Experience an enchanting land of geological extremes on a satisfying circumnavigation of this land of fire and ice. Encounter vast volcanic landscapes on one of the world’s youngest islands, walk on lava fields and ice sheets, and feel the power of gushing hot springs and cascading waterfalls. Cruise into the beautiful, remote Westfjords and spend time on the Arctic Circle spotting nesting seabirds. Zodiac cruise into fjords and serene bays and go hiking on magnificent and remote stretches of the coast. Cap off the adventure with a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. Along the voyage, Icelandic experts and musicians will add local insight and energy to the expedition.
Experience all of Iceland’s geological manifestations: glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty
Meet local Icelandic experts ranging from economists to filmmakers and enjoy exclusive music performances.
Explore Iceland’s wild western coast; Siglufjörður in the north; the rarely visited rugged east coast; and the Westman islands in the south, among the planet’s youngest archipelagos
Actively explore by taking Zodiacs into fjords and serene bays
Customize your experience by taking an expedition extension
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Duration
11 Days
Price
From $11,920 per person
(does not include flight)
Dates
Jul
Aug
Special offers
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
COMBINING OFFERS
BRINGING THE KIDS
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
Arctic, Iceland
Get out to hike and Zodiac cruise. Meet welcoming Icelanders and learn about their unique history and contemporary character. Explore havens for wildlife. Options abound to make the expedition as active as you choose, and each day join a different naturalist for more viewpoints. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic photographer.
Embark
Reykjavik, Iceland
Disembark
Reykjavik, Iceland
Special Offers
6/26/2022
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National Geographic Resolution
We were up early in Akureyri and on our way to the geologic hinterlands of Iceland. We headed out to see some of the landscapes, geologic and biologic features unique to the Land of Fire and Ice. First stop Goðafoss, the “waterfall of the Gods.” The view lived up to the name, and all who joined the trip were awarded with a classic Icelandic picture. Not our first waterfall by any means, but perhaps our most photogenic, and a spectacular view for sure! Our second stop brought us to Mývatn, a shallow lake rich with birdlife and luckily for us, no midges for which the lake is named! The area has interesting volcanic “pseudocraters,” formed when lava flows over wetlands causing flash boiling of the water and phreatomagmatic explosions. While volcanic in nature, these rootless pseudocraters are not linked directly to a magma chamber. From Mývatn, it was a short ride to the Dimmuborgir lava field, where we hiked through a labyrinth of exotic volcanic towers, exposed lava tubes, and jumbled blocks. Without our Icelandic guide to lead the way, we could easily get lost within this chaotic landscape. We left the region by noon and arrived at our lunch stop to recharge an our afternoon exploration of Námaskarð geothermal area. The stop in and around Námaskarð displayed the classic features of a geothermal region with smelly, steaming, and bubbling mud pots, colorful soils, and roaring fumaroles. Leaving the region, we passed a geothermal powerplant, one of many in Iceland that provide about thirty percent of the country’s energy. Last stop on the tour was Hverfjall crater, a beautiful and nearly symmetrical tephra cone that formed approximately 2,500 years before present by another phreatomagmatic eruption linked to the Krafla volcanic system. A short hike to the top provided views of the crater’s interior and the surrounding landscape. We returned to the coach and headed for Húsavík to meet our ship. Rounding the last turn into town, we could see National Geographic Resolution entering the harbor. Our timing was perfect! Our day was not over. After dinner, we sailed north to the tiny island of Grímsey, smack dab on the Arctic Circle. The wind abated, the swell dropped, and we launched Zodiacs for our late-night exploration of the island. In addition to the opportunity to visit the monument to the Arctic Circle, guests were provided with their best views so far of the Atlantic puffin. Hundreds of the iconic birds posed patiently at their burrows with fish hanging from their beaks. I’ll bet thousands of photos were taken! It was a spectacular ending to an eventful day! Even the sun broke out, casting an amazing glow on the volcanic peaks to the east. Time for bed!
