Arctic Island Hopping

Day 1 : Reykjavik

A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know. Take a stroll along 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 and enjoy your first dinner.

Day 2 : Grundarfjörður

The majestic Kirkjufell mountain rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður Bay. Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the western tip. At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater.

Day 3 : Ísafjörðurr

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view 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 at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

Day 4 : Akureyri and Goðafoss

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi Bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales. Iceland’s ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you’ll enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and can visit some excellent eateries and museums. A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also see geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s more active volcanic areas, and one of the few places to explore the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Day 5 : Húsavík

Húsavík is a pleasant small town famous for excellent whale-watching opportunities. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even elusive blue whales. Geology and mythology come together at nearby Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon which, according to Norse mythology, was created when Odin’s horse Sleipnir accidentally put one of his eight legs down on the ground.

Further south is Lake Mývatn. Nowhere else will you find such an array of active volcanic features and landscape evolution, including evidence of dramatic eruptions such as the 18th-century Mývatn fires and the Krafla fires of the late 1970s.

Day 6 : At Sea

Take time to relax on the ship day as we cruise through Arctic waters towards Jan Mayen. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or take a soak in a hot tub out on deck while scanning for seabirds. You can also listen to a lecture or two on topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Or visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into the places we’ll be visiting and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research.

Day 7 : Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we’re one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting foot in one of Earth’s most remote places. Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It’s the world’s northernmost active volcano and it last erupted in 1985. You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.

Day 8 : At Sea

Spend the day at your leisure as we sail deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago.

Days 9 – 12 : Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next four days you’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea. Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of Isfjord, or visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and an important climate research station. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear in its natural environment.

Day 13 : Longyearbyen

Your island-hopping adventure into the Arctic comes to an end in Longyearbyen, a town on top of the world. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.

*Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions, nature prevails. Weather, as well as ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all of Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times the top priorities. All indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly present – or exciting possibilities that nature and wildlife offer. That is why it is called an expedition!