10 Sep 2025 | Read time 7 MINS
The Most Picturesque Locations Across Iceland
Are you dreaming of wild landscapes, cascading waterfalls and untouched beauty at the edge of the world? 
  

Set sail on a once in a lifetime journey around Iceland aboard Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht. From volcanic valleys and icy fjords to soaring seabirds and breaching whales, every moment in the land of fire and ice promises something unforgettable. With up to 10 expert guides on your Scenic Discovery Team, you’ll gain deeper insight into the culture, nature and raw power of this remarkable destination. 

In this guide, explore some of Iceland’s most extraordinary stops on your all inclusive ultra luxury Discovery Voyage.

While mainland Iceland sits just south of the Arctic Circle, it’s not technically within it. However, the Arctic Circle does cross one of Iceland’s northern outlying islands — Grímsey Island — offering a rare chance to step across this invisible line.
Zodiac cruising across the Arctic Circle Zodiac cruising across the Arctic Circle
Zodiac cruising across the Arctic Circle

Grimsey Island is a standout stop on many of the Scenic Eclipse voyages around Iceland, including the Iceland, Greenland & Crossing the Arctic Circle. This remote and stunning island offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in captivating talks of folklore and legend and an opportunity to cross into the Arctic Circle — an experience marked with a commemorative certificate.

For a unique perspective, board a passenger train and meander around Grímsey Island, taking in views of the iconic lighthouse, passing through the quaint village, and gliding past the Arctic Circle monument, Orbis et Globus, which shifts each year to reflect the circle’s ever-changing position.

Prefer to explore on foot? Join your Discovery Team for a guided hike along dramatic sea cliffs, where you'll discover prime birdwatching spots teeming with puffins and other seabirds. Don’t forget your camera — the photo opportunities are as unforgettable as the journey itself.

Explore Grimsey Island’s cliff tops Explore Grimsey Island’s cliff tops
Explore Grimsey Island’s cliff tops

Discover the mesmerising lava fields of Eldfell, remnants of the volcano on Heimaey that erupted dramatically in 1973. This eruption blanketed parts of the island in lava and ash, creating a fascinating time capsule. Local guides will lead you through this historic site, highlighting the remarkable aftermath of the eruption. On a Scenic Freechoice excursion, you may have the opportunity to hike up Eldfell and later visit the Eldheimar Museum, which offers a deeper insight into one of Iceland’s most significant natural disasters.

Some of the Scenic Eclipse Icelandic cruises, including the Magical Iceland & Norwegian Fjords Discovery Voyage, take you to Akureyri, the country’s second-largest settlement after Reykjavik. With Scenic Freechoice, you can also visit the nearby Lake Mývatn and marvel at the surrounding lava fields, mineral-rich hot springs and lunar-like lava formations.

Discover Iceland’s lava fields Discover Iceland’s lava fields
Discover Iceland’s lava fields

Nicknamed "The Thunder," Dynjandi Waterfall is one of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. As the largest waterfall in the Westfjords, it has an impressive total height of 100 metres and cascades above five smaller waterfalls.

Expert guides will escort you from your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht to an onshore excursion of this magnificent waterfall, weather permitting. Alternatively, you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the comfort of the Observation Deck, all while sipping on your favourite drink.

Witness majestic Dynjandi Waterfall Witness majestic Dynjandi Waterfall
Witness majestic Dynjandi Waterfall

Goðafoss Waterfall

One of the unforgettable sights on a Scenic Eclipse cruise around Iceland is the Goðafoss Waterfall. Located in northern Iceland, approximately 45 minutes from Akureyri, the majestic waterfall cascades from a height of 12 metres from the river Skjálfandafljót into a tranquil pool below. Known as the "waterfall of the gods," Goðafoss is rich in history and awe-inspiring beauty.

Marvel Iceland’s Goðafoss Waterfall Marvel Iceland’s Goðafoss Waterfall
Marvel Iceland’s Goðafoss Waterfall

Nestled in the Westfjords of northwestern Iceland, Patreksfjörður is a charming village home to around 700 residents. During your visit, explore the village on a Scenic Freechoice excursion that takes you to the harbour, where you can tour a fish factory, discover traditional fish drying methods, and sample fresh fish paired with the renowned Icelandic butter.

Nearby, discover Raudasandur Beach, famous for its red sands, dark cliffs and an abandoned steel ship. The Discovery Team will guide you on a hike to this unique shoreline, where you can take in the stunning views and breathe in the fresh sea air.

