You’ll cross the Arctic Circle today!

Le Champlain will take you to the heart of the fjords of Northwest Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region, we find the Isafjörður fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, known mainly for its relief, forged by ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjörður, which nestles at the back of its fjord between imposing mountains is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port.

Onboard our ship, cross the Arctic Circle. This famous parallel runs near 66° 33’ latitude north. Often considered the gateway to the Arctic, it is simply the latitude from which it’s possible to observe the midnight sun at least once in the year. Once over the Circle, we’ll sail in nearly permanent daylight and the low light that’s so particular to the polar regions. This is a wholly unique moment, which will no doubt remain one of the highlights of your cruise.

EXCURSIONS (available for purchase onboard):

• MARITIME CULTURE & TRADITIONS. Begin your excursion by visiting the towns of Bolungarvik and Osvor. Osvor is a stunning example of nature’s grandeur and perfectly illustrates just how difficult life was for Icelandic fishermen up until the 20^th century. Bolungarvik nestles into the heart of a spectacular bay surrounded by mountains and bathed by the “Djup” fjord, the biggest on Iceland’s east coast. 3 Hours.
• CALM FJORD KAYAKING. Sea kayaking is not only a healthy and rewarding way to spend your day; it’s also a perfect way to get to know Icelandic nature up close. So grab a paddle and get ready for a great adventure! Kayaking gear and life vest are provided. 2 Hours.
• GUIDED WALK ON VIGUR ISLAND. Vigur is a lovely island of 2 km (1.2 mile) long and 400 m (0.24 mile) wide, a green oasis in the blue waters of the fjord Isafjardardjup. The island is a nesting place for countless birds. After a 30-minute boat tour to Vigur, take a leisurely walk around the island and see an abundance of birds in their natural environment. You will see Eiderducks, Puffins, Arctic Terns, Black Guillemots, and many other species. 3 Hours.

Welcome to Grímsey, Iceland’s northernmost island!

Grímsey surges from the Arctic Ocean, with the Arctic Circle running right through the island. It was formed by volcanic rock that’s generated majestic basalt pillars. The island has been inhabited since the Vikings came to Iceland and legend has it that it’s named after the colonial sailor Grìmur, who sailed from the region of Sogn in Norway. This site is home to fabulous wildlife, with many bird colonies having chosen to nest along the jagged cliffs, such as the ‘’clowns of the sea’’ – the Atlantic Puffins.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Grímsey is covered with vegetation sculpted by the Arctic climate. The scurvy-grass, which grows amongst the coastal rocks, is very special as it’s rich in vitamin C and is known for its medicinal properties. The birdlife is unique with numerous different species and unusually dense populations.
• The sea-facing end of the airstrip is a good place to start a walking tour of Grímsey. The path follows the cliffs of Básavík. From there, the path leads to the northernmost point of the island and then on to the eastern high cliffs. This path runs all the way to the lighthouse on the southern end of the island. From the lighthouse, walk towards the harbor at Sandvík, passing by the church. There are plenty of wildlife and landscape photography opportunities during this hike.

Akureyri, authentic Iceland at its very best.

The elegant city of Akureyri is located very close to the Arctic circle, tucked away in the Eyjafjörður fjord. It displays a stunning palette of colors: blue waters in the harbor, bronze mountain ash on the squares, and brightly-colored houses in the historical center. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you’ll come across rows of terraces with wooden furniture. A vast stairway cut into the hillside leads you up to the emblematic feature of the town, the Akureyrarkirkja church. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful botanical garden made possible by the city’s microclimate.

EXCURSIONS (available for purchase onboard):

• GODAFOSS & AKUREYRI. View what remains of the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, “Waterfall of the Gods.” The name marks the historical event that took place at these falls in the year 1000 when the Chieftain Thorgeir made a public declaration in favor of Christianity by throwing his carvings of the Pagan Gods into the falls.
• INCREDIBLE LAKE MYVATN. After visiting Godafoss, continue on to Lake Myvatn, one of Iceland’s natural treasures. Dormant Hverfell looms over the lake with its magnificent lava landscape featuring strange formations, columns, and arches. The striking geothermal field, full of mudpots, steam vents, sulphur deposits, boiling springs, and fumaroles is a highlight.

