harpa concert hall. Cafés, design shops, and museums make the compact center easy to explore on foot. Beyond town, geysers and waterfalls make a striking day trip; return for a soak in a neighborhood pool.