Welcome to the wild, rugged and unique beauty of Iceland. In the land of fire and ice, wildlife is teeming, the culture is rich, and the people are welcoming. Our expedition cruise makes a full circumnavigation of Iceland, so you get a complete experience of some of the most unique terrain on Earth. With our unmatched expertise in Arctic waters, we will show you the soul of Iceland on an expedition to the far north. The drama, history, wildlife and rugged scenery makes Iceland a truly memorable destination – with many hidden secrets. We take you close to volcanic landscape, waterfalls, glaciers and charming towns.
°SOL17 offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer.
Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting. The hub seems carved out of an arctic desert, with lava stones covered in moss and haunting mountains nearby. But just 45 minutes away, Reykjavík is a charming and vibrant modern city, offering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets.
The friendly town of Stykkishólmur has beautiful and well-preserved old houses in the town centre and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. Enjoy exploring the town´s interesting museums or join optional excursions to see the iconic sites of Snæfellsnes Penninsula such as the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or the black sandy beaches of Djúpalónssandur.
Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast of Iceland with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall of Dynjandi and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.
Our experienced captain will plan a day exploring the stunning fjords of northwest Iceland. Conditions will determine the final program and activity for the day. We might visit a small settlement, take you on hikes or launch our kayaks.
Akureyri is a lively town, famous for its botanical gardens and pretty traffic lights. it is the most populous community outside Reykjavík, and serves as the centre of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, such as lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.
The Arctic Circle crosses Iceland at the northernmost point on Grimsey island. As we cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy a fun ceremony with the staff, then take a walk towards the Orbis et Globus (Circle and Sphere) artwork that symbolises the Circle. On the way you will have amazing photo opportunities of magnificent scenery, and wildlife like puffins, arctic terns, golden plovers and many more spectacular birds, as many of them are nesting on the cliffs or right next to your footpath.
Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty and is `the land of the elves´. Puffin colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and lovely views.
Heimaey, or “Home Island” welcomes us for our visit. The harbour has a very narrow entrance, caused by a volcanic eruption in 1973. Most of the island has steep cliffs, is well-vegetated and provides a habitat for countless birds, including the charming puffin.
Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. If you have the time, we recommend you stay a few extra days to explore fascinating Reykjavik.
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Enjoy from a wide range of comfortable cabins. They vary in size and location, sometimes within the same grade, and as a general rule, outside accommodation on the higher decks has a picture window while the lower decks have portholes.
Choose from a wide selection of innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce that each have a story to tell. Enjoy everything from ultra-fresh seafood to sustainably cultivated root vegetables and free-range reindeer meat, along with excellent cheeses from selected small-scale producers. We recommend topping off your meal with tempting Scandinavian desserts, inspired by the two extremities of Arctic light - the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.
