Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. bus back up

Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations.

October can be a tough month for weather and sea conditions, but it's also a chance to explore the most remote parts of Iceland after most tourists have left. Expect cold winds, rough seas, and the first snowfalls. There's a good chance to see the northern lights if the skies are clear. We have backup plans if the weather isn't favorable. This expedition is designed to offer activities regardless of the weather. Instead of spending hours in rough seas, we can opt for inland excursions by bus, filling our days with adventure and exploration. We will offer hikes whenever possible, led by guides who will adjust to the conditions and fitness level of the group. Actual hiking locations depend on the prevailing conditions of the areas we visit.

Out of Akureyri

A bus ride from Reykjavik to Akureyri (about six hours) will be available but must be booked before the expedition starts. We board the ship in Akureyri in the afternoon (16:00) and meet the expedition team. If conditions allow, we may sail to Dalvik (about three hours) or spend the night in the harbor of Akureyri. During this first night, you might already see the magical northern lights.

Into the Arctic Circle

Plan A: If the weather is good, we hope to sail toward the island of Grimsey. The goal is a Zodiac landing and a guided walk across the Arctic Circle. A sign on the island marks the coordinates at 66:34° north. We may stay the night at Grimsey if conditions allow. If not, we may sail toward the small town of Husavik, crossing Skjalfandi Bay, where we have a good chance of spotting whales.

Plan B: If Grimsey is not possible due to weather, the vessel will stay in Akureyri. A coach will be available for a day trip to Myvatn, where you can see volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal areas. Hiking will be our focus here. The coach will then return to the vessel in the afternoon.

Husavik, whales, and the high seas

Plan A: We will enjoy the morning in Husavik, with ample free time to explore the town and visit the local whale museum (entrance fee not included). Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, we sail across Skjalfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises may appear.

Plan B: If the vessel has to stay in Husavik for the day due to weather, a coach will be available in the afternoon for a trip to Tjornes Peninsula. There we can observe the local birdlife and impressive geology. We then move to Asbyrgi, the horseshoe-shaped canyon that is entirely unique in Iceland. Our focus will be hiking this ruggedly scenic area. The coach will later return to the vessel in Husavik, where there might be time for a relaxing spa session in outdoor pools heated with geothermal energy (admission fees not included).

Northeast Iceland’s hidden gems

Plan A: If the weather is good, we hope to sail around northeast Iceland and get to shore in the small town of Raufarhofn. Within walking distance from town is the Arctic Henge, a well-known Iceland attraction. Still under construction, this monument is intended to be a kind of sundial inspired by Voluspa, a poem from Edda, the medieval Norse mythological text by Snorri Sturluson.

Plan B: You may like to join a bus trip that will take you to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe: 200 cubic meters of water surge over its edge every second. Dettifoss is 45 meters (150 feet) high and 100 meters (330 feet) wide. As usual on this expedition, hiking will be our focus. The coach will return to the vessel in the evening.

Untouched Austurland

Plan A: We sail from Raufarhofn to Vopnafjord. Austurland (East Iceland) is characterized by visually stunning landscapes and small villages. Nature is all around us, providing the opportunity for great hikes and other activities.

Plan B: A coach will be available to take us on an inland trip if conditions do not allow for the above plan, and the expedition leader will determine which route to take. We will reunite with the vessel in the evening.

Around the far east

Plan A: Today we sail from Vopnafjord to Seydisfjord, and if conditions allow we may halt at Borgarfjord Eystri, a treasure of Austurland. This fjord gets its name from Alfaborg, the home of the Icelandic elf queen, so it is fitting that the area offers spectacular scenery. Iceland’s eastern fjords are still untouched by mass tourism. The nearby village of Bakkagerdhas fewer than 100 inhabitants, and the harbor is mainly home to small boats for coastal fishing.

Plan B: A coach will be available to take us on an inland trip. The expedition leader will decide the plan, and we will reunite with the vessel in the evening.

The journey ends in Seydisfjord

We disembark in Seydisfjord in the morning, taking home memories that will last a lifetime. Bus transport to Egilsstad Airport (between 6.30 and 7.00 am, approx. 45 min.) is available at an extra charge, but must be booked before the expedition starts. You must book the flight from Egilsstad to Reykjavik yourself (flight time approx. 1 hour). Alternatively, you can choose your own route back to Reykjavik, making stops along the south coast.