Arctic, Iceland

64° 8′ N 21° 56′ W

A hiker stands in front of the Dynjandi waterfall in the remote Westfjords of Iceland
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightWild Iceland Escape

Wild Iceland Escape

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Highlights

Wildflowers grow on a hill overlooking a village on Heimay Island. The largest island in the Westman Islands, Iceland
  • Explore Iceland's pristine fjords, fascinating tundra, and dramatic waterfalls, accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists

  • Encounter evidence of volcanic activity as we hike over cooled lava fields, and view Iceland's newest isle, Surtsey

  • Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords and watch for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters

  • Explore with a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor on your expedition team

  • Choose your own adventure on one of three optional trip extensions: tour Iceland’s Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Volcanic Northeast

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

2023 Expedition


Starts at

Reykjavík, Iceland

Ends at

Reykjavík, Iceland

Download Itinerary

Days 1-2

Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures, artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Resolution.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Days 1-2

Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures, artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Resolution.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. We spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland. This corner of Iceland is difficult to access and is seldom visited but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. We take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord to offer hiking, leisurely explorations of the tundra, and perhaps photography of wildflowers. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. We visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. We spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland. This corner of Iceland is difficult to access and is seldom visited but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. We take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord to offer hiking, leisurely explorations of the tundra, and perhaps photography of wildflowers. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. We visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Arnafjörður

In the early morning, our ship glides into beautiful Arnarfjörður along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the bow of the ship as we venture ever deeper into the fjord and then go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall, passing nesting Arctic terns along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Arnafjörður

In the early morning, our ship glides into beautiful Arnarfjörður along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the bow of the ship as we venture ever deeper into the fjord and then go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall, passing nesting Arctic terns along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Islands of Surtsey and Heimaey, Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Drive between the two volcanoes of the island then visit the ruins of old Viking houses dating back to the year 900 A.D. Opt to hike up Eldfell volcano, formed during the 1973 eruption, and have amazing views of areas that were engulfed by lava. In some places the ground is still warm with thermal vents. Watch for nesting Atlantic puffins and gannets along the shores of the island. In 1963 the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site—which we see as we cruise past the coast.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Islands of Surtsey and Heimaey, Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Drive between the two volcanoes of the island then visit the ruins of old Viking houses dating back to the year 900 A.D. Opt to hike up Eldfell volcano, formed during the 1973 eruption, and have amazing views of areas that were engulfed by lava. In some places the ground is still warm with thermal vents. Watch for nesting Atlantic puffins and gannets along the shores of the island. In 1963 the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site—which we see as we cruise past the coast.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

Today we complete our voyage, disembarking in Reykjavík. For travelers traveling on afternoon flights, join us on an excursion to the Reykjanes Peninsula and GeoPark to view the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above sea level and the nearby hot spring area, then transfer to the airport for flights home. Alternatively, join us for one of the optional post-voyage land extensions and continue your explorations of this amazing country.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

Today we complete our voyage, disembarking in Reykjavík. For travelers traveling on afternoon flights, join us on an excursion to the Reykjanes Peninsula and GeoPark to view the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above sea level and the nearby hot spring area, then transfer to the airport for flights home. Alternatively, join us for one of the optional post-voyage land extensions and continue your explorations of this amazing country.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Download Itinerary

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins.  Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details. 

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Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25


Discover the land of fire and ice on a compact, six-day voyage to the remote fjords and volcanic isles along Iceland’s western coast. Venture across an island formed by volcanic eruptions where the ground is still warmed by geothermal activity. Set out by Zodiac to navigate dramatic shorelines from the wild Westfjords region to the volcanic Westman Islands. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen during visits to historic villages.

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6 Days
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Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25