Elemental Iceland – Circular Saga From Reykjavík
Embark on a full circumnavigation of Iceland aboard HX Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen, uncovering the island’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, geysers, and vibrant wildlife from whales in Húsavík to puffins along the rugged Arctic shores.
Members from: $7,837 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $7,917 P.P Twin Share
Type
Ocean Cruising
Destination
North Europe
Departs
19 May 2026
Explore Iceland’s coastline in its entirety and see some of the country’s most captivating sights on this full circumnavigation, starting and ending in Reykjavík.
Experience the geological wonders of the land of ice and fire, from volcanoes and glaciers to geysers and hot springs.
Go whale watching in Húsavík, see Atlantic Puffins in Bakkagerði and Heimaey and sail into the Arctic Circle.
A saga of old and new
In Reykjavík, you'll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, as well as its museums detailing Icelandic history and culture through the ages. As you voyage around one of the world’s youngest countries, you’ll see how ancient geology has shaped the lives of those who live here.
Raw natural beauty
Discover Iceland's starkly beautiful, volcanic scenery – with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. The country offers some of the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year. And among the Arctic birdlife, keep an eye out for colonies of Atlantic Puffins.
Day 1: Reykjavik
Discover Iceland’s modern capital.Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It is well worth spending some time exploring this delightful city.Take a stroll along city’s main street Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Tue 19 May 2026 | Depart 08:00 PM
Day 2: Grundarfjordur
Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor 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. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube?
Wed 20 May 2026 | 12:00 PM To 08:00 PM
Day 3: Isafjordur
Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see 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 with a stunning panoramic view at the top.
Thu 21 May 2026 | 08:00 AM To 05:00 PM
Day 4: Akureyri
See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighboring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy a botanical garden oasis and visit local eateries and museums.A little further on, 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.
Fri 22 May 2026 | 08:00 AM To 11:00 PM
Day 5: Husavik
Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watchingHúsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor 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 the Húsavík Whale Museum.You can also visit the Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition, showcasing the contest's history with costumes, props, and memorabilia from past performances, alongside sets and items from the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, set and filmed in Húsavík. Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which 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, cross the Arctic Circle, and continue on to our next destination.
Sat 23 May 2026 | 10:00 AM To 07:00 PM
Day 6: Bakkagerdi
Explore a place beloved by puffins and elvesYour Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. 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.This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful 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.
Sun 24 May 2026 | 08:00 AM To 02:00 PM
Day 7: Heimaey
Discover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the 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. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below.
Mon 25 May 2026 | 01:00 PM To 07:30 PM
Day 8: Reykjavik
Enjoy Reykjavík at your own paceYour Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived. You can even relax with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a 'hot pot' – an important part of Icelandic culture.
Tue 26 May 2026 | Arrive 06:00 AM
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, will be provided on board on loan. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
Greenland The Ultimate Fjord And National Park Expedition
Members from: $12,583 P.P Twin Share
All prices are per person in Australian Dollars unless specified. Prices are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations.
All are subject to change. For up-to-date pricing contact National Travel. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the land only price once the deposit is received.