10 highlights of Iceland

10 ideas to experiencing Iceland

Smyril Line has a regular year-round sailing schedule to Iceland. We offer ferry crossing, package holidays, excursions, and the North Atlantic Cruise to Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Our selection of self-drive programmes and route descriptions is broad and varied. We are confident that we have the inspiration and insight you need to tailor your dream journey to Iceland.

MS Norröna anchors in Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland, Austurland in Icelandic, where the population density is low and nature is rich in wonders. Here you can visit cosy little villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, endless waterfalls and fascinating mountain areas.

Are you looking for an authentic nature experience in Iceland?

But perhaps you hesitate because of the growing tourist numbers, particularly around Reykjavík (The Golden Circle). Rest assured, that we are experts in identifying areas in Iceland that are not overrun by tourists. We have a wealth of ideas for authentic Icelandic nature experience in places where hospitable locals would be proud to show you their country.

5 advantages of sailing with MS Norröna to Iceland

Our travel consultants are experts in Iceland and Smyril Line has been selling trips to Iceland since 1982. We can therefore offer quality holidays at advantageous prices, as well as tailored guidance based on our unique expertise.
When you travel with us you can take your own car and practically unlimited luggage.
On board Norröna you will have time to relax, reflect and enjoy culinary adventures.
We sail by the Faroe Islands giving you the opportunity to experience the unspoilt archipelago too, either on your way to or from Iceland.
You will arrive in East Iceland, which is synonymous with authentic nature experiences.

Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður will be your first and last point of call in Iceland when you travel with Smyril Line. This is where MS Norröna docks. In summer Seyðisfjörður’s cultural scene blossoms. There are also several cafés and restaurants in the little village, which is home to a traditional fishing society of around 700 inhabitants.

Mývatn, Námaskarð & Dettifoss

Lake Mývatn is one of the highlights of North Iceland. It is rich in bird life and Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum is well worth a visit. Mývatn Nature Bath lies east of the village Reykjahlíð. Here you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the naturally warm water.

Tip: Mývatn Nature Bath is often called ‘Mini Blue Lagoon’. If you are looking for an authentic bathing experience at a reasonable price, we recommend a visit to Mývatn Nature Bath where you will not have to queue. At Námaskarð you can experience the power of nature first hand. The boiling mud pits and yellow sulphur formations are an unforgettable sight.

Don’t miss out on the waterfall Dettifoss, which is only half an hour away from Mývatn. With a height of 44 m and span of 110m, Dettifoss has the greatest volume of water of any waterfall in Europe.

Húsavik

Gain insight into the life of the imposing and majestic whales in the sea around Iceland with a trip to Húsavík. Visit the whale museum and go on a whale safari for an opportunity to experience the whales and many ocean birds up close. It is a chance to experience local wildlife in its natural habitat.

If you have more time to spend in Husavík, why not try the new GeoSea sea baths? It is a rejuvenating experience for the body and soul while enjoying nature in a unique manner.

The Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The Goðafoss waterfall is situated a 30 minutes drive east of Akureyri and well worth a stop.

Akureyri

Visit Iceland’s second largest city Akureyri just south of the Polar Circle. In Akureyri you will find the towering Church of Akureyri in pure art-deco style from 1940. It was designed by the Icelandic architect Guðjon Samuelson. With around 17,000 inhabitants the city is, understandably, easy to navigate. It only has one shopping street, but compensates with myriad little side streets with quirky cafés and restaurants.

Westfjords

Are you ready for an insider tip? The Westfjords Region is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. Each fjord is a world in itself and every mountain competes for your attention. Even the least remarkable parts of Westfjords radiatenatural beauty and are almost impossible not to explore. Westfjords Region is home to Látrabjarg, the westernmost point in Europe and one of Europes biggest bird cliffs.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular tourist route. The 300 km round trip sets off from the capital Reykjavík to southern Iceland and back again. There are three main stops on the way: þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal area Haukadalur, which is best known for the geysers Geysir and Strokkur.

Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital and largest city. It covers 274 km2 and has around 200,000 inhabitants. There is much to see and do in Reykjavík. We would particularly highlight Hallgríms Church, Harpa Concert Hall and Laugardalslaug outdoor pool and spa.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago of volcanic origin just south of Iceland. It is made up of 14 islands of which only one, Heimaey, is inhabited. It has around 4,000 residents. The area is, like the rest of Iceland, a land of active volcanoes. In the 20th century the islanders experienced two major eruptions. The first was in 1963 when a 3½-year-long eruption created the island Surtsey. The other was when the volcano Eldfell on Heimaey erupted in 1973. It led to the rapid evacuation of most of the island’s inhabitants. Travel here to experience bird-life and nature unlike anywhere else in Iceland.

Vík

The village Vík is the southern most village in Iceland, it is on the Ring Road around 180 km from
Reykjavík, approximately 2-hour drive. Iceland has several volcanic beaches, but Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is far the most striking and famous in Iceland. It is easily accessible from the main road, which runs through Vík in Mýrdal and a walk along the Black Sand Beach is a must.

Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell National Park was founded in 1967, but in 2008 it became part of the larger national park Vatnajökull. Combined they cover roughly 14,200 km2 making them Europe’s second largest national park. Skaftafell National Park lies at the foothills of Iceland’s second-largest glacier Vatnajökull, which covers an area of 8,100 km2 and is 1 km deep in places. We recommend the 1-hour walk to the stunning waterfall Svartifoss.

Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s best-known glacial lagoon. It is located on the south-eastern section of Iceland’s Ring Road, comfortably nestled about half-way between Skaftafell National Park and Höfn. Jökulsárlón is filled with melted ice from the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull, which is part of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Here you can go for a walk on the Diamond Beach or why not try the boat trip in the glacier lagoon where you can see the icebergs up close? If you are more adventurous you can try one of the glacier tours.

Highlights of Iceland