7-NT Scotland & Iceland’s North Coast

Kirkwall, the historic capital of the Orkney Islands, brims with Norse heritage and charming streets. Explore St. Magnus Cathedral, wander the quaint harbor, and soak up the island’s rich culture and coastal scenery.

The bay of Vopnafjörður was first settled by Vikings in the late 9th century. Little is known about the history of Vopnafjörður after Iceland lost its independence to Norway in 1264. This is an area of truly rugged, natural beauty. Devoid of trees and carpeted in thick mosses, the landscape surrounding Vopnafjörður is typical of the extreme east coast of Iceland. Gljúfursárfoss, a graceful, cascading waterfall plunges into a very dramatic gorge. It is one of the best known waterfalls in this part of the country. A highlight of Icelandic culture and lifestyle is the Bustarfell Folk Museum. Bustarfell is a quaint group of six houses, many centuries old, constructed in the traditional Icelandic farm style. The brown wooden houses, gabled in red with grass-grown roofs, is one of the oldest and best preserved farms of its kind in Iceland.

Established in the mid-17th century, Akureyri is home to Iceland's largest fishing company and its biggest shipyard. Viking sagas, spectacular fjords, snow-capped mountains... Iceland's Capital of the North is also surprisingly mild and the so-called Green Town is made for those long summer days.

The Westfjords in northwest Iceland is a remote and sparsely populated peninsula of steep, tall mountains cut by dozens of fjords. The raw and untamed natural landscape around Ísafjörður is characterized by a subarctic environment. A colourful show of blooming tundra wildflowers carpets the mountain slopes and valleys during the short, cool summer. Keep your binoculars handy. Iceland's western fjords are prime whale watching waters and, if your luck's in, you may just spot a tell-tale spout of water.

Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital and northernmost port city, is a gateway to stunning natural wonders and rich Nordic culture. Just minutes from the harbour, visitors can explore colourful streets, geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon, and dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, waterfalls, and glaciers. A perfect blend of modern charm and wild beauty, Reykjavík offers unforgettable adventures right from the dock. Join in a national pastime - shopping! Designer labels, local wool, gourmet treats, even a flea market, it's all right here.