Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice

Encircled by mountains and the sea, Reykjavik is minutes away from Iceland’s unspoiled rugged nature as the presence of arctic terns, wild geese and ducks in the city centre can testify. You will be fascinated by the natural sites and exceptional geology which surround the Icelandic capital.

Surtsey is a volcanic island located in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off the southern coast of Iceland. At 63.303°N 20.605°W, Surtsey is the southernmost point of Iceland. It was formed in a volcanic eruption which began 130 metres below sea level, and reached the surface on 14 November 1963.

About 12 km off the coast lie a group of volcanic islands and islets comprising the Vestman Archipelago. Only the biggest one Heimaey is inhabited, the main attractions being the fishing port, a stunning landscape and of course the volcanoes. The wildlife is fantastic, as no fewer than 34 bird species live here including the unmistakable puffin.

This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell, on Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arriving by boat means you’ll get a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay; Grundarfjörður lies sheltered behind this cone-shaped rock. A stone’s throw from the jetty, crystal clear waters, tundra and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breiðafjörður. Scattered with its emerald-coloured lawns, this town, with its buildings that merge into the surrounding countryside, will most certainly win your favour.

Grimsey is the northernmost island of Iceland surging from the Arctic ocean, with the Arctic circle running through the island. Its contrasted contours are surprising. From Grímseyjarhreppur, the island’s only town located on the west coast, then heading due south, you can take in the beauty of the hillsides, lushly carpeted with moss and grass. On the rest of the coastline, imposing basalt cliffs inhabited by sea birds stand proud.

Capital of the North and lying just south of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri (Iceland) is the Iceland’s most beautiful town with its many gardens and colourfully painted houses. This is our point of departure for a visit to Lake Myvatn, shaped by volcanic eruptions, and the famous “Waterfall of the Gods” at Godafoss.

Your ship will take you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region we find the Isafjörður fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjörður, which nestles at the back of its fjord, between imposing mountains, is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port.

Encircled by mountains and the sea, Reykjavik is minutes away from Iceland’s unspoiled rugged nature as the presence of arctic terns, wild geese and ducks in the city centre can testify. You will be fascinated by the natural sites and exceptional geology which surround the Icelandic capital.

Encircled by mountains and the sea, Reykjavik is minutes away from Iceland’s unspoiled rugged nature as the presence of arctic terns, wild geese and ducks in the city centre can testify. You will be fascinated by the natural sites and exceptional geology which surround the Icelandic capital.