Akureyri
Iceland is a land of delightful contradictions, where brilliant flowers and warm hearts flourish amid ice and snow. Here, some of nature's most powerful antics, from active volcanoes to geothermal phenomena, exist only a few miles from delightful cities and centers of cultural renown. For those in search of surprise -- the surprises are just beginning.
Grundarfjordur
Visionary 19th century novelist Jules Verne was so inspired by the spectacularly volcanic terrain of the Snaefellsnes (Snow Mountain) peninsula, on which the Icelandic cruise port Grundafjordur is located, that he set his epic tale ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ at its heart – Snaefellsjokull.
This is the glacier on top of the 3,000-year-old dormant volcano which dominates the peninsula and over which locals and visitors now go hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. Across the peninsula are some remarkable rock formations which are described in local folklore as petrified trolls. It is also home to an array of wild birds including arctic terns, puffins and cormorants while rare plants grow among the lava fields.
Grundarfjordur is one of its collection of small fishing villages and dates back to 1786 when its superb natural harbour in a fjord between snow-capped mountains turned it into one of Iceland’s major trading centres. According to legend, Eric the Red set off from Grundafjordur to find Greenland.
Hardangerfjord (Cruise)
Leaving Eidfjord, the epitome of a fjord, then sailing through glassy waters and soaring cliffs past one of Europe's highest waterfalls, you'll cruise through the stupendous Hardangerfjord before arriving at Vik.
Heimaey (Western Islands)
Heimmaey Island - the 'Galapagos of the North' are a group of fifteen young islands including Surtsey which popped up in 1963. Visit the Eldfell volcano on the island of Heimey, which last erupted in 1973, the pretty Heimaklettur mountain, the Klettshellir cave [by boat], and the Puffins at Storhofdi. The harbour on Heimmaey was almost cut off by the lava flow, but dramatically tamed by Iceland's fireman. It later held Keiko the Killer Whale star of 'Free Willy'. Visit the Natural History museum and Folk Museum if you have time.
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Isafjord
The town of Isafjord is a bona fide hive of industry. This busy fishing port runs to sizable shipyards as well as shrimp and fish factories— all ready to handle the catch of the day from the icy waters of the Denmark Strait. Recreational activities around here include hiking, kayaking, and of course, fishing.
Reykjavik
Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, glaciers and northern lights. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.
