Windstar’s Round Iceland cruise units off on an entire circumnavigation of probably the most various and dramatic island nations on earth. It’s the excellent itinerary to immerse your self in native tradition, discover pure wonders, and relish within the Viking historical past of Northern Europe.
You’ll dance alongside the south rim of the Arctic Circle, crossing it solely briefly as you around the north a part of Iceland. You’ll set foot in tiny villages relationship again to the 8th century, you’ll hear the sagas of the unique Viking settlers, and also you’ll marvel on the pure wonders that every port presents. All whereas looking out for humpback whales and Atlantic puffins.
As soon as ashore you’ll have the possibility to fulfill the Icelandic horse, hike to waterfalls, soak in thermal baths, take a culinary journey, see black sand seashores, hike on the Berserkjahraun lava subject and watch wildlife.
That is an itinerary of exploration interesting to nature lovers, historical past buffs, and anybody who likes to really feel small among the many greatness of pure wonders. Listed below are among the highlights.
Reykjavik
Your Iceland journey begins within the capital metropolis of Reykjavik. The town was based in 871 AD by a pair of Viking settlers, Ingolfur Arnason and Halleveig Frodadottir, who referred to it because the ‘Smoky Bay’ as a result of volcanic vents making a smoky phantasm from the water. A metropolis that was as soon as a rugged Viking settlement, Reykjavik has charged into the 21st century with its full adoption of geothermal power. It’s now often known as the “Smokeless Metropolis.”
Regardless of being the smallest capital metropolis on the earth, the town is comprised of six massive districts that every characteristic a group of sights and locations of curiosity.
From port, the town middle is simply a 10-minute stroll away from fascinating websites like Outdated Reykjavik, the Viking Saga Museum, the Maritime Museum, The Harpa, Iceland’s predominant live performance corridor, the Nationwide Museum of Reykjavik, and Whales of Iceland. There are additionally parks by which to lounge, seafront pathways on which to walk, and a lot of boutiques promoting attractive Icelandic sweaters (you may very well want one, even in summer season, as nights are cool). And don’t miss Reykjavik’s quite a few bookstores; the town, a UNESCO Metropolis of Literature. Most additionally promote books in English language in addition to Icelandic. My favourite is Penninn Eymundsson, a nationwide chain, whose store on Austurstraeti 18, downtown, has a rooftop cafe and English titles that really come out of the U.Okay., so a special choice than the U.S. presents.
Reykjavik isn’t the one city in Iceland to have Michelin-starred eating places, however it has a great share, together with Matur og Drykkur for conventional Icelandic delicacies. Our favourite is a restaurant, within the previous city, referred to as Apotek. Not fairly Michelin stage however scrumptious, fashionable, and invariably stuffed with locals. Make a reservation….
You’ll discover distinctive native specials similar to fermented shark, fish soup, Icelandic breads, and a neighborhood liquor referred to as Brennivin.
Heimaey Island
Situated only some miles from the south coast of Iceland, Heimaey is sort of a totally different world misplaced way back within the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. The volcanoes that shaped Heimaey Island have come near destroying it on a number of events. Probably the most well-known eruption in trendy occasions occurred in January 1973. It was brought on by a fissure that burst open permitting the emergence of Eldfell. This occasion prompted fast evacuation of the island.
Heimaey Island is thought for its dramatic landscapes, so that you’ll wish to be part of one of many island excursions that can get you up near the lava flows of the Eldfell Volcano, visits a puffin viewing space, and likewise reveals you an instance of a standard Icelandic earth hut.
The port is a 10-minute stroll to the town middle, the place you’ll discover factors of curiosity like The Aquarium & Museum of Pure Historical past, and the Sagnheimar Folks Museum. There are additionally a number of outlets, cafes, and native eating places to take pleasure in. You can even take a brief stroll to the gorgeous black Heimaey stave church, Stafkirkjan. Alongside the best way, make sure to benefit from the small lava subject trails.
Seydisfjordur
This stunning fjord stretches for 11 miles alongside dramatic volcanic surroundings earlier than ending at what has been referred to as probably the most picturesque city in Iceland, Seydisfjordur. Providing a shocking pure setting to guests, the city can also be residence to a thriving artwork scene and among the friendliest folks on the earth.
Seydisfjordur began as a buying and selling middle for international retailers in 1848 however grew to become rich as a consequence of its abundance of herring. It grew into the most important and most affluent city in East Iceland. Unique settlements and graves have been dated again to the 8th century exhibiting that the international retailers weren’t the primary to learn from the fjord’s riches. The city is charming and small, with a handful of boutiques, artisan craft outlets (attractive Icelandic woolens) pubs and cafes. You can also’t miss its grocery store; I’ve found great small meals finds that make nice presents again residence.
