Edge of the Arctic: Iceland & Greenland

Arrive at the international airport in Keflavik, Iceland, and transfer to your hotel in Iceland's capital of Reykjavik, about a 45-minute drive. Meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

Start the morning with a private cruise to a puffin colony on the island of Akurey. The charming Atlantic puffin, with its clown-like visage, is Iceland’s most famous bird, and the country is home to more than 60% of the world’s population, with 8–10 million in total and 30,000 nesting just offshore from Reykjavik. From Reykjavik’s old harbor, we sail 15 minutes to reach the rocky island, offering close-up views of these whimsical seabirds nesting on the cliffs.

Once we’re back on shore, we drive northwest to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in miniature” due to the diversity of natural features found here, this prominent outthrust on Iceland's west coast holds glaciers, mountains, stratovolcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, wild beaches and marine wildlife. Ytri Tunga Beach is one of the best places in Iceland to see harbor seals, often hauled out on rocks just offshore. Once extensively hunted for their meat, fat for oil, and waterproof pelts, today they are appreciated by most Icelanders for their place in nature. After lunch in Hellnar, we walk from this traditional fishing village to another, bound for Arnastapi. The scenic trail along the shoreline passes lava cliffs and columnar basalt formations on one side, with mountains and Snaesfellsjokull Glacier on the other. We spend two nights based in the remote coastal hamlet of Budir, giving us ample time to explore the wealth of wild sights in this microcosm of the country.

Start the day with a short hike to see Bjarnarfoss, one of Iceland's most striking waterfalls. At 262 feet high, it falls in a two-tiered plume, plunging off a vertical wall of basalt columns cloaked in bright green vegetation. Tucked into a valley and backdropped by tall mountains, it makes for a photogenic scene, with white spray contrasting against the dark basalt cliff. Then enjoy a gentle horseback ride on the golden sands of Hraunlandarif Beach. This private experience is a special opportunity to get to know the famous Icelandic horse breed—unique to this island nation and fiercely protected: no horses from outside are permitted into Iceland, to keep the strain pure.

Next, we're off to Snaefellsjokull National Park, named for the stratovolcano that dominates it, and we admire dramatic views at every turn. Our tour of the park includes a dramatic coastal walk from Londrangar to Malarrif, passing the towering Londrangar basalt rock pinnacles, Thufubjarg bird cliff teeming with kittiwakes, guillemots and northern fulmars, and the tall white stone tower of Malarrif Lighthouse. We’ll also walk on the black sands of Djupalonssandur Beach and peer into Saxholl Crater, accessed via a gradual staircase to the rim. The magnificent view over the collapsed core encompasses sprawling lava fields that surround it, and when skies are clear, you can see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Our last stop is Svodufoss, one of Iceland’s most photogenic yet less-visited waterfalls. The broad, powerful cascade sits in front of Snaefellsjokull Glacier, and on a clear day, we can see it and the ice cap together, making for striking photos. Although it’s just 32 feet high, Svodufoss’s clean drop over a columnar basalt cliff into the Laxa River below is a magnificent sight.

Kirkjufell, or “Church Mountain,” is the most photographed geographic profile in Iceland, and we get here early in the morning before most other visitors arrive. Standing alone and visible for great distances, Kirkjufell’s symmetrical sides rise to a rounded cone top. Though it is just 1,519 feet high, its isolation makes it appear taller, since it is the most prominent landmark for miles around. A lake at the base offers a perfect mirror image of the peak on a clear, calm day. The classic image of Kirkjufell includes multi-plumed Kirkjufellsfoss, the series of waterfalls pouring off a basalt cliff in the foreground.

Next, take a walk through the fishing village of Stykkisholmur on the far northern point of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The picturesque town was originally a trading post in the 16th century, but its history goes back farther as one of Iceland’s earliest settlements, mentioned in the Sagas, one of the great early works of Icelandic literature. We’ll also view the lighthouse on Sugandisey Island, connected to the town by a bridge. Stykkisholmur sits on Breidafjordur Bay, the largest eiderduck area in the world, and we learn about down production at the Icelandic Eider Center. Through photographs, films and educational exhibits, view nesting, down collection and cleaning, and historic and contemporary methods for producing eiderdown.

This afternoon, we drive to Husafell, an isolated community on the edge of Iceland’s vast, uninhabited interior. Set in the valley carved by Langjokull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Husafell is one of Iceland’s hidden secrets—an ancient Viking settlement that today is a place to encounter fire and ice away from crowds.

Vidgelmir is Iceland’s largest lava cave, and we take a private tour deep into its subterranean tunnels and caverns to witness firsthand the powerful geological forces that have sculpted this land. Volcanic eruptions have shaped not only the physical environment but also the culture of Iceland, and we hear myths and stories, along with science, as we explore this otherworldly terrain beneath the Earth's surface. Also nearby are two of Iceland’s many stupendous waterfalls. Hraunfossar, which means “lava waterfalls,” is actually a wide cataract—a collection of countless creeks and cascades streaming over a lava platform. Just above is Barnafoss, a torrent of foaming white turbulence blasting beneath a lava arch.

