Adventure Iceland Circumnavigation

Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík was established in 874 AD. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Reykjavík, or “steamy bay”, is a cosmopolitan capital city and as much a part of the Icelandic experience as the midnight sun or the fire and ice that creates the island’s landscape.

Enjoy a day of exploration on your own before boarding the Ocean Endeavour this evening.

The hundred-kilometre-long landscape of Snæfellsnes Peninsula is characterized by sparkling fjords, golden beaches, and undulating lava flows. The area is crowned by the glistening ice-capped stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull, 700,000 years old and immortalized in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. On clear days, the mountain can be seen from Reykjavík, 120 kilometres away. A few small settlements are located on the south side of the peninsula, and fishing villages can be found on the north.

Only about ten percent of Iceland’s visitors ever see this region, known for its jagged bird cliffs and multihued beaches. Coastal fjords, immense mountains, and tiny villages can be found here, and a traditional lifestyle is embraced by the region’s inhabitants.

Travel to far-flung Grímsey, which lies upon the Arctic Circle (66° 33’ North) and earns Iceland its title as one of the world’s eight Arctic nations—just barely! Take a Zodiac cruise around the island, brimming with a million seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and gulls, that far outnumber its small human population.

Visit Siglufjörður which bustled with activity in its heyday as the centre of the herring fishing industry. Today Siglufjörður is resurging and plays host to the wonderful Herring Era Museum, which includes re-enactments of life in days gone by. Foodies will enjoy visiting the bakery, chocolate factory, and brewery. The folk music centre is a wonderful resource for Icelandic folk music.

Known as Iceland’s Capital of the North, Akureyri, enjoys a relatively mild climate and ice-free harbour. Walk up to the steps of Akyureyri’s monumental Lutheran church to catch the full view of Iceland’s second-largest urban area—it will be well worth it! Poke around and explore the city’s shops, cafés, and restaurants and take your pick from a selection of ten museums to discover.

Húsavík, on Skjalfandi Bay, is known as the “Whale Capital” of Iceland. Fifteen different whale species frequent the area; we also hope to see dolphins, and thirty varieties of birds.

The Húsavík Museum is located by the harbour. There are also numerous other museums including the Exploration Museum, which houses artifacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area; a whale museum, and a turf house museum.

Seyðisfjörður is nestled at the tip of its namesake fjord. The town of seven hundred is known for its flourishing art scene, colourful roads, and shopping.

We will also have the opportunity to visit the Skálanes Nature Reserve. Family-owned and -operated, this is a centre for research and interpretation of Iceland’s environment and cultural history, and a model for sustainable tourism. The 3,000-acre area is a habitat for approximately fifty different bird species during the summer time, and, in particular, the eider duck.

Soak in the sights of south Iceland, home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. Explore a unique mix of volcanoes, lagoons, and glaciers—as well as hot springs, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls—either ashore on foot or by Zodiac cruise.

Learn about the compelling history of this volcanically active area that has experienced two major eruptions in recent times. 1963 saw the formation of the island of Surtsey and the Eldfell eruption ten years later destroyed much of Heimaey, the largest of the Vestmannaeyjars and the only island here that is inhabited.

Enjoy a beautiful Zodiac cruise searching for the numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffin, that nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs here.

Today we arrive back to Reykjavik harbour where we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our flights home. Or, you may choose to stay on for a few more days to explore this fascinating country further. Ask us to customize a program for you.