Northeast Iceland Explorer , Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. Bus back up
Highlights
- Cross the Arctic Circle at Grímsey and explore Iceland’s mythic north, shaped by volcanoes, seabirds, and ancient sagas.
- Sail wildlife-rich Skjálfandi Bay in search of humpbacks, minkes, porpoises, and dolphins, with time to explore charming Húsavík.
- Hike dramatic canyons, roaring waterfalls, and untouched fjords from Ásbyrgi’s horseshoe cliffs to Austurland’s fishing villages.
Set off from Akureyri on a journey that traces the rugged backbone of northern and eastern Iceland—regions where fire and ice have carved otherworldly landscapes and where small, windswept communities keep ancient traditions alive. This voyage blends the thrill of Arctic exploration with the rich natural and cultural heritage that defines Iceland’s farthest reaches. As the nights lengthen, you may even glimpse the northern lights dancing above the fjords, adding a celestial element to each day’s discoveries.
Your route may carry you across the legendary Arctic Circle at Grímsey, a rare and exhilarating achievement marked by a guided walk on this bird-laden island at 66°34′ north. Should weather redirect the itinerary inland, the alternative brings its own magic—exploring the volcanic calderas, lava fields, and geothermal wonders of Mývatn, a region renowned for its powerful and primeval beauty. Wildlife lovers will delight in sailing Skjálfandi Bay, a hotspot for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, with time ashore in Húsavík, Iceland’s undisputed whale-watching capital.
As the voyage rounds the northeast corner of the island, you may land in Raufarhöfn to visit the Arctic Henge—an evocative monument inspired by ancient Norse cosmology—before continuing toward the secluded fjords of Austurland. Here, sweeping mountains cradle quiet villages like Vopnafjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri, where legends of elves intertwine with striking scenery and trails that invite immersive hiking. Each stop reveals a new facet of Iceland’s wild identity, from roaring waterfalls like Dettifoss to serene coastal harbours untouched by mass tourism.
Throughout the journey, travelers can expect enriching lectures on board, invigorating hikes ashore, and moments of pure wonder as dramatic cliffs, volcanic craters, and Arctic skies unfold around them. This voyage offers the quiet triumph of stepping...
Standard Activities
About the Northeast Iceland Explorer , Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. Bus back up
Set off from Akureyri on a journey that traces the rugged backbone of northern and eastern Iceland—regions where fire and ice have carved otherworldly landscapes and where small, windswept communities keep ancient traditions alive. This voyage blends the thrill of Arctic exploration with the rich natural and cultural heritage that defines Iceland’s farthest reaches. As the nights lengthen, you may even glimpse the northern lights dancing above the fjords, adding a celestial element to each day’s discoveries.
Your route may carry you across the legendary Arctic Circle at Grímsey, a rare and exhilarating achievement marked by a guided walk on this bird-laden island at 66°34′ north. Should weather redirect the itinerary inland, the alternative brings its own magic—exploring the volcanic calderas, lava fields, and geothermal wonders of Mývatn, a region renowned for its powerful and primeval beauty. Wildlife lovers will delight in sailing Skjálfandi Bay, a hotspot for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, with time ashore in Húsavík, Iceland’s undisputed whale-watching capital.
As the voyage rounds the northeast corner of the island, you may land in Raufarhöfn to visit the Arctic Henge—an evocative monument inspired by ancient Norse cosmology—before continuing toward the secluded fjords of Austurland. Here, sweeping mountains cradle quiet villages like Vopnafjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri, where legends of elves intertwine with striking scenery and trails that invite immersive hiking. Each stop reveals a new facet of Iceland’s wild identity, from roaring waterfalls like Dettifoss to serene coastal harbours untouched by mass tourism.
Throughout the journey, travelers can expect enriching lectures on board, invigorating hikes ashore, and moments of pure wonder as dramatic cliffs, volcanic craters, and Arctic skies unfold around them. This voyage offers the quiet triumph of stepping across the Arctic Circle, exploring seldom-visited fjords, and deepening your understanding of Iceland’s powerful natural forces.
Ideal for adventurous spirits, curious explorers, photographers, hikers, and lovers of Nordic culture and landscapes, this itinerary delivers a sense of accomplishment and awe that lingers long after disembarking in Seyðisfjörður. You’ll return home with a heightened appreciation for the Arctic world—its wildlife, its legends, and its breathtaking, untamed beauty.
Itinerary
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.
October can be a challenging month in terms of weather and sea conditions, but it is also an opportunity to get to know the remotest regions of Iceland after most of its tourism has halted. Cold winds, rough seas, and the first snowfalls can be expected. There is a good chance we will catch views of the northern lights during clear skies. Backup plans are in place, however, if the weather is not on our side. The concept of this voyage is developed so as to offer excursions regardless of weather. Instead of spending hours in rough seas, we can opt instead for an inland excursion by bus, enabling us to fill our days with adventure and exploration. We will offer hikes whenever possible, led by guides who will adjust to the conditions and fitness level of the group. Actual hiking locations depend on the prevailing conditions of the areas we visit.
Akureyri
A supplemented bus transportation from Reykjavik to Akureyri (about six hours) will be available but has to be booked prior to the start of the voyage. We embark in Akureyri in the afternoon (16:00) and meet the expedition team on the ship. Conditions allowing, we may sail to Dalvik (about three hours) or spend the night in the harbor of Akureyri. During this first night, you may already see the magical northern lights shining overhead.
Into the Arctic Circle
Húsavik
Northeast Iceland’s hidden gems
Untouched Austurland
Around the far east
The journey ends in Seyðisfjörður
What's Included
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Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
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All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
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All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and coach (if needed).
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Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
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AECO fees and governmental taxes.
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Comprehensive pre-departure material.
What's Excluded
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Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
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Admission fees to museums and spas.
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Pre- and post- land arrangements.
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Passport and visa expenses.
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Government arrival and departure taxes.
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Meals ashore.
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Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
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Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
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The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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