Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen
Island Hopping In and Around the Arctic | Northbound
Discover the history and natural wonders of five wild, beautiful islands in and around the Arctic, across four countries.
14-day expedition cruisefrom Bergen to the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Svalbard before ending in Oslo
Island adventures
Our springtime adventure starts in Bergen, Norway before sailing to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. From there, we travel to the green Faroe Islands, then cross to the north coast of Iceland. We finish our expedition cruise in Longyearbyen after sailing to scenic Spitsbergen to see the untouched glory of the High Arctic.
Keep watch for wildlife
The pristine waters and stunning islands on this North Atlantic island-hopping adventure are home to all kinds of wildlife. We’ll look out for birds, whales, and much more along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic but elusive polar bear as we sail the waters around Spitsbergen.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen and mountain peaks
Your adventure begins in the charming city of Bergen. Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, Norway’s former capital is also one of its most picturesque cities.
Don’t miss the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with colorful wooden houses along the wharf dating back to the 18th century. Across from Bryggen, you’ll find the city’s famous fish market.
Take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen for a refreshing hike and amazing views of the city, mountains, and the sea beyond.
Explore Scotland’s northernmost town
Built on the herring trade, more fish comes into the port of Lerwick than in all of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland combined.
The town has deep Norse roots. You’ll hear it in the dialect and see it in the Viking stories that are beautifully depicted in the impressive stained-glass windows at Lerwick Town Hall. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and lace shawls. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal town hall.
Keep your binoculars handy to scan for gray and common seals along Lerwick’s beaches, as well as local birdlife such as red-throated divers, redshanks, and curlews.
Visit Streymoy in the Faroe Islands
Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbor) is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.
Wander through the cobblestone alleyways and delight in the coloful, turf-roofed houses. In the local museums, learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna, and geology of the Faroe Islands.
About half a mile out of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive beige-tipped wings of the Faroese starling.
Surround yourself with the sounds of Faroese nature
Today, we’ll stop to explore the tiny village of Elduvík, with just 23 inhabitants. It lies in the Funningsfjørður inlet in the Faroe Islands. Elduvík is split in two by the river Stórá.
Though small, Elduvík has a school, church, dock, and pier. From the pier, enjoy the view across the sparkling water to the nearby island of Kalsoy. It is astonishingly peaceful here.
As you walk through the village’s charming streets, listen for the songs of seabirds, bleating sheep, and waves from the fjord crashing on the shore. You may notice that the roofs of many houses are built in the traditional Icelandic style: They are covered in grass instead of slate, offering much-needed insulation and protection against the weather.
Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise toward Iceland.
As we sail to Bakkagerði, you’ll have time to swap stories of your adventures with your new friends. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for wonderful marine life. Or relax in a hot tub while you watch for seabirds.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your cruise in northern Iceland. Learn about the island’s stunning landscapes, culture, and beliefs, such as the Icelandic elves. Want to try something new? Join one of our knitting workshops!
Look for elves in natural beauty
Your Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town to explore this magical place.
This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eider ducks, and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Iceland's best whale-watching spot
Today, you will discover Húsavík, a fascinating town that is one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, a hotspot for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises—the elusive blue whale even makes appearances here. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.
There’s even a space exploration museum here. NASA thought Húsavík’s geology resembled lunar rocks and sent astronauts from their Apollo space missions here to train. You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and pep yourself up with a beer at the local microbrewery.
Dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue whales, and fin whales, too.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit top-notch eateries and museums.
A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. Keep an eye out for eider ducks and Harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas.
Time to relax and discover what adventures lie ahead
As we cross the Arctic Circle and head toward Jan Mayen, you’ll enjoy a day at sea. There’s plenty to do on board. Scan for marine wildlife from on deck, enjoy the panoramic sauna, soak in a hot tub, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, a great place to read or watch the world float by.
Visit the Science Center for insights into the destinations ahead on your island-hopping expedition cruise. Enjoy a fascinating lecture from the Expedition Team or help collect important data and contribute to Citizen Science projects.
Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers on how to capture wildlife and landscapes from our onboard photographer.
Visit an active volcano that’s a haven for birdlife
Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we’re one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you’ll set foot in one of Earth’s most remote places.
Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It’s the world’s northernmost active volcano, which last erupted in 1985.
You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots and little auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters, including whales and seals.
A peaceful interlude in your adventure
Spend the day relaxing as we sail deeper into the Arctic toward the Svalbard archipelago. Savor the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and take a break from the modern world.
Feeling active? Do a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. Like always, our Expedition Team will be on hand to answer your questions and offer insights into these Arctic islands.
A land of spectacular beauty
Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory – a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and eerily beautiful islands. You’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords, immense U-shaped valleys, and glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea. This may be your best chance to spot the region’s apex predator, the magnificent polar bear, in its natural environment. They trek the ice along the coast, hunting for seals.
We’ll take advantage of every opportunity to land, taking small boats (RIBs) ashore for hiking and other activities. If we can, we’ll launch our kayaks to enjoy the scenery in almost perfect silence.
The last day at the top of the world
Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen.
Before your flight back to Oslo, you’ll have time to explore more of Longyearbyen and do a bit of shopping – perhaps you’ll pick out a warm Svalbard sweater.
You’ll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived. You’ll also have lifelong memories from this incredible experience.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Svalbard ship
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