Explore one of the most remote locations on Earth!

At the end of your journey through the heart of a very beautiful 17-km-long fjord, discover Seyðisfjörður on the northeast coast of Iceland. Typically Scandinavian, colorful houses and its small blue church stand in the middle of an enchanting setting between rivers and waterfalls. The village, surrounded on all sides by mountains with snow-topped peaks, has around 700 inhabitants. This small fishing port with picturesque charm is not far from Skálanes, a nature reserve of more than 1,000 hectares, home to about fifty bird species. This port of call combines nature and culture, with wonderment guaranteed.

EXCURSIONS (available for purchase onboard):

• SKÁLANES NATURE RESERVE. Visit one of Iceland’s most remote places – one few Icelanders have even seen. Drive to Þórarinsstaðir, an important archeological site, with findings from the first years of settlement. Continue your drive to reach the nature and heritage center of Skálanes, a site where the Icelandic environment and cultural history is researched and interpreted. 3 Hours 45 Minutes.
• CHASING WATERFALLS. The nature surrounding the town of Seyðisfjörður is a spellbinding display of waterfalls, mountains, and the ocean. This hiking tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the Icelandic landscape. 2 Hours 30 Minutes.
• WONDERS OF THE EAST. Head over the impressive mountain-pass of Fjarðarheiði to Egilsstaðir, a town of about 2000 inhabitants and the commercial center of East Iceland. From Egilsstaðir, continue along to Iceland’s third largest lake, Lagarfljót, and then on to Vatnajökull National Park. Continue to Valþjófsstaður, a 13th century church estate and manor farm in Fljótsdalur. 5 Hours.

The Puffins have us outnumbered 43,478 to 1!

This island off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands and the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer a rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over gray sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic Ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. Leave time for a visit to Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption experienced by Heimaey in 1973.

EXCURSIONS (available for purchase onboard):

• CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF HEIMAEY. Begin your tour from the harbor that for a long time has been a shelter for the Icelandic fishing fleet, but was almost lost in the volcanic eruption on the island in 1973. Sail past bird colonies with millions of inhabitants and explore caves that can only be visited by boat. You’ll see puffin colonies of up to 8 million puffins. Nowhere else in the world can such a large number of puffins be found in such close proximity to man. 2 Hours.
• POMPEII OF THE NORTH. Drive from the pier into the Herjólfsdalur Valley, where ruins of old farmhouses dating back to the settlement can be found. Explore the area’s youngest island, Surtsey, formed in a volcanic eruption in 1963; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the new Eldheimar  – “Pompeii of the North” – Museum, where the history and aftermath of the 1973 Eldfell eruption is explored. 3 Hours.

Explore Iceland’s exciting capital today!

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. For a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes, make your way to Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík,” a large environmental structure located on ’Oskjuhlið Hill. Look out for the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center where you can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur. The little shops in these lively streets will entice you to do a bit of shopping. For some relaxation just outside of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

EXCURSIONS (available for purchase onboard):

• EXPLORE THE GOLDEN CIRCLE. This classic excursion encompasses the “Big Three” – Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir. They are collectively known as the Golden Circle, and provide a look at some of the scenic wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned.
• THE BLUE LAGOON. This magical geothermal spa is a true highlight of any visit to Iceland. DO. NOT. MISS. And if you’ve already experienced it, go again! And then go again! And be sure to reserve in advance!
• GEOTHERMAL LANDSCAPE & VIKING HISTORY. Drive to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. Continue on to Krysuvik, a colorful hot-springs area, which contrasts sharply to the sand and lava fields of the area. Then, drive across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes.

The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon await!

Today, we say goodbye to Le Champlain and our incredible hosts. Now, you have a chance to extend your stay here in Iceland over the US Labor Day Weekend. Have you gone to the Blue Lagoon yet? Or traversed the Golden Circle? The choice of further exploration is entirely yours!

Recommendation:  

• If you’re going to dive deep into the city, we recommend purchasing the Reykjavík City Card. The City Card is the smartest and most affordable way to explore Reykjavík. It’s been tailor-made for visitors, helping you get the most out of your trip. Simply choose from a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour card and visit as many attractions as you’d like. To see all that’s included and to purchase online, visit https://visitreykjavik.is/city-card/front.