Northern Frontiers: Iceland to Greenland`s National Parks

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s unique and imaginative spirit.

This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Scenic Lounge as you toast to the start of an unforgettable journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Often described as the fjord of wonders, Patreksfjörður is the largest town in the southern Westfjords, surrounded by some of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Nearby, millions of seabirds nest on the towering Látrabjarg cliffs, while sweeping beaches display sands ranging from powder-white to rich golden hues.

Join the Discovery Team for engaging talks in the state-of-the-art theatre, offering insight into the region’s geography, wildlife, and the fascinating destinations still to come. Please refer to the daily program for details.

For a truly unforgettable perspective, consider elevating your Icelandic experience and take an optional flight in one of two on board helicopters^, soaring above glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls to witness Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes from the air.

Grímsey is a small island north of the Icelandic mainland, home to approximately only 100 people and one million seabirds. Nesting on the high cliffs that surround the island, the chatter of seabirds here is at its peak during the breeding season in summer, when the island enjoys 24 hours of daylight. This grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once-in-a lifetime experience.

The friendly town of Sauðárkrókur is located in a fertile valley along the southwestern shore of Skagafjörður Fjord. Although Sauðárkrókur was officially settled in 1871, it is linked to history dating back to the ancient Grettir’s Saga of the 13th-century. It’s the largest town in northwest Iceland, though is home to just over 2,500 people. The charming downtown will welcome you as you stroll through the small collection of distinctive, traditional buildings where the past seems to be brought back to life.

A true culinary journey awaits every day on board with up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive culinary experiences and nine bars and lounges. As dusk falls, choose between steak and seafood at Elements, channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s, or journey to France at Lumière+.

On the northern side of the entrance to the Scoresbysund fjord system stands Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region. The population here is approximately 430 people, largely dependent on a subsistence lifestyle. The inhabitants make their living hunting seals, narwhals, muskoxen and polar bears. Ittoqqortoormiit is the northernmost settlement on Greenland’s east coast, apart from a few meteorological and military stations. Brightly colored, quaint little houses and dogsled enclosures dot the rocky slopes of the settlement. It must be incredible to live here every day enjoying the magnificent views of Kap Brewster and the Volquart Boon Coast to the south.

Today you enter the vast wilderness of Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park on Earth. This immense Arctic realm is defined by towering glaciers, jagged mountain ranges and silent fjords that stretch endlessly into the distance. From the deck of your Scenic Discovery Yacht, take in the scale and stillness of one of the planet’s most remote and unspoilt environments, where nature remains truly untouched.

Another day unfolds within this extraordinary polar sanctuary. Icefields shimmer under shifting light, snow-draped peaks rise above mirror-like waters, and drifting ice creates ever-changing patterns across the fjords. The profound sense of isolation and serenity offers a rare chance to experience the Arctic in its purest form, far removed from the modern world.

As your journey through the high Arctic continues, keep watch for the remarkable wildlife that inhabits these extreme latitudes, from seals and seabirds to Arctic foxes and, on rare sightings, polar bears. Surrounded by sculpted ice formations, dramatic cliffs and vast open spaces, every view is a reminder of the raw beauty and untamed spirit of this remarkable region.

Two colossal terraces of sheer rock stand either side of this extraordinarily located town - which rides a jutting spit onto an immensity of black fjord water. Surprisingly, considering the remoteness of its location and its compact size, Isafjordur is a modern and lively place to visit, offering a great choice of cafes and delicious restaurants – which are well stocked to impress visitors. The town is a perfectly located base for adventures amongst Iceland's fantastic wilderness - with skiing, hiking and water-sports popular pursuits among visitors.

Characterised by deep, blue fjords, separated by flat-topped mountains, Ísafjörður is the largest settlement in the Westfjords of Iceland. Explore remote Iceland from one of the most stunning towns in the country, with old timber framed houses and architecture. Bursting with a wealth of wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for birds and Arctic foxes on the cliffs, seals on the coast and whales in the surrounding ocean.

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður exudes charm with its quaint fishing village atmosphere and vibrant, colourful houses. As you wander its winding streets, you'll be captivated by the picturesque scenery at every turn.

Dominating the skyline is the iconic Kirkjufell, affectionately known as Church Mountain, which stands as a majestic backdrop to this idyllic coastal community. Its distinctive silhouette, often shrouded in mist or bathed in the golden glow of sunset, has made it one of the most photographed mountains in all of Iceland, adding to the allure of this enchanting village.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

As your journey concludes, bid farewell in the vibrant city of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city in a country of extremes. It’s the gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle, a scenic volcanic landscape where geysers, waterfalls and glaciers are found. The city is the country’s creative heart, filled with colourful buildings, a buzzing night scene and brimming with museums.

Enjoy one last leisurely breakfast on board, reflecting on the cherished memories created during this once-in-a-lifetime voyage.

Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 01:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

Helicopter not in operation in Greenland.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.