Iceland Cruise from Reykjavík to Tromsø — 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.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)
• Land Tour (Land Tour)
• Land Tour (Land Tour)
• Land Tour (Land Tour)

Fjord Cruising (Fjord Cruising)

Isafjordur, Westfjords 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.

• Vigur Island Iceland (Scenic Stop)

At Sea (At Sea)

Jan Mayen Island, Arctic 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)

Coastal Cruising (Coastal Cruising)

Svalbard Islands, Arctic Norway

At 78 degrees north, Svalbard brings the high Arctic within reach, with Longyearbyen as its main settlement. Beyond town, glacier-fronted fjords, snowbound mountains and tundra define a landscape shaped by polar light. Wildlife sightings may include reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses and seabirds; polar bears live here, but encounters are never guaranteed. Guided boat, snowmobile and walking excursions reveal the terrain and its human history. Conditions and access change with the season, so plan around local guidance.

Bjornoya-Bear Island, Svalbard Norway

Midway between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya is Svalbard at its most remote. Willem Barentsz named it Bear Island in 1596, after sighting a polar bear; bears are now only occasional visitors. The protected island is famed for immense seabird cliffs, where thousands of guillemots and kittiwakes gather in summer. A staffed weather station is the island’s only permanent human presence. For travelers, its appeal lies in wild scale and genuine isolation.

At Sea (At Sea)

Nordkapp-North Cape, Mageroya Island Norway

At 71° north, Nordkapp rises above the Arctic Ocean from Magerøya’s rugged coast. Honningsvåg is the gateway, with a road crossing the treeless island to the globe monument and North Cape Hall. Cliff-top views reach across open sea; summer brings the midnight sun, while winter brings snow and northern lights. For a longer walk, Knivskjellodden extends farther north than Nordkapp itself.

Tromso, Norway

Tromsø puts the Arctic within easy reach, yet its cafés, galleries and university give the city a lively, modern pulse. Set on an island above the Arctic Circle, it is linked to the mainland by a bridge and tunnel. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral. Ride the Fjellheisen cable car for views across mountains and sea. In winter, the northern lights may appear overhead.