Blog post -
Top 10 experiences on a cruise to Iceland
Cruises to Iceland provide a mixed and varied experience, from the cosmopolitan capital city of Reykjavik, to the beautiful and scenic Eskifjordur. The vast landscapes, lagoons and geysers, plus an abundance of wildlife will have you grabbing for your camera at every opportunity.
So here are our top 10 'must do' experiences when enjoying a cruise to Iceland.
1 - The Blue Lagoon
One of the most popular attractions in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon holds six million litres of geothermal sea water. The aqua blue water is rich in minerals and will leave you feeling totally relaxed after bathing in the warm, steamy waters.
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2 - The Gulfoss Waterfall
Featured in the 'World of Waterfalls' top 10 waterfalls of the world, the Gullfoss is a truly amazing spectacle and is one of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions. The waters from the Hvítá river tumble more than 100ft into the gorge below.
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3 - Whale Watching
Iceland was featured in the Telegraph's top 10 places in the World to Whale watch. And it is no wonder with up to 23 different species being spotted in Icelandic waters.
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4 - Strokkur Geysir (the Churn)
Strokkur (Icelandic for 'Churn') is a fountain geyser located in the geothermal area beside the Hvítá river in south-west Iceland. It is one of the most famous Geysers in Iceland due to the fact it erupts approximately every 4-8 minutes, spouting water 20 metres high, sometimes as high as 40 metres.
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5 - The Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon occurring in the summer months north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle. The sun never really sets and therefore provides some spectacular backdrops to the amazing scenery this country has to offer.
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6 - Myvatn Nature Baths
This man-made lagoon features water temperatures up to 40 degrees. And the water itself is rich in minerals meaning chemicals such as chloride are not required, therefore providing a fantastic bathing experience.
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7 - Reykjavik City Tour
Overlooked by the impressive Hallgrimskirkja bell tower, Reykjavik is a stunning city with a number of interesting museums and some of the country's most beautiful natural wonders within easy reach. Highlights include the Blue Lagoon spa and the Thingvellir National Park. Reykjavik is perfect for those who like to combine a lively city experience with the sights and sounds of nature.
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8 - Dettifoss Waterfall
Situated in the Vatnajökull National Park, the Dettifoss waterfall is reputed to be the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. The falls are 330 ft wide and have a drop of 150 ft in to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon below.
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9 - Bird Watching via a Scenic Cruise
Get your cameras at the ready for a scenic cruise past Latrabjarg - Europe's largest bird cliff. The cliff is teeming with millions of Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills, stretches 14km in length and reaches 440 metres in height - it hosts 40% of the world's population of these birds and is a haven for bird spotting, and photography enthusiasts.
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10 - Eskifjordur - Eastern Fjords
This charming seaside town is named after the fjord beside it, and provides a great insight in to local Icelandic life. Culture and industry has been shaped by the sea and there are still strong links to fishing trade. In fact you can follow in the fisherman's footsteps and learn about the importance of this industry to Iceland.
One of Eskifjörður’s charms is its accessibility to some of the jewels of East Iceland. For instance, a short way east along the coast you reach one of the world’s most famous Iceland spar mines, where the largest spar crystals have been found.
So there you have it - our top 10 recommended experiences. Cruises to Iceland provide a great way to see a real mix of cultural styles and experiences in one trip. So start planning your perfect cruise to Iceland with Fred. Olsen today.
