Iceland & The Faroe Islands
Cruise Circle
A cruise to the pristine nature of Iceland and the Faroe Islands can offer a remarkable experience for those lucky enough to visit. Full of fascinating history dating back thousands of years, unsurpassed natural beauty and bucketfuls of the cleanest, freshest air you will ever taste, a cruise to this region is simply the most convenient, easiest and best value way to explore.
Iceland
It is often said of many destinations that there's always something new to see on every visit. Whist that has an element of truth, it can be taken to a whole new level in Iceland where, literally, immense geological forces are continually reshaping this breathtaking country. Vast glaciers cut through mountains, volcanoes steam and rumble and impressive geysers spew boiling water high into the air. The landscapes of Iceland feel like an incredible movie set, so make you have a good camera available to capture as much as possible.
The country offers more than just natural beauty. The island offers a thriving arts scene with visual art and live music everywhere. Reykjavik is the most northerly capital city in the world and the place where this is most apparent, yet each destination, whether small or large (comparatively speaking) will offer a range of attractive handicrafts and excellent cuisine to hit your senses. Wherever you visit, you'll find the Icelandic sense of style and individuality on display, and it's amazing.
Reykjavik
This quirky capital city is a manageable size and easy to explore. Discover the impressive Reykjavik Cathedral that dominates the skyline, visit one of the many museums or galleries and refuel at one of the city's restaurants for some fantastic local fare including lamb, seafood and wild game.
Isafjordur
The Westfjords region is famous for towering mountains and natural hot springs. The fishing village of Isafjordur is the capital of the region and offers much for the visitor including kayaking, shops, museums and more. Folklore is alive and well here, with museums dedicated to sorcery and sea monsters. Isafjordur is ideal for hiking, biking and horseriding; it also offers access to the nature reserve in Hornstrandir where you may spot the Arctic Fox as you walk along the stunning cliffs.
Akureyri
At the edge of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is the second-largest city in Iceland. Whilst the city has many attractions, the real gems of the region are beyond the city limits. Birdwatching in the area is incredible and there are several Birding Trails in North Iceland. You could also take a helicopter flight over the vast Krafla lava field and stop to enjoy the bubbling, steaming geothermally-heated waters at the famous Myvatn Nature Baths - perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating.
Faroe Islands
The eighteen islands that make up the Faroe Islands are full of exciting adventures for every mood... cycling, shopping, hiking, fishing, adventure and more. Located around halfway between Norway and Iceland, this constituent nation of Denmark is a popular calling point for (generally) smaller cruise ships that are offering Iceland and/or Norwegian Fjord cruises.
The islands are small and easy to get around, but with a population of just around 53,000, there's plenty of space for visitors. The cool climate creates lush grass for livestock on the islands; the organic meat produced is of very high quality, and the air-dried skerpikjøt is a true delicacy.
Torshavn
As you arrive in Torshavn, you'll soon notice the lack of traffic congestion and crowds and could be forgiven for forgetting that you're in the capital city - one of the smallest in the world. Wander the maze of narrow streets and head to the oldest part of town, Undir Ryggi where you'll find the famous, traditional wooden houses with turf-covered roofs.
Klaksvik
Klaksvik is the second largest town in the Faroe Islands but possibly one of the prettiest, thanks to its location in a gorgeous bay. The area offers Viking-era remains which are worth seeing. For the ornithologists out there, the nearby island of Eysturoy has been identified as an 'Important Bird Area' and is home to Black Guillemots, Manx Shearwaters and other native seabirds.
Want to find out more about Iceland? Check out the Icelandverse below.