Start your expedition cruise in Iceland’s capital city, a centre for art, culture, history and pleasure 

Your expedition cruise begins at Reykjavík, where MS Fram awaits you at the harbour. Reykjavík means ‘Smoky Inlet’ and was so named because of the steam rising from its hot springs. Today, the hot water from geothermal energy supplies numerous pools and hot tubs.  

The world’s northernmost capital city is simultaneously traditional and cosmopolitan, with plenty to do and see. Explore busy Laugarvegur with its delightful boutiques, outdoor shops and pubs, and drink in knowledge to your heart’s content in the wonderful museums of art, culture and history. After that, it’s time to go aboard, meet your Expedition Team and start the adventure! 

Pre-Programme 

Arriving a few days earlier will allow you to explore this beautiful country in more depth. Why not book a two- or four-day Pre-Programme with us to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle? Highlights such as visiting Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, taking a dip in Iceland´s oldest swimming pool as well as hiking in unique, beautiful surroundings await you! 

Visit the fjord of a thousand islets and the land that inspired Jules Verne 

Our first stop is the quaint fishing village of Stykkishólmur, located on the north side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. With an absence of traffic and a population of only around one thousand, it sometimes feels as though time has stood still here. From here you have a fantastic view across Breiðafjörður (‘Broad Fjord’) with its countless islets.  

The old town centre is characterised by colourful old houses which stand out against the rugged scenery. Do take a look at the Volcano Museum and the Regional Museum, and try local delicacies at the restaurant. This region was the setting for Jules Verne’s book Journey to the Centre of the Earth! 

Look for puffins and Arctic foxes as we visit a rose-hued beach and Iceland’s highest waterfall 

This tranquil fishing village was named for Saint Patrick by its discoverer back in the 8th century. The harbour has a rich maritime history and remains lively today, giving you the opportunity to learn about the many species of fish brought ashore. What’s more, you can take a dip in its outdoor pool.  

Nearby Latrabjarg cliff is home to Puffins, Northern Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills. Nesting on its face, they are safe from Arctic foxes. Also close by are Rauðsandur (‘Red Sand’) Beach, famous for its rose-hued sand, and the Dynjandi waterfalls where six falls combine to form the highest waterfall in the Westfjords. 

A day for spontaneous exploration in Iceland’s north-western region 

One of the best things about expedition cruising is that anything can happen on any given day. That’s why we’ve set one day aside as an exploration day, with no pre-arranged plan.   

We aim to be in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but the Captain and the Expedition Team will set the final plan for the day, depending on conditions and opportunities as they arise.   

Activities might include hiking, participating in a beach clean-up or launching our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we’re sailing, we may decide to linger and enjoy the sight. Being adaptable to adventure is what expedition cruising is all about.  

See Iceland’s vibrant northern capital and the Waterfall of the Gods 

Located at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord, the lively university town of Akureyri is aknown as the country’s northern capital. As we cruise past towering, snow-capped peaks along the fjord’s lush coastline, this is your best opportunity to spot whales of various species. The town itself has numerous top-class eateries and two fascinating museums.  

You can also visit the Arctic Botanical Gardens and view the striking architecture of Akureyri Church. 

Optional excursions are available to stunning Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, and to uniquely beautiful Lake Mývatn, which is a wonderful place for bird-spotting. ‘Game of Thrones’ fans may recognise this landscape! 

Explore the island of folklore and legend as we straddle the Arctic Circle 

For an unforgettable experience, you have to visit the small, grassy island of Grimsey. Steeped in folklore and legend, this island bisects the Arctic Circle, which means you can stand with your feet astride this important geographical feature. The Circle is marked by a large, concrete sphere.  

There are only 60 human inhabitants, but many thousands of seabirds, and the locals sometimes intrepidly descend the cliffs in search of eggs. Boats will take you from the ship to this craggy, windswept island for your visit, and in the evening we return to the port of Húsavík for the night. 

Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife in the company of the so-called Hidden Folk 

According to folklore, this tiny coastal hamlet of about 100 people is also home to a considerable population of elves, and when you experience the serenity and view the impressive scenery it´s not hard to see why. Surrounded by mountain peaks, Bakkagerði is a superb base for hikers, bird-watchers and all lovers of nature.   

The coastal cliffs abound with Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Eider Ducks and Puffins. After your walk, you can enjoy a meal of fresh fish or the local speciality, fish soup, at one of the local cafés, or simply take in the peace and breathtaking views. Perhaps you’ll even glimpse an elf! 

A friendly welcome awaits you on this isle of fire and turbulent history 

With about 4,000 friendly inhabitants, Heimaey (‘Home Island’) is the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago to the south of Iceland’s mainland. In 1973, the settlement was nearly wiped out by a volcanic eruption. The volcanic cone Eldfell (‘Fire Mountain’) still towers 220 metres above the sea.  

Lower down, you can see the tongue of lava which nearly blocked the harbour and was only stopped by heroic efforts. On this windy but hospitable island you can ascend the volcano and also learn about its dark and turbulent history of runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates. 

Take a trip to the Blue Lagoon for an unforgettable outdoor spa experience 

Returning to Reykjavík, you now have another opportunity to explore the delights you may have missed on your first visit. Don’t forget, this is a city of art, culture, galleries and museums. Or if you simply wish to relax, why not take a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon.  

Here you can relax in geothermally heated water of a bright blue colour that’s derived from silica and many other minerals carried down from the volcanic landscape. As you soak, you can also enjoy a drink and chat with locals and fellow guests as you look forward to the next step on your adventure – Greenland! 

Relax and learn all about the Arctic as we follow in the wake of Viking explorers 

Voyaging westward, MS Fridtjof Nansen enters the Denmark Strait, waters once sailed by Erik the Red and other Viking explorers on their way to Greenland. As we sail, the ship has plenty of onboard facilities that you can use. In the Science Center, you can learn all about the Arctic, its wildlife and its inhabitants.  

Why not take some time to use the ship’s fitness room and get the blood pumping. After that, you can enjoy a relaxing sauna as you gaze out to sea. Later, chat with other guests as you enjoy a drink in the Explorer Lounge & Bar - all just suggestions, of course! 

Spend over a week exploring the most immense fjord system on the planet 

This enormous fjord system is renowned for its spectacular scenery. Amid mountains towering to 6,500 feet, glistening white and blue icebergs float on the mirror-like waters, and the serenity is broken only by the cries of sea birds, such as little auks, puffins, fulmars and gulls.   

The waters are also home to various species of whales and seals. Your Captain and Expedition Team will seek out opportunities to go ashore for nature walks or to explore the fjords by kayak. On land, you may well spot musk oxen, Arctic foxes, Greenlandic Gyrfalcons and mountain hares, so keep your eyes open! 

Heading back to Iceland – time to relax at sea 

After exploring the remote beauty of east Greenland, we set our course back for Iceland. Spend your time at sea recapping your experiences with new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds which follow the ship, or maybe see if you can spot some whales.  

As you reflect on your expedition cruise, you may now appreciate what a precious place Greenland is. From the delicate ecology of the fjord systems, and the ethereal elegance of the floating ice and glaciers, we hope that the beauty you encountered has made its mark on you. 

MS Fram will arrive back in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. Once you’ve disembarked, why not check out some of the things you might have missed in this charming and compact city. 

We’re sure you will have had an incredible experience exploring Iceland, and Greenland’s east coast with us, and we hope to see you again in the future for more adventures.  

Post-Programme 

Want to extend your adventure? If you'd like to discover more of Iceland, why not add on our Post-Programme before you head home, or simply extend your stay to enjoy Reykjavik and the surrounding geothermal attractions. After all, Iceland has so much to offer you may want to linger just a little longer!