Iceland Circular Saga — Hamburg To Reykjavík Via Windswept Isles Of The North

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, Altstadt, including St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Why not discover 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 Fridjof Nansen

As your expedition cruise travels from Hamburg towards 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 that in style. Why not 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.

R emarkable landscapes of Lysefjord

Today, we'll sail down 25-mile-long Lysefjord. 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 Harbour – is one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals.

Wander through the cobbled alleyways and delight in the colourful, 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 out 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.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea

Spend the day at your leisure as we sail towards Iceland. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea or enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world.

Feeling active? You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. As ever, our Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights about these Arctic islands.

Discover Iceland's modern capital

Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.

Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.

Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula's western tip. It's nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for the array of landscapes.

At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or, take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube.

Explore Westfjords' beautiful harbourside town

Fanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland.

One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll's Throne. You'll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.

Iceland's so-called 'Northern Capital', Akureyri sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit local eateries and museums.

A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You'll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale-watching

Húsavík isa pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we'll be calling here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you're lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at Húsavík's Whale Museum.

Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettiffos, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, that according to the Icelandic myths was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, we will sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, passing across the Arctic Circle as we do so, before continuing to our next destination.

Explore a place beloved of puffins and elves

Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.

A popular hiking area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Discover the town that defied a volcano

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland. It has a fascinating history, and still bears the scars of a 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. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don't miss climbing Mount Eldfell – at the volcano's summit you'll have incredible views of the town below.

E njoy Reykjavík at your leisure

Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great opportunity to see the places you missed when you first arrived.

Relaxing with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a “hot pot” –is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, why not visit Iceland's most famous place for doing just that – the Blue Lagoon – one of the true natural wonders of the world – and experience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.

If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can also join our Post-Programme before you head home.