The city is a wonderful hub for nature lovers, providing up a number of marked mountain climbing trails that can take you to find waterfalls and scenic vistas. The port is simply a 10-minute stroll to the village, the place you possibly can wander the streets and admire the colourful buildings, painted streets and well-known Blue Church with the rainbow avenue.
Moreover, you’ll see that there are a lot of choices for day excursions to find highlights round East Iceland. These embrace studying about Eider Geese, Skalanes Nature Reserve, mountain climbing to Hengifoss, together with a number of different touring choices. Considered one of my favourite ventures was a go to to Vok Baths, a floating thermal pool advanced on the sting of a lake. You’ll must prebook a automotive (or prepare for roundtrip transportation) because it’s a stunning, 45-minute drive from city.
Akureyri
The town of Akureyri is the second largest city space in Iceland and is known as the ‘Capital of the North’. Subsequent to Reykjavik, it’s additionally a vibrant hub for artwork and tradition. The town is on the head of the Eyjafjordur, simply over 37 miles lengthy. It is without doubt one of the longest fjords within the nation. Moreover, Akureyri is simply 62 miles from the Arctic Circle. This makes it the foremost hub for North Iceland exploration.
There are a myriad of adventures, excursions, and actions available throughout your time in port. This contains whale watching within the self-proclaimed whale capital of Iceland, that will get you the possibility for an up-close have a look at humpback whales that reside and migrate by the realm.
Moreover, you possibly can take pleasure in excursions to fulfill Icelandic horses and trip by the countryside, go to Myvatn Nature Baths, take a scenic flight over the Diamond Circle, and see the Jewels of the North – an entire overview of the most effective sights within the space.
Or simply hang around and discover the town. Should-sees in Akureyri embrace the Listagil (artwork canyon) which is residence to many arts and crafts galleries and outlets, the gorgeous church within the middle of city, its botanical backyard, and Hafnarstraeti, the principle procuring avenue.
Isafjordur
Isafjordur is the most important city within the Westfjords Peninsula with roughly 2,600 inhabitants. Set on the finish of the Skutulsfjordur, the city is constructed on a sand spit and has the well-known Troll’s Throne looming overhead, which is a well-liked spot for hikers to discover.
The city was first established as a settlement within the 9th century and by the 19th century had embraced the fast-growing saltfish trade which considerably contributed to the growth of the city. The Icelandic shrimp trade was additionally began right here, giving technique to the Golden Days that carried the city into the early 20th century. Right this moment, tourism is flourishing within the city and it’s now a serious cruise ship vacation spot in Iceland. It additionally serves as a base for guests to discover the remainder of the Westfjords area.
Excursions can take you additional afield to discover the village of Hesteyri, the Osvor Museum, Dynjandi Waterfall, kayaking on the fjord, Sudavik village, the Arctic Fox Centre, Bolafjall Mountain, take an ATV tour alongside the fjords edge, or a RIB boat tour for some whale watching.
Grundarfjordur
Situated on the Breidafjordur close to the midpoint of the northern coast of the Snaefellsness Peninsula sits the rising neighborhood of Grundarfjordur. The city is characterised by its distinctive local weather and delightful setting. The city is used as a base to discover the Beserkjahraun lava subject and Snaefellsjokull, the mountain made well-known by Jules Verne.
Kirkjufell and the Kirkjufellsfoss are most likely extra well-known than the city itself since Kirkjufell is without doubt one of the most stunning mountains in Iceland, a characteristic that has been entrance and middle of assorted social media platforms over time. There’s a hike that goes to the bottom of Kirkjufell to see the waterfalls, however if you wish to go additional a information is very advisable.
Excursions can take you deeper with a journey to the middle of the earth that options cave exploration on the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, a mountain climbing journey within the Beserkjahraun lava subject (which roughly interprets to “mad-man lava subject”), a journey to stroll on prime of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, a Viking sushi boat tour, chook watching seeking puffins, and a complete overview tour of the Wonders of the West.
Reykjavik
Congratulations! You’ve made a profitable and immersive circumnavigation of Iceland, probably the most stunning nations on the earth. Earlier than you head residence, think about using your free time to discover extra of Iceland by reserving the Krysuvik and Blue Lagoon tour. You’ll benefit from the geological wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula earlier than taking in a thermal soak within the vibrant blue waters of the most well-liked thermal bathtub in Iceland.
Alternatively, when you didn’t have time to discover downtown Reykjavik earlier than you embarked, take into account a downtown strolling tour or hopping on the Metropolis Sightseeing bus to be taught extra in regards to the fascinating historical past of the town.
