Iceland’s natural beauty is legendary. Towering waterfalls, massive glaciers, boiling lava flows and bubbling hot springs create the backdrop to these paradoxical landscapes. Join us as we share some of the wonders awaiting you on your next cruise to Iceland.
The Golden Circle
Located in SouthWest Iceland, “The Golden Circle” is the name given to this region that houses 3 of Iceland’s most beautiful attractions. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Falls.
Thingvellir National Park
This UNESCO World-Heritage Site is renowned for its gorgeous scenery. The remains of volcanic rock carved and cut through by glaciers, are now covered in green layers of Icelandic moss. The park is nestled in a valley beneath towering volcanic cliffs. If you travel for awe-inspiring vistas, this is but the first stop on the visual journey that is Iceland.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Don’t be fooled by Iceland’s glacial landscapes, this island burns hot. Geysir Geothermal Area is home to one of Iceland’s most famous geysers. The word “geyser” comes from the Icelandic word “Geysir” which means “to erupt,” Ironically, Geysir is currently dormant but the large cone-shaped “geyserite” and twenty-meter-deep shaft remain, and the surrounding hot-springs still attract tourists to this beautiful region.
Gullfoss Falls
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most dramatic waterfalls. As glaciers recede they leave behind steep u-shaped valleys with sheer cliffsides that create massive waterfalls. Gullfoss Falls is a 2-stage cascade that flows from Langjokull Glacier into Gullfossgjufur Canyon. These powerful falls are best viewed in the summer months.
Reykjavik
Most cruises depart from Iceland’s Capitol, Reykjavik. The city is home to Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s most famous church. Designed by Guojon Samuelsson this seventy-four-meter tall edifice is Iceland’s 6th tallest building. Its striking monolithic facade makes this one of the most iconic churches in the world.
Reykjavik is also home to the country’s best museums and cultural centers, the National Museum of Iceland, Harpa concert hall, and the glass-domed Perlan museum and revolving restaurant make just a few of Iceland’s striking manmade monuments.
Akureyri
Considered the gateway to Iceland’s natural wonders, this popular cruise port gives you access to whale-watching, botanical gardens, and natural areas like Godafoss which translates to “God’s waterfall.” Although these falls are awe-inspiring they take their name from a historical event involving Christian converts destroying pagan idols by throwing them over the falls.
Akureyri also presents a celestial wonder. The night skies, in this northern Icelandic-region, are an excellent place to view the northern lights. Best viewed during the winter months, this atmospheric phenomenon warms the soul as stars twinkle through undulating curtains of eerie green light.
These are just a few of the wonderful experiences awaiting you in Iceland. We will be sure to continue posting content about this gorgeous destination. There are several great ways to cruise to Iceland. It is not only an excellent ocean-going cruise locale it is also a popular stop on expedition cruise itineraries. For help planning your next cruise to Iceland, take advantage of the luxury services of our agency. We are destination experts and can assist you in getting everything out of your visit.