This afternoon, another experience is in store that captures the essence of Iceland: a private tour and soak in the Canyon Baths. The geothermal pools enjoy a grand view of the surrounding canyon, mountains and glaciers. Constructed from locally sourced, natural materials like flagstone from the canyon floor, the baths are hot-spring fed pools designed to blend into the environment using the age-old methods that created Snorralaug, a heritage-site pool dating back to the 10th century. The bathhouse is made from salvaged timbers from the area, and even the hooks in the changing room are repurposed horseshoes from a nearby family farm. Following this relaxing escape, return to our stylish hotel and anticipate an outstanding dinner featuring seasonal local fare.

It's time to fly to Greenland today! But more of Iceland's volcanic dynamism is on display before we depart late this afternoon. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, explore Seltun, one of Iceland’s most important high-temperature geothermal areas. Lying on the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, this seething landscape is pocked with boiling mudpots and hissing fumaroles belching steam. Following the boardwalk through the animated landscape where mineral deposits have created colorful sediments, we smell the pungent odor of sulphur in the air. The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas, with seven separate eruptions occurring in 2024 alone.

Continue to Keflavik, returning to Iceland's international airport where we board our flight to Kulusuk, Greenland. As we approach, get a preview of the magnificent scenery to come, with icebergs drifting below and perhaps a chance to spot a whale from the air, if you've got a window seat. Our introduction to Greenland begins here where Arctic wilderness and traditional lifestyles meet. Most of East Greenland is uninhabited, except for a couple of towns and a handful of small subsistence hunting communities. Greenland's east coast is often called "the back side" by those on the west, where most of the population, its capital of Nuuk, and its main institutions are located. East Greenland's people had no contact with the outside world till the beginning of the 20th century, and that isolation has fostered a distinct and resilient culture. Once we check in to our hotel, we gather for dinner in the dining room, with a view of the surrounding mountains.

This morning, board a private boat to head out for a half-day glacier walk excursion. In addition to large chunks of ice calved from glaciers that feed the region's fjords, we may also see tabular icebergs—oceangoing slabs of ice, some of which have been drifting for months, driven down the coast by the strong East Greenland Current. Reaching a small island, we disembark to walk on a glacier, surrounded by spectacular views of fjords and mountain ranges. Atop its rough surface, examine unique formations such as moulins, which are whirlpool-like shafts in the ice. Walking farther, we reach a vantage point for a full view of the glacier’s face. We return to Kulusuk this afternoon for a guided walking tour of the village, including a private performance of traditional Greenlandic drumming and dancing.

From Kulusuk, make a scenic transfer by helicopter or boat (depending on weather conditions) to Ammassalik Island, landing in Tasiilaq, the small administrative center of East Greenland. Tasiilaq's charming wooden houses painted in bright primary colors survey King Oscar’s Harbor, surrounded by pointed peaks iced with glaciers. The town of 2,000 is a hub for outdoor adventure, from hiking and kayaking in summer to dog sledding and glacier skiing in winter.

Though interior Greenland is covered by a massive ice cap, a few habitable areas exist around the bays and coastal islands, and the region we visit enjoys a surprisingly mild and dry summer climate. Set out with our Expedition Leader to explore the area around Tasiilaq on foot, hiking into the Valley of Flowers above the scenic bay that fronts the town. Bring your camera: the ice-clad gneiss and granite peaks provide a striking backdrop for waterfalls and small lakes fringed by northern wildflowers in season. After lunch, a walking tour of town reveals more about the region's heritage and contemporary life. The small Ammassalik Museum is a highlight, showcasing Greenlandic Inuit culture and traditions. Its collection features East Greenlandic masks, kayaks, sleds, tools, beadwork, old and new tupilak figures, and works by local artists. This afternoon, hear firsthand experiences from a local resident, sharing personal perspectives on daily life and year-round subsistence in this remote Arctic realm.

Spend a full day exploring East Greenland's spectacular coastal environment aboard our private boat, as we head out into Ammassalik Fjord and beyond. Cruise narrow inlets among drifting ice and towering icebergs, flanked by sheer granite mountain peaks more than a billion years old. Look for whales, seals and seabirds as we go—though sightings are never predictable, humpback, minke, fin and bowhead whales all frequent these waters. And coastal cliffs are breeding grounds for black guillemots, little auks and puffins. Our Expedition Leader shares details about the region's wildlife, geology and ecology, as well as East Greenland's cultural history, in this wild Arctic terrain where the Inuit people have been at home for more 4,000 years. We make a stop in Kuumiut, a remote settlement founded in 1915 that's home to about 230 residents. The village's economy is based on fishing, centered on a factory that has produced frozen fish since 1964. Previously, fish were hung on huge drying racks outside. Today, cod and halibut are delivered by local fishermen daily, who fish by hand from small open boats using a manual reel or a net. The area is also a prime spot for harvesting the capelin called Ammassat,' for which Ammassalik Fjord is named; the fish arrive in huge shoals to their spawning grounds near Kuummiut once the ice goes out and the water begins to open in early summer. This evening, enjoy a cultural presentation that offers deeper insight into East Greenland's traditions, artistic expressions and way of life.

This morning, join our Expedition Leader for one last activity in Greenland, followed by lunch in Tasiilaq before we go. Then it's time to return to Kulusuk by helicopter or boat, depending on local weather conditions. Continue by plane to Iceland's Keflavik International Airport and transfer to a nearby hotel where we'll have a farewell dinner and spend the night, facilitating easy connections for tomorrow's onward departures.

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, our Nordic adventure comes to a close. A transfer is included to the airport, just a few minutes away, for those with departing flights today.