Discover a northern paradise where ice meets mountains and nature abounds.
Cruise to Iceland, where you can visit the enchanting cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri and marvel at the country's rough and unusual natural wonders. With a population of only 123,300 people, Iceland's capital and largest city, Reykjavik, is home to colorful houses, a bustling arts scene and centuries of history. For a glimpse into the northern past, check out the Settlement Exhibition, a combination of an archaeological ruin and museum based around a 10th-century house. Then, commune with nature at the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa built on a lava field and heated with geothermal energy. Pamper yourself with mud masks and massages while wading in the soothing waters. Even though Akureyri has only 18,000 residents, it's called the Capital of the North for a reason. Head there to warm up in the steaming thermal pool at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjordur.
Magnificent Natural Wonders
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ADMIRE THE ARCTIC
In Iceland, you'll see rare and stunning nature, from dramatic black rocks to cascading waterfalls and glittering glaciers. Whether you bathe in the natural hot springs of Blue Lagoon or sample the delicious and surprising specialties of Reykjavik, you'll be enamored by Icelandic culture.
BECOME A LAMB STEWARD
Most Icelandic cuisine is based on fish, lamb, dairy and root vegetables. Stop by Icelandic Fish and Chips in Reykjavik to find the best Icelandic meat stew, made with lamb, potatoes, carrots and herbs. If you're brave enough, try hakarl (fermented shark) — but be sure to wash it down with a local craft beer from Lady Brewery.
FEEL THE FLORA
Because the terrain tends to be barren and rocky, Iceland isn't particularly known for its plants and trees. At Akureyri's Lystigardurinn, the northernmost botanical garden in the world, however, you'll be able to spot 430 native species of colorful, wild arctic flowers in one spot.
VOLCANIC VIEWS
Hop on a free shuttle in Reykjavik to make your way from Harpa Music Hall to Perlan Dome. At this world-class museum, watch volcanoes, glaciers and geothermal marvels come alive through cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking science. You'll be able to experience Iceland's many natural wonders and attractions all at once at this rotating glass museum.
GET TO KNOW THE NORTH
While you might come to Iceland to glimpse the gorgeous natural wonders the country offers, you'll also find that the cultural highlights are unforgettable as well. Explore the country's past in one of the museums, or check out the works of contemporary designers, who prove Iceland is the definition of cool.
DESIGNING ICELAND
If you're searching for the best shopping spots in Iceland, head to Laugavegur, also known as "The Wash Road." Reykjavik's hippest shopping street offers designer clothes, artisan wools and design-driven home goods. You can also go to the excellent Kolaportio Flea Market in Akureyri, where you'll find many shops with trendy local designer brands, fun souvenirs and high-fashion labels.
ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS
Located just southeast of Reykjavik's city center, the Expressionist-style church known as Hallgrimskirkja looms over the streets, mirroring the mountains and glaciers beyond. Enjoy panoramic views from the 75-meter-high spire. Or head to Akureyri's basalt church, Akureyrarkirkja, which also dominates the skyline with its striking futuristic facade. You'll marvel at the shiparagraphCopy that hangs from the ceiling, reflecting the Nordic tradition of giving offerings to protect loved ones at sea.
HOBBIT HIDEAWAYS
When in Akureyri, make sure you visit the nearby village of Laufas, where you'll find beautiful, picturesque turf-roofed farmhouses built in the 1860s. They're a window into how Icelanders once lived and may remind you of the hobbit houses in "The Lord of the Rings."
THIS LAND OF ICE WILL
TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
Step aboard a cruise to Iceland and discover the enchanting cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri with their colorful houses and relaxing thermal pools. Climb glacial mountains, watch the Northern Lights, or dine on fermented shark. You'll be swept away in Iceland.
ATLANTIC ARRIVAL
Arrive in Iceland via a transatlantic getaway, but don't forget to make some tropical stops as well. Try local delicacies, go snorkeling or see the natural marvels of the great European cities and Caribbean ports. Iceland is just one magnificent stop along this gorgeous route.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Northern Light, Midnight Sun
From its natural wonders to its storied history, Iceland offers something for everyone.
You'll be able to see the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, from early September to the end of April, but visiting in the summer offers you the benefits of the Midnight Sun, the 24-hour sunlight that shines over the country. Be prepared for crowds, though, in the summer months.
While nearly everyone in Iceland speaks English, you'll pleasantly surprise the locals by speaking a few words in their language. Say "takk" to thank a local, or ask someone if they speak English by saying, "talarðu ensku?" (pronounced "ta-lar-thu en-sku"). Don't be afraid to immerse yourself in the Icelandic culture.
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Be sure to enjoy the view from the observation deck at the Perlan museum in Reykjavik. It's a great spot to watch the Northern Lights.
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Keep your eye out for a festival if you are visiting during the summer, as they pop up quite frequently.
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Several cafes and museums offer free Wi-Fi, so feel free to post photos of your trip.
CUISINE
TEMPTING TREATS
Both the capital Reykjavik and the Akureyri have a large variety of restaurants, where you can eat local or international dishes. Icelandic cuisine is largely based on dairy products, fish, lamb, root vegetables and herbs, so get ready for a hearty meal.
LADLE IT ON
Iceland's cold waters produce top-quality seafood, and one of the country's signature ways to enjoy the fruits of the sea is fiskisupa, or fish stew. Made with cod or haddock, potatoes, butter, milk and herbs, it's a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs way to enjoy the local bounty.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE HOT DOG
Made from mostly lamb, hot dogs are the national street food of Iceland — you won't have to look far to find one! They're typically made with a mix of local, Iceland-raised pork, beef and lamb. Slather yours with pylsusinnep, a sweet brown mustard, or remoulade, a tangy combination of mayo, mustard, capers and herbs.
FERMENTED FAVORITES
Since not a lot grows in Iceland during much of the year, the local cuisine has developed a strong traditional of preserving foods through fermentation. If you're brave enough, try hakarl, the national dish of fermented shark. If you're not feeling uparagraphCopy for the challenge, try herring pickled in vinegar and served a top a slice of dense rye bread.
