Exploring Iceland and Beyond (Northbound)
About Reykjavik
A Great Northern Expedition
This expedition cruise to Iceland begins in Hamburg before heading to the west coast of Norway and onwards towards Iceland.
Famed Natural Beauty
Arriving in Norway, we cruise the unmatched beauty of world-famous Lysefjorden and Geirangerfjord. This stretch of the Norwegian coast offers spectacular scenery with dramatic fjords and idyllic countryside.
Fire and Ice
Next, MS Fridtjof Nansen crosses the Norwegian Sea to the land of fire and ice - mythical Iceland. This is the home of classic sagas, long Arctic winters and summers lit by the Midnight Sun.
We visit charming towns and settlements, see iconic natural attractions like Goðafoss, Waterfall of the Gods, step across the Arctic Circle and enjoy walks.
Vikings and Elves
Iceland is a place of living history and unique natural beauty. Traditions and myths run deep. For example, if locals want to build a new road, one influential group from Icelandic mythology is first consulted - the elves.
Wild and geologically active Icelandic nature offers opportunities to explore stunning landscapes with Europe's most powerful and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Our expedition cruise offers excursions to a variety of islands, towns and settlements, spectacular views and interesting sites, all accompanied by our knowledgeable expedition team.
- Explore mystical Iceland – the land of fire and ice
- Sail north from Hamburg to the magnificent Norwegian fjords
- Experience fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
- Encounter a paradise for bird and whale watching
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all cruises designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including small boat cruising and onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail through
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Gym, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking and extended hiking (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
Itinerary
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Canals and Gardens - Hamburg, Germany - Embarkation - Overnight
Hamburg is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – featuring large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. Enjoy an overnight stay onboard which gives you plenty of time to explore the city and some of its many canals.
Included activity:
Hamburg Harbour Cruise (1 h 45)
A visit to the "Hansestadt" Hamburg is simply incomplete without a tour through the harbour, the second largest seaport in Europe. See the Speicherstadt – the world's largest contiguous warehouse complex and the “Landungsbrücken” (landing stages) floating dock, one of Hamburg’s major tourist attractions. Learn about the wharves with their floating docks, the dry docks and the container harbour from the sea side.
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Heading North - At sea
Enjoy an idyllic day at sea as we head towards Norway. Take in the panoramic views from one of many viewpoints around the ship, relax with a book or join one of the lectures onboard and find out more about the exciting days ahead.
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Charming Kristiansand - Kristiansand, Norway - Half Day
Kristiansand's beautiful beaches and archipelago, charming old town, interesting local history and nearby nature make it a popular destination. Visit the fish markets, join our optional excursion or enjoy the great outdoors.
Included activity:
Kristiansand by Foot (2 hrs)
This walking tour reflects the city's 371 years of history. Architecture here ranges from the modern Performing Arts Centre to timber houses from the 1700's, and from the fortress of the 1670´s to the Gothic style cathedral of the late 19th century. You will also have a chance to visit the fish market and the marketplace by the cathedral.
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Towering Preikestolen - Lysefjorden, Norway - Half Day
Lysefjord is 25 miles long and 1,400 feet deep. The Preikestolen plateau towers an impressive 2,000 ft over the surface of the water. We will sail into the fjord, enjoy the great landscape from deck and hope to have a fine view of Preikestolen from below.
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UNESCO Beauty - Geiranger, Norway
Geirangerfjord features spectacular nature and idyllic villages along its 65 mile stretch. The fjord is world famous for its dramatic landscape and is UNESCO-listed as a World Heritage site. Enjoy taking in the scenery as we sail into this amazing area of stunning beauty.
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Norwegian Sea - At sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures while we set our course towards Iceland. Our expedition team will present talks and workshops and share their knowledge and experience. You will also have the chance to visit our Science Center for interesting topics and discussions.
