Iceland Circumnavigation Expedition | Ocean Endeavour

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. Food, culture, and nightlife abound! The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. We depart Reykjavík in the evening aboard the Ocean Endeavour after an organized tour.

Today we will explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region known for its dramatic beauty and fascinating geological history. There will also be many opportunities to observe seabirds and marine life as we explore one of Iceland’s most amazing coastlines.

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.

In its heyday, Siglufjörður bustled with activity as the centre of the herring fishing industry. Today Siglufjörður is resurgent. The Herring Era Museum, which includes re-enactments, is wonderful. Foodies will enjoy visiting the bakery, chocolate factory, and brewery. The folk music centre is a wonderful resource for Icelandic folk music.

Grimsey Island lies on the Arctic Circle. Its small human population shares the island with nearly a million seabirds! These include puffins, guillemots, and gulls. A Zodiac cruise among rock formations is a trip highlight.

Iceland’s second-largest urban area, Akureyri enjoys a relatively mild climate and ice-free harbour. In addition, Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, which shield it from strong winds.

First settled in the ninth century, Akureyri provided a base for Allied units during the Second World War.

Nearby Lake Myvatn offers stunning contrasts: one side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.

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 artefacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area; a whale museum, and a turf house museum.

Seydisfjordur 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.

You 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.

The south of Iceland is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. It boasts a unique mix of volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers—as well as hot springs, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls.

Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited.

Numerous species of seabirds nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly blocked its harbour.

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.

Today we disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport.