Witness nature’s drama in the Land of Fire and Ice, a moniker that reflects Iceland’s volcanic forces and glacial wonders. Stand atop the rim of Grabrok Crater and behold the lava fields that a past eruption left in its wake. View one roaring waterfall after another, ranging from remote Dynjandi – the largest cascade in the Westfjords – to Glanni, a petite waterfall where elves and trolls supposedly live. Still, the ultimate experience is riding in a monster snow truck through the manmade ice tunnel that cuts through Langjökull Glacier.
Note: due to the nature of this program, it is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.
DAY 1
After departing from the pier in Ísafjörður, you will take a leisurely drive through town, the largest settlement in the Westfjords. Although Ísafjörður is wonderfully historical and holds the area’s oldest house, the surrounding natural beauty is the real draw.
It won’t be long until you see one of the highlight s— Dynjandi, an absolutely gorgeous cascade that you will reach by following a picturesque natural trail. The waterfall’s name means “thunderous,” a fitting title as the water roars down more than 300 feet.
Lunch at the small, family-owned Hotel Flókalunduris follows, after which you will enjoy a somewhat easy hike to Grabrok Crater. A volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago formed the crater and a nearby lake. The panoramic views from the rim of the crater are particularly memorable.
Yet another cascade awaits you along the Norðurá River, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of Glannis Waterfall. Although the waterfall is comparatively small, it is absolutely beautiful and features multiple tiers. The waterfall is said to be the dwelling place of elves and trolls.
A delightful evening will be spent at the Hotel Húsafell, which sits in the midst of a lava and glacier-dotted landscape. A dinner reservation has been made for you at the hotel restaurant if you wish to dine there on your own.
Day 2
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will head to Langjökull Glacier, the second-largest mass of ice in Iceland. There, you will board an 8x8 monster truck designed to drive across snowy and icy terrain. In time, you will pause to walk through a manmade ice cave carved into the heart of the glacier. As you proceed through the tunnels of ice, you will enjoy an up-close view of the blue hues and density of the ice.
Following lunch at the charming Brúarás Restaurant in Husafell, you will visit two more spectacular waterfalls – Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Both lie in a natural wonderland characterized by dense woods, lava formations, ancient glaciers and clear mountains springs.
Hraunfossar is also known as the Lava Falls because the water appears to seep right out of the hardened lava cliffs. Barnafoss flows more rapidly, a natural occurrence that spawned a folktale with a tragic end. Be sure to ask the guide about it.
After viewing these natural wonders, you will drive to Reykjavík and re-board the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with updated details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1
8:45am Disembark the ship in Ísafjörður
9:00am Sightseeing in Ísafjörður
9:20am Drive from Ísafjörður to Dynjandi Waterfall.
10:15am Stop at Dynjandi Waterfall
11:00am Drive to Flókalundur for lunch
11:45am Lunch at Hotel Flokalundur
12:45pm Drive from Flokalundur to Bjarkarlundur
2:15pm Comfort stop in Bjarkarlundur
2:30pm Drive from Bjarkarlundur to Grábrók Volcano Crater
3:50pm Hike up Grábrók Crater
4:35pm Drive to Glanni waterfall
4:45pm Visit Glanni Waterfall
5:15pm Drive from Glanni Waterfall to Hótel Húsafell
6:15pm Check-in at Hótel Húsafell
7:30pm Dinner reservation at the hotel restaurant – on your own account
Overnight at Hotel Husafell or similar hotel
Day 2
7:00am Breakfast and check out
9:00am Drive to Klaki Base Camp
9:40am Klaki Base Camp – restroom stop, preparation and change vehicles
9:55am Drive to the Langjökull Glacier
10:30am Enjoy the glacier’s ice cave experience
11:30am Drive back to Klaki Base Camp and on to Husafell
1:00pm Drive from Húsafell to lunch venue
1:15pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:10pm Drive to Hraunfossar
2:20pm View Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls
3:00pm Drive to Reykjavik
5:00pm Re-embark the ship in Reykjavík
Expected Weather
The average temperature in June is 9°C (48°F) but it can go as high as 15°C (59°F) or more. It may also rain on occasion in June.
What to Bring
Windproof and waterproof outdoor clothing, base- and mid-layer clothing, good sturdy shoes, warm socks, gloves, a hat and sunglasses.
Local Currency
ISK. Credit cards are widely accepted as well as the US dollar (please note that change will be given in ISK).
Electricity
Iceland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz / 220 volts). Bring an appropriate adaptor for charging laptops, digital cameras and mobile phones.
Luggage
One overnight bag per person is allowed.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Guests should bring their passport with them.
Hotel
Hotel Husafell, Stórarjóður, Húsafell, Iceland
Phone: +354 435 1551
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests:
•Lunch on Days 1 and 2
•Standard rooms at the Hotel Husafell or similar hotel, including breakfast
•Into the Glacier Experience
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals not listed above
•Gratuities to guides and drivers
•Hotel incidentals including room service and minibar
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be occasional steps or stairs to climb. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.