The port of Reykjavik on the south west of Iceland is a popular stop on northern Europe cruises. In fact some ships even use it as their embarkation port. Either choice of itinerary features a number of unique cruise excursions. Here are some of the best tours offered by the cruise lines.
Golden Circle Iceland Cruise Excursion
The Golden Circle is the circular route in southern Iceland which includes many of Iceland’s most popular landmarks. Covering about 190 miles, tours usually start in Reykjavik and loop into central Iceland and back. The tour generally takes about eight hours, but visitors can tour independently, modifying that time. Here is what may be experienced on a Golden Circle route tour.
Thingvellir National Park – The name Thingvellir is Icelandic for ‘parliament plains’. In 930 AD the natural amphitheater located northwest of Reykjavik is said to be the world’s first parliament. Today Thingvellir National Park is the place to see where the Europe and North American continental plates meet.
Gullfoss Waterfall – Gullfoss means ‘Golden Falls’. At 105 feet, it is one of Europe’s largest waterfalls. Its dual falls cascade into the into the Hvita glacial river below producing dozens of rainbows on a sunny day.
Strokkur Geyser – Haukadalur is a geothermal valley located in the southwest of Iceland that features the geysers Geysir and Strokkur, popular Icelandic landmarks. In fact, the English word geyser comes from Icelandic, named after Geysir. Strokkur is the most active of the geysers, spouting a 60- to 100-foot jet every five minutes.
Hveragerdi Village – Nicknamed Greenhouse Village, geothermal waters power this extensive greenhouse industry. Flowers and vegetables can be grown even in the winter as a result of the power generated.
Cruise Excursions to the Blue Lagoon Reykjavik
The Blue Lagoon is a man-made lagoon of hot geothermal water that is located in the middle of a lava field. The Svartsengi Power Plant draws geothermal water from below the surface and after generating power, the water rich in minerals is pumped into the lagoon. Visitors come to bathe in the therapeutic waters and take advantage of the healing properties of the white silica mud.
Cruise Ship Excursion to the Blue Lagoon – Cruise lines offer a tour that includes two hours of swimming at the Blue Lagoon. Facilities include change rooms and a restaurant.
Independent Tour to the Blue Lagoon – Visitors can board a bus at the main bus terminal in Reykjavik or at Keflavik Airport. The drive takes about 40 minutes from town or 20 minutes from the airport. Guests can store their luggage at the Blue Lagoon. Buses leave the main bus terminal every hour and costs 3200 ISK ($25 USD), or 6300 ISK ($50 USD) when purchasing fare that includes entrance fees.
Adventure Tours in Reykjavik
Super Truck 4x4 Adventure – After the April 2010 volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, adventure tour operators have added excursions that include getting up close with the volcanoes. Cruise line passengers visiting Reykjavik have the opportunity to ride in an off-road truck, climbing hills and navigating rivers on the Thousand Waters trail. Enjoy views of the active volcano, Hengill as well as a couple other popular landmarks. This tour is about 3.5 hours in length.
Glacier Safari with Snowmobiles – Silversea offers a Silver Shore Expedition for guests to experience Iceland with a snowmobile ride over a glacier. The tour includes one hour of snowmobile riding and the remaining seven hours of the excursion visiting the highlights of the Golden Circle route.
Cruise passengers to Reykjavik can choose excursions offered by the cruise line or book something independently. Renting a car or booking a tour completely independent of the cruise line allows visitors to experience Iceland on their own time. It also gives opportunities that may not be available through an organized ship’s excursion.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
