Thinking about taking a cruise to Iceland? Explore this beautiful land on a Swan Hellenic expedition voyage and you’ll venture to its furthest corners. Whether you’re discovering Iceland’s wild, dramatic landscapes, getting close to its incredible wildlife, or learning about its fascinating history, taking an Icelandic cruise with us means you’re sure to experience more than most…
Wonderful birdlife
Wherever your adventures take you on your Iceland cruise, you can be sure you’ll see a fantastic array of birdlife on this geologically active island. Watch for graceful seabirds, such as cormorants, fulmars, and gannets, soaring above you. And be sure to keep an eye out for Atlantic puffins. With up to 10 million puffins calling Iceland home, this is the puffin capital of the world! These small seabirds – who spend most of their lives at sea – can be seen nesting in burrows on coastal cliffs during their breeding season (April to September).
Iceland’s Rich History
It’s the least-populated country in Europe, but you’ll soon discover Iceland’s rugged beauty steeped in fascinating history and timeless traditions. From Westfjords’ Maritime Museum, which delves into the history of the local fishing industry, and Vigur Island’s 200-year-old rowing boat that still transports sheep to the mainland, to Herjólfsdalur’s ancient ruins of Viking houses dating back to 900 AD, and Grímsey’s church built from driftwood in the 19th century, Iceland is a treasure trove of enchanting stories, ancient places, and craftsmanship that’s been passed down for generations. Plus, on a Swan Hellenic Icelandic cruise, you’ll learn about the country’s unique history from our team of knowledgeable on-board experts.
Spectacular Waterfalls
If you want to visit somewhere truly unique, a voyage to the land of fire and ice is just what you need. Swan Hellenic’s cruises to Iceland reveal breathtaking natural beauty in a land of glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal fields and hot springs. Iceland is also home to impressive waterfalls, including:
- •Hengifoss waterfall in Fljótsdalshreppur, known for its layers of basaltic strata and layers of red clay;
- •Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region, with its powerful waters tumbling down in a series of ever-growing cascades;
- •Northern Iceland’s Goðafoss, one of the country’s biggest waterfalls, which is also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods".
Imagine the roar of nature all around you as you watch water spilling over the edge of a waterfall, and crashing into a pool below. There’s nothing quite like it, and visiting these amazing natural wonders as you cruise Iceland is an experience that will never leave you!
Awe-inspiring Wildlife
When you’re in Iceland cruising with Swan Hellenic, watch out for the country’s amazing wildlife on your adventures, such as Arctic foxes, reindeer and herds of Icelandic horses. There’s also an abundance of marine life in the icy waters here, including orca, blue, minke, fin, and humpback whales. In fact, Iceland is Europe's whale watching capital, making it one of the best places in the world to visit for whale watching!
Ready for Your Icelandic adventure? Your Icelandic cruise with Swan Hellenic will leave you in awe of nature's wonders, swept away by the undeniable scenic beauty, and captivated by Iceland's fascinating history.