Why is a voyage to Iceland right for you?
You’ll never forget cruising to Iceland with Swan Hellenic – this Nordic gem has so much to offer! Where else can you duck under the spray of hot geysers, visit ancient Viking ruins, and see incredible wildlife in its natural habitat?! Set off on an Iceland cruise and you’ll travel in style on one of our 5-star boutique ships, enjoy unforgettable, one-off expeditions with knowledgeable experts, and get to discover Iceland’s wild, dramatic landscapes, and explore fjords, waterfalls and spectacular volcanic scenery.
What to see in Iceland
With a wealth of natural wonders and cultural attractions, your voyage to the land of fire and ice with Swan Hellenic will be packed with unmissable adventures. Cruise around Iceland and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most interesting indigenous cultures and ways of life, as well as national parks, protected areas for wildlife, and the planet’s most extensive fjord system.
Reykjavik
Iceland's vibrant capital is a must-see destination. The modern organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson, dominates the top of town. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection. And you won’t want to miss the city’s lively harbor area, with its striking Harpa Concert Hall and fascinating Maritime Museum. Cosy streets, heated by geothermal waters, are lined with bars, cafés, and shops. And just 50 kilometers outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
Dynjandi waterfall
Considered by many to be one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. You can reach it on a short, 15 minute walk, which will take you past five smaller waterfalls.
Ísafjördur
Found in northwest Iceland, Ísafjördur is a bustling fishing town that’s surrounded by fjords. Home to cafés, restaurants and great attractions, its Heritage Museum houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through fascinating exhibits. Plus, nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.
Grímsey Island
This remote island is located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. In fact, Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.
Hrisey Island
Found in northern Iceland’s Eyjafjordur fjord, this small island is home to various wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. Hriseyjarfjall Mountain is the highest point and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of Eyjafjörður fjord. Despite its size, Hrisey Island possesses a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Icelandic crafts, such as hand-knitting and woodworking, preserve the island's identity.
Húsavík
Overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, Húsavík is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museum focusses on Viking history and NASA’s Apollo astronaut training, which took place in the 1960s. The town is also the site of the first house built in Iceland back in 860 AD.
Adventures in Iceland
Wherever your adventures take you on your Iceland cruise, you’re sure to see an array of beautiful birdlife! Keep an eye out for seabirds, such as cormorants, fulmars and gannets, soaring above you.
And you’ll want to watch for Atlantic puffins too. With up to 10 million puffins calling Iceland home, it’s no wonder this is the puffin capital of the world! These small seabirds spend most of their lives at sea but during their breeding season (April to September), they can be seen nesting in burrows on coastal cliffs.
Imagine the roar of nature all around you as you watch water spilling over the edge of a waterfall, and crashing into a pool below. It’s thought that there are around 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Will your trip take you to Hengifoss waterfall in Fljótsdalshreppur, famous for its layers of basaltic strata and layers of red clay? Or maybe you’ll visit Northern Iceland’s Goðafoss, one of the country’s biggest waterfalls, which is also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods"?! Experiencing these amazing natural wonders is an experience that will never leave you!
You’ll also want to watch out for the country’s amazing wildlife on your Icelandic voyage, which include Arctic foxes, reindeer and herds of Icelandic horses. Plus, Iceland is Europe's whale watching capital, making it one of the best places in the world to visit for whale watching. With such an abundance of marine life in the icy waters here, you could soon be watching orca, blue, minke, fin, and humpback whales in the wild!
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to cruise to Iceland?
We sail to Iceland during the summer months (June to August), which offers the mildest weather and longest daylight hours.
Is cruising a good way to see Iceland?
An expedition voyage to Iceland is a fantastic way to experience Iceland. You’ll get to visit special destinations and remote locations, and learn about this magical place from our knowledgeable on-board experts, as well as getting up close to amazing scenery and wildlife on unforgettable expeditions.
What is the weather like on a cruise to Iceland?
The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Even in summer, you can expect cool temperatures, wind, and rain. So no matter when you decide to go, it’s best to be prepared for all types of weather.