Akureyri, Iceland

Our port today is Akureyri, nicknamed the "Capital of the North" and Iceland’s second-largest city, with a population of about 20,000. Today, we ventured beyond the fjords to explore some of northern Iceland’s most remarkable landscapes.

Our journey began along the coast to the village of Húsavík, known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. We watched groups of travelers bundle up in full weather gear before climbing aboard RIB boats in search of whales. We were perfectly happy wandering the fishing town before continuing on our way.

From there, we headed inland to experience some of Iceland’s most dramatic natural wonders. Ásbyrgi Canyon greeted us with its impressive geology, and not far beyond, we visited Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

The adventure continued through the geothermal area of Námaskarð, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and brightly colored mineral deposits create an otherworldly landscape. We then passed through the Lake Mývatn region, stopping to take in views of lava fields, volcanic craters, and terrain shaped by ancient eruptions. Each stop revealed another layer of Iceland’s fascinating volcanic history.

All in all, it was a very interesting day and a wonderful glimpse into the forces that shape Iceland.Read more