The Most Picturesque Locations Across Iceland

Highlights of Iceland

1. Is Iceland in the Arctic Circle?

2. Grimsey Island

3. Lava Fields

4. Dynjandi Waterfall

5. Goðafoss Waterfall

6. Patreksfjörður

7. Látrabjarg Cliff

8. Vigur Island

9. Tips for visiting Iceland

10. Iceland ocean cruises with Scenic

Set sail on a once in a lifetime journey around Iceland aboard Scenic Discovery Yachts. From volcanic valleys and icy fjords to soaring seabirds and breaching whales, every moment in the land of fire and ice promises something unforgettable. With up to 20 expert guides on Expedition Voyages and up to 10 on Discovery Voyages, your Discovery Team will give you deeper insight into the culture, nature and raw power of this remarkable destination. 

In this guide, explore some of Iceland’s most extraordinary stops on your all inclusive ultra luxury Discovery Voyage.

Is Iceland in the Arctic Circle?

While mainland Iceland sits just south of the Arctic Circle, it’s not technically within it. However, the Arctic Circle does cross one of Iceland’s northern outlying islands — Grímsey Island — offering a rare chance to step across this invisible line.

Grimsey Island

Grimsey Island is a standout stop on many of the Scenic Eclipse voyages around Iceland, including the Reykjavik, Iceland & Greenland's National Parks. This remote and stunning island offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in captivating talks of folklore and legend and an opportunity to cross into the Arctic Circle — an experience marked with a commemorative certificate.

For a unique perspective, board a passenger train and meander around Grímsey Island, taking in views of the iconic lighthouse, passing through the quaint village, and gliding past the Arctic Circle monument, Orbis et Globus, which shifts each year to reflect the circle’s ever-changing position.

Prefer to explore on foot? Join your Discovery Team for a guided hike along dramatic sea cliffs, where you'll discover prime birdwatching spots teeming with puffins and other seabirds. Don’t forget your camera — the photo opportunities are as unforgettable as the journey itself.

Lava Fields

Discover the mesmerising lava fields of Eldfell, remnants of the volcano on Heimaey that erupted dramatically in 1973. This eruption blanketed parts of the island in lava and ash, creating a fascinating time capsule. Local guides will lead you through this historic site, highlighting the remarkable aftermath of the eruption. On a Scenic Freechoice excursion, you may have the opportunity to hike up Eldfell and later visit the Eldheimar Museum, which offers a deeper insight into one of Iceland’s most significant natural disasters.

Some of Scenic Discovery Yachts Icelandic cruises, including the Wonders of the High Arctic: Greeland & Iceland Voyage, take you to Akureyri, the country’s second-largest settlement after Reykjavik. With Scenic Freechoice, you can also visit the nearby Lake Mývatn and marvel at the surrounding lava fields, mineral-rich hot springs and lunar-like lava formations.

Dynjandi Waterfall

Nicknamed "The Thunder," Dynjandi Waterfall is one of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. As the largest waterfall in the Westfjords, it has an impressive total height of 100 metres and cascades above five smaller waterfalls.

Expert guides will escort you from your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht to an onshore excursion of this magnificent waterfall, weather permitting. Alternatively, you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the comfort of the Observation Deck, all while sipping on your favourite drink.

Goðafoss Waterfall

One of the unforgettable sights on a Scenic Eclipse cruise around Iceland is the Goðafoss Waterfall. Located in northern Iceland, approximately 45 minutes from Akureyri, the majestic waterfall cascades from a height of 12 metres from the river Skjálfandafljót into a tranquil pool below. Known as the "waterfall of the gods," Goðafoss is rich in history and awe-inspiring beauty.

Patreksfjörður

Nestled in the Westfjords of northwestern Iceland, Patreksfjörður is a charming village home to around 700 residents. During your visit, explore the village on a Scenic Freechoice excursion that takes you to the harbour, where you can tour a fish factory, discover traditional fish drying methods, and sample fresh fish paired with the renowned Icelandic butter.

Nearby, discover Raudasandur Beach, famous for its red sands, dark cliffs and an abandoned steel ship. The Discovery Team will guide you on a hike to this unique shoreline, where you can take in the stunning views and breathe in the fresh sea air.

Látrabjarg Cliff

Set off on an unforgettable journey to Látrabjarg as part of a Scenic Freechoice excursion. As Europe's largest bird cliff, it offers a captivating display of extraordinary birdlife, including puffins, razorbills and northern gannets. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas and capture spectacular photos, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

While there, visit the Hnjótur Museum, where you can learn about the local fishing and farming history.

Vigur Island

As your Scenic Eclipse voyage glides past Vigur Island, seize the opportunity to hop on a Zodiac with the Discovery Team and explore the second largest island in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord. This island is a wildlife sanctuary, renowned for its vibrant seabird colonies, including puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots.

Soar above the horizon and elevate your experience with a helicopter excursions^ to see Iceland's landscapes from a new perspective.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and discover remarkable buildings like Viktoriuhús, built in 1860 and part of the Historical Buildings Collection of the Þjóðminjasafn Íslands, as well as the smallest post office in Europe. While here, take the opportunity to savour a traditional hjónabandssæla cake at the charming café.

Tips for visiting Iceland

Before setting sail, here are a few things to consider to ensure you have the best possible experience:

• Dress warmly: Iceland's temperatures can drop to freezing, so it's essential to pack clothing that keeps you warm. Bring base layers, insulation layers like fleeces, and lightweight jackets and waterproofs. As a Scenic Eclipse guest, you'll receive a complimentary parka to keep. It’s also a good idea to pack thermal socks and accessories like woolly hats, scarves or neck gaiters, and waterproof gloves.

• Comfortable shoes and day bags: Your Scenic Discovery Yacht voyage includes Scenic Freechoice and Discovery onshore excursions and guided hikes, so you’ll need comfortable footwear and day bags for your belongings.

• Avoid Velcro: Try not to bring pants with Velcro around the ankles, as they can be a biosecurity hazard.

• Sunscreen and lip balm: You might wonder why you need sunscreen in Iceland. Using sunscreen and lip balm can help protect you from windburn, so be sure you pack both.

• Keep your smartphone close: There’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife during your voyage, so come ready to capture the moment. Use your smartphone's zoom feature to take stunning photos of distant wildlife, whether you're on an onshore excursion or on board your Discovery Yacht. For photography enthusiasts, a camera with a telescopic lens can be an excellent choice.

Iceland ocean cruises with Scenic

Embark on an ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse voyage around Iceland, all-inclusive indulgence meets the awe-inspiring beauty of the land of fire and ice. Set sail on the Iceland, Greenland & Crossing the Arctic Circle cruise and discover Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, from towering waterfalls to vast lava fields. Or choose the Iceland and Greenland Explorer cruise, where the volcanic wonders of Iceland’s west coast will leave you breathless.

Onboard Scenic Discovery Yachts, every moment is designed for discovery and comfort. Enhance your voyage with unforgettable Scenic Freechoice excursions — choose from helicopter flightseeing^ experiences that soar above glaciers and fjords for unparalleled views or heli-landing experiences that elevate your journey to create stories for life.

Indulge in all-inclusive dining crafted by world-class chefs who create menus inspired by the regions you explore. Whether you’re spotting wildlife from the Observation Deck, flying over ice fields by helicopter, or exploring underwater mysteries in the submersible, Scenic Eclipse delivers an ultra-luxury polar experience unlike any other.