With the Discovery Team, discover Patreksfjörður on a hike With the Discovery Team, discover Patreksfjörður on a hike
With the Discovery Team, discover Patreksfjörður on a hike

Látrabjarg Cliff

Set off on an unforgettable journey to Látrabjarg as part of a Scenic Freechoice excursion. As Europe's largest bird cliff, it offers a captivating display of extraordinary birdlife, including puffins, razorbills and northern gannets. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas and capture spectacular photos, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

While there, visit the Hnjótur Museum, where you can learn about the local fishing and farming history.

Puffin spotting along the coast Puffin spotting along the coast
Puffin spotting along the coast

As your Scenic Eclipse voyage glides past Vigur Island, seize the opportunity to hop on a Zodiac with the Discovery Team and explore the second largest island in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord. This island is a wildlife sanctuary, renowned for its vibrant seabird colonies, including puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and discover remarkable buildings like Viktoriuhús, built in 1860 and part of the Historical Buildings Collection of the Þjóðminjasafn Íslands, as well as the smallest post office in Europe. While here, take the opportunity to savour a traditional hjónabandssæla cake at the charming café.

Take in sweeping views of Vigur Island by helicopter^ Take in sweeping views of Vigur Island by helicopter^
Take in sweeping views of Vigur Island by helicopter^

Before setting sail, here are a few things to consider to ensure you have the best possible experience:

  • Dress warmly: Iceland's temperatures can drop to freezing, so it's essential to pack clothing that keeps you warm. Bring base layers, insulation layers like fleeces, and lightweight jackets and waterproofs. As a Scenic Eclipse guest, you'll receive a complimentary parka to keep. It’s also a good idea to pack thermal socks and accessories like woolly hats, scarves or neck gaiters, and waterproof gloves.
  • Comfortable shoes and day bags: Your Scenic Eclipse voyage includes Scenic Freechoice and Discovery onshore excursions and guided hikes, so you’ll need comfortable footwear and day bags for your belongings.
  • Avoid Velcro: Try not to bring pants with Velcro around the ankles, as they can be a biosecurity hazard.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm: You might wonder why you need sunscreen in Iceland. Using sunscreen and lip balm can help protect you from windburn, so be sure you pack both.

  • Keep your smartphone close: There’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife during your voyage, so come ready to capture the moment. Use your smartphone's zoom feature to take stunning photos of distant wildlife, whether you're on an onshore excursion or on board your Discovery Yacht. For photography enthusiasts, a camera with a telescopic lens can be an excellent choice.

Embark on an ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse voyage around Iceland, all-inclusive indulgence meets the awe-inspiring beauty of the land of fire and ice. Set sail on the Iceland, Greenland & Crossing the Arctic Circle cruise and discover Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, from towering waterfalls to vast lava fields. Or choose the Iceland and Greenland Explorer cruise, where the volcanic wonders of Iceland’s west coast will leave you breathless.

But the journey doesn't stop there. Scenic’s Discovery Voyages explore the earth’s most breathtaking polar regions. Navigate the pristine waters of Iceland and Greenland, savour the rich history and whiskey of Scotland on a voyage from Edinburgh to Iceland, marvel at the majestic Norwegian fjords, and continue onwards to the unforgettable wilderness of Antarctica.

Onboard the Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht, every moment is designed for discovery and comfort. Enhance your voyage with unforgettable Scenic Freechoice excursions — choose from helicopter flights that soar above glaciers and fjords for unparalleled views, or dive beneath the waves in the ship’s custom-designed submersible to explore underwater worlds rarely seen by others.

Indulge in all-inclusive dining crafted by world-class chefs who create menus inspired by the regions you explore. Whether you’re spotting wildlife from the Observation Deck, flying over ice fields in a helicopter, or exploring underwater mysteries in the submersible, Scenic Eclipse delivers an ultra-luxury polar experience unlike any other.

Featured Itineraries

Explore our itineraries below and discover the remarkable destinations that await you.
Reykjavik

11 Days

SEASON: 2026

Iceland, Greenland & Crossing the Arctic Circle

Iceland and Greenland discovery

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$19,641*
Reykjavik

8 Days

SEASON: 2026

Iceland and Greenland Explorer

With Vice President Lisa McCaskill

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$28,212*
Reykjavik

12 Days

SEASON: 2027

National Parks of East Greenland & Iceland

Arctic Frontiers: Iceland & Greenland Expedition

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$18,195*
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12 Days

SEASON: 2026

Whiskey, Fire & Ice - Scotland to Iceland

Vikings and volcanoes in the far north

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$22,229*
Edinburgh to Reykjavik

19 Days

SEASON: 2026

Ultimate Celtic Fire & Ice: Edinburgh to Reykjavik - Cruise & Land Journey

Vikings and volcanoes in the far north

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$32,514*