Scenic East

Marvel at the spectacular natural beauty of east Iceland, a largely undeveloped but vast landscape where less than 4% of country’s entire population lives.

Nature rules here, as you will discover while driving along the extraordinarily scenic coastlines and narrow fjords. During a photo stop at the mountain pass at Fjarðarheiði, it will be easy to imagine just how difficult travel once was in this remote part of Iceland. Not far away in Lagarfljót Lake, you will see where a Loch Ness monster-type creature has supposedly been sighted since the 1400s.

For a more detailed and accurate look into the area’s natural history, you will browse the Snæfellsstofa Visitor Center within the Vatnajökull National Park. A cultural museum stands nearby in the former home of celebrated Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson, which doubles as a retreat for writers. Other highlights include a 14th-century parsonage that holds a revered chalice and Hallormsstaður, Iceland’s largest forest.

Before heading back to Seyðisfjörður and your ship we will make one last stop in Egilsstaðir town. There we will visit a souvenir shop that offers handcrafted items made by local artists. Sites might be visited in a different order to that described