The tide is turning, with beaches and blistering temperatures becoming less of a draw for travellers. The ‘coolcation’ concept – holidays in cooler climates – is trending as adventurous souls opt to sail to some of the most untouched destinations on the planet.
A case in point is Iceland, otherwise known as the Land of Fire and Ice, thanks to its glacial and volcanic terrain. A remote wilderness with diverse natural landscapes and traditional villages, glacial ice covers about 11 per cent of Iceland, but you’ll also discover volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, fjords and even black-sand beaches.
Reynisfjara black sand beach and sea stacks in Iceland
Iceland is divided into seven different geographical regions, including the up-and-coming Northern Westfjords, which attracts cruise passengers to its unspoiled landscapes – it is also home to Iceland’s only resident land mammal, the Arctic fox.
This diverse country’s landscapes are even more breathtaking when viewed from the water, as your ship serenely drifts past floating icebergs and monumental glaciers. A convenient choice for those looking to tick off the key attractions is the Golden Circle, a famous scenic route featuring geological highlights, including glaciers, and culturally significant destinations.
So, what other attractions and landmarks are worthy of a place on your Iceland itinerary?
Reykjavik Rocks
Cool and cosmopolitan, the city of Reykjavik features colourful architecture, Viking history and convivial locals. Head downtown to the hub of Iceland’s arts and culture scene, where you’ll find museums and galleries dedicated to Icelandic history alongside boutiques, cafes and restaurants with a lively, distinctly modern vibe.
Outside the world’s northernmost capital city, ice fields, mountains, volcanoes, lava tunnels, hot springs, glaciers, and whale-watching opportunities await visitors.
Humpback Whale
Those keen to set foot or cover even more ground on a glacier when visiting the city should head to Langjökull, located around one hour and 30 minutes from Reykjavik – guided hikes and snowmobiling are both popular activities.
Wellness lovers can enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa pool in the middle of a lava field near Reykjavik. Relaxing in a ‘hot pot’ is part of the culture in Iceland, and the Blue Lagoon is one of the natural wonders of the world.
A Natural Attraction
Who doesn’t have the Northern Lights on their bucket list? Iceland is situated in the middle of the Aurora Belt, so make sure you look up when visiting. As light pollution is the enemy, Reykjavik isn’t the best place to view them, however, the top deck of your ship in the middle of the inky ocean provides the perfect vantage point to witness the aurora borealis.
Along with the Northern Lights, one of the biggest draws is the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set for days or months, and can be experienced in all its golden glory from mid-May to mid-July.
Four-fifths of Iceland is uninhabited, meaning it’s one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, including more than 20 species of whales, including the mighty Blue Whale. It is also one of the best spots to observe large bird populations, including puffins and gannets.
There are three national parks, and any or all of them should be on your itinerary. Featuring the biggest natural lake in Iceland, hiking opportunities, and the Öxaráfoss waterfall, Pingvellir Natural Park is perhaps the most treasured – for that reason, it is now a Unesco World Heritage site.
Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, delivers the drama – it is also a popular hangout for whales. At the fjord head lies Akureyri, Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, which offers a tranquil botanical garden, museums, quaint eateries, a luxury bathing lagoon and even an ice cream store. Most cruise ships dock nearby or within walking distance from the town centre.
Remnants of the vast Vatnajokull glacier and the photogenic drifting icebergs of the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon have been featured in many blockbuster films. Join a guided tour and expect to see seals lounging on icebergs and Arctic Terns soaring overhead; you may even spot a pod of orcas on the hunt for their next meal.
Gullfoss waterfall
Iceland is home to a staggering number of waterfalls – more than 10,000 to be exact – but one that should be on your must-visit list is the Gullfoss double waterfall, located on the Golden Circle route in southwest Iceland. In winter, freezing temperatures create ice formations, while the summer sunshine sometimes produces dazzling rainbows.
For sheer scale and power, Glymur can’t be beaten. Combine a visit to the second tallest waterfall in Iceland with an epic hike through the Hvalfjörður fjord, passing by caves, rivers and canyons.
Want to experience Iceland’s pristine natural beauty? Cruise lines, including HX, Explora Journeys and Atlas Ocean Voyages, all offer immersive voyages to the destination and beyond.