6/25/2022
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National Geographic Resolution
We arrived in Siglufjörður just before breakfast, under cloudy skies that occasionally wept rain. But no matter…we were in a very historic town of Iceland; the center of an enormous, but short-lived herring fishery, it’s now home of the renowned and highly acclaimed Herring Era Museum (Icelandic Museum of the Year, 2000; European Museum of the Year, 2004). Before entering the museum, we witnessed a recreation of the famous Herring Girls at work. Now, England may have the Spice Girls, but they only sing and dance; the Herring Girls match that and add heading-and-gutting herring, an act I suspect the Spice Girls would reject. The current Herring Girls recreated how the original Girls processed the incoming herring, and layered the fish with salt and brine into barrels. They worked hard for little pay and under rustic living conditions. Yet, as time passed they emerged as a powerful voice in getting better pay and living conditions for themselves, an accomplishment that slowly trickled into the national scene, resulting in better pay for all, as well as empowering Icelanders to move away from Danish rule. Once the demonstration ended (with a rousing rendition of traditional Herring Girl songs and dances, emblematic of how the girls and fishermen interacted during ‘down’ time), we entered the spectacular museum. Original machinery used in the herring fishery was collected from all over Iceland and assembled in the museum, providing an impressive visualization of how herring moved from intact fish to the final product of oil and fish meal. Dangerous, dirty, and noisy work…one could easily imagine the conditions while walking through the museum and viewing machinery, herring boats, and old photos. The museum truly deserves its international honors, and expansion plans are in place in order to accommodate some 20,000 artifacts now in storage. We then sailed to Akureyri, leaving the ship shortly after docking for a special performance by the noted and beloved Icelandic singer-song writer, Svavar Knútur. His songs vividly portray intense emotions, interspersed by a delightful and light-hearted monologue. The hour-long performance in a small setting earned a standing ovation, encore, and a final standing ovation. All emerged post-performance with satisfied smiles and agreed it was a unique and impressive performance. Some guests then embarked on a short tour of the local church and botanical garden. National Geographic Resolution remained overnight at the dock in Akureyri, allowing some guests to wander about the town after dinner before retiring for the evening. Tomorrow brings another adventure-packed day.
6/24/2022
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National Geographic Resolution
Today we got a glimpse of all the major characteristics Iceland has to offer: wildlife, scenery, wonderful people, and very tasty desserts.
6/23/2022
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National Geographic Resolution
Our second day here in Iceland was one of wonder and came with the spirit of expedition. As we headed off Flatey, we moved into the area of Westfjords in the northwest portion of Iceland. Westfjords is, as the name suggests, an area of massive fjords that were carved out by slow-moving but relentless glaciers. These geologic behemoths combined with volcanic activity were the processes that created this island nation, and today we were able to see this history on the exposed sheer fjord walls of Arnarfjordur. At the end of Arnarfjordur, a portion of those steep cliffs is covered by thunderous, roaring water. This water is the famous and massive Dynjandi Waterfall. Spanning over 300 ft and itself feeding into five other waterfalls, Dynjandi is a sight to behold. Here we disembarked the ship, taking Zodiacs to nearby beaches and hiking to the base of the falls. Along the way, we passed fields of buttercup flowers, guarded by terns who squawked and dive-bombed would-be invaders to deter them from heading near their nests. We then made our way to the lowest of the falls, taking in the beauty of each step as mist flew off the turbulent waters, pushed across the desolate landscape by the constant breeze. Finally, at the top of the trail, we arrived at Dynjandi itself. The waterfall stretched towards the sky; those who wanted to take in all of its beauty needed to crane their necks to have a look at the layers of rock stacked on top of each other, creating steps for the water to quickly work its way down. After our time at Dynjandi, we embarked the ship again and made our way out of the fjord, eventually docking in Isafjordur, where a myriad of adventures awaits us tomorrow. Photo caption and photographer: Dynjandi Waterfall with one of the many smaller waterfalls it feeds into. Photo by Kayvon Malek
8/17/2021
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National Geographic Endurance
During the early hours of the morning, the National Geographic Endurance sailed off the southwest coast of Iceland, heading towards the Westman islands. This archipelago is formed by fifteen main islands, but only one of them is inhabited with a population of more than 4,000 people. Our arrival was estimated for the late morning, so we spent our shipboard time attending presentations and even touring the unique art displayed throughout the ship. After circumnavigating Surtsey Island (one of the youngest islands on the planet), we made our dramatic entry to a bay once threatened by the volcanic explosion of Eldfell volcano in 1973. The narrow bay was the perfect excuse for the captain to show the capabilities and maneuverability of the National Geographic Endurance. With a powerful Azipod gearless 360° steerable propulsion system, the ship can rotate 180 degrees in only a matter of seconds and aim for a perfect docking experience! Once well fed by our hotel and galley crew, we set off to explore Eldfell volcano itself and various other key points of the Island. Although the geology of Heimaey was the highlight of the day, the cuteness of puffin chicks (known as pufflings) stole everyone’s attention when a few locals requested safe passage for several young birds to the open sea. It is this time of the year when pufflings are ready to head to sea. However, there are always a good number who get confused and end up inland, mistakenly attracted to the city lights. Locals of all ages set off with the task of finding these young birds to keep them safe until they find willing volunteers from ferries, tour ships, and fishing boats to take them to open waters to release them. We were delighted to be chosen for such a task, and once at sea, several pufflings were released under the cheerful voices of encouragement from our guests for the young birds to have a happy and healthy life, and for their safe return to these grounds five years from now!
Go Farther | 2022-23
2023 Voyages