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Nordic Heritage - Seyðisfjörður, Iceland - Half Day
The Norwegian heritage of the village of Seyðisfjörður is reflected in colorful Nordic-style wooden houses dating from the early 20th century. The handcrafted architecture creates a truly unique identity in the settlement. Explore this quirky town, join an organized hike or take an optional excursion to Skálanes.
Included activity:
A stroll around Seyðisfjörður (2 hrs)
Enjoy a walking tour of Seyðisfjordur’s colourful streets, including visits to the Blue Church and the local culture centre with modern art exhibitions. Step back in time at the Technical Museum, which focuses on historical innovations in mechanics, electricity and communications, and how they changed lifestyles and milieus.
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Step Across the Arctic Circle - Grímsey, Iceland - Full Day
We will use our tender boats to reach this green and grassy island. It is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Pending favorable conditions, you will have the chance to step across that iconic line, north to south.
Included activity:
Arctic circle crossing ceremony (2 hrs 30)
The Arctic Circle crosses Iceland at the northernmost point on Grimsey island. As we cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy a fun ceremony with the staff, then take a walk towards the Orbis et Globus (Circle and Sphere) artwork that symbolises the Circle. On the way you will have amazing photo opportunities of magnificent scenery, and wildlife like puffins, arctic terns, golden plovers and many more spectacular birds, as many of them are nesting on the cliffs or right next to your footpath.
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Center in the North - Akureyri, Iceland - Full Day
Lively Akureyri is famous for its botanical gardens and pretty traffic lights. This is the most populous Icelandic community outside Reykjavík, and is the center of trade, culture and services for the region. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, like Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.
Included activity:
Town walk & Botanical Garden visit (2 - 3 hrs)
Discover the past and present of Akureyri on a leisurely stroll around town. See the town centre before making your way up to a viewpoint. The walk also goes to to the Botanical Gardens (Lystigarðurinn) where you can see some 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers that bloom outdoors due to Akureyri’s warm microclimate.
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Wonderful Westfjords - Ísafjörður, Iceland - Full Day
Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view the oldest houses in Iceland, including the structure that houses the Maritime Museum.
Included activity:
Beach clean-up (1 - 3 hrs)
The most important daily task of our crews (and our guests) is to stop waste before it enters the oceans. But we also need to help clean up existing pollution. On every landing at every destination, our Expedition Teams and guests are encouraged to help collect waste, and we arrange larger beach cleanups at carefully selected spots. (Subject to permission of local land owners).
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Patreksfjörður - Patreksfjördur, Iceland - Full Day
Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall, Dynjandi, and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.
Included activity:
Stroll through town (1 hr)
Stroll along the lively harbour of Patreksfjörður and learn about the importance of fisheries to the village and the various types of fish. We visit the local church and walk to the snow avalanche protection wall where you get the best views of the fjord. The village has a rich history as a base for English and French sailors, merchants and navy mariners.
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Sagaland - Stykkishólmur, Iceland - Full Day
Stykkishólmur has old, beautiful and well-preserved houses in the town center and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. Enjoy exploring the town's interesting museums or join optional excursions to iconic sites on Snæfellsnes Penninsula, like the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur.
Included activity:
Walking tour & visit to the Eider centre (2 hrs)
During this pleasant walk around town, enjoy thought-provoking talks on the area´s religion, social issues and the Icelandic health system. Naturally, there will be interesting information on the history and culture of this welcoming community as well. We also visit the Icelandic Eider Centre at Stykkishólmur, with the adjacent Breidafjordur being the largest active eider duck nesting area in the world.
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Welcome Home - Heimaey, Iceland - Full Day
Heimaey, or “Home Island,” welcomes us on our visit. The area features dramatic and steep sea cliffs, which are well-vegetated and provide a habitat for countless seabirds, including the charming puffin.
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The World's Northernmost Capital - Reykjavik, Iceland - Disembarkation
Iceland's capital offers visitors a rich urban life. Relatively close to the city, you find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavík itself hosts fine restaurants, museums and shops. We arrive in the morning and this is where our expedition cruise ends.
