Silversea Luxury Cruises A ESKIFJORDUR

Discover the natural wonders and history of Iceland from above-and-below sea level during this captivating, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Eskifjörður Fjord, Hólmanes Peninsula Viewpoint, Mountain and Ocean Views

Depart the pier for the short coastal drive along the Eskifjörður Fjord en route to the Hólmanes Peninsula Viewpoint. The majestic mountain looms above you, and, on clear days, the view over the tip of the peninsula and the seemingly endless ocean are sure to enthral. On days when the notorious East Fjord fog obscures the view, the Hólmanes Peninsula becomes a mystical land between the mountain and the sea. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and continue on to Fáskrúðsfjörður.

Fáskrúðsfjörður Town, Circle of Mountains, Northern Lights Exhibition & Photos, French Cemetery

Upon arrival at this quiet seaside town, a visit is made to the Northern Lights Exhibition, an incredible display of Northern Lights photos. All of the photos were shot in Fáskrúðsfjörður, where a majestic circle of mountains surrounds the fjord and makes the Northern Lights experience unique. Afterward, visit a French cemetery for a better understanding of the history of this French town.

Stöðvarfjordur, Petra's Rock Collection, Home-Turned Museum

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to Stöðvarfjordur for your final stop, Petra's Rock Collection, a house-turned-museum that must be seen to be believed. For decades, Petra collected rocks and minerals from the nearby mountains and brought them to her home. In turn, her residence has become renowned as one of Iceland's most unusual museums, and bears witness to her untiring passion. Following your visit to Petra's lovely home, rock collection and peaceful garden, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the unique Icelandic horse, along with the pristine natural beauty of Iceland, its folklore and history, during this unforgettable horseback-riding excursion.

Eskifjörður, Skorrahestar Horse Farm, Introduction to Icelandic Horses

Depart the pier for the short drive to the family-run Skorrahestar Horse Farm. Upon arrival, garner a unique insight into the story of the remarkable Icelandic horse breed. Brought to Iceland by the first settlers, the breed has now been bred pure in Iceland for more than 1,000 years. Whether on the farm or for overland transport, the horse has been the trusty companion of the Icelanders through the centuries; to this day, farmers ride into the highlands to round up their sheep in autumn. Icelandic horses are a small, sturdy breed, and famed for their five gaits; in addition to the walk, trot and gallop, Icelandic horses may have the tölt (a smooth run) and skeið (flying pace).

Guided Horseback-Riding Adventure, Striking Valley, River and Waterfalls, Special Gait Instructions

Next, receive your safety, riding and tour instructions, then mount your horse and begin your guided horseback-riding adventure. Your gentle, approximately 70-minute ride takes you along a river that runs through a striking valley in the area, and has many lovely waterfalls. Along the way, you are invited to try one of the two special gaits of the Icelandic horse, the tölt, with instruction provided by your local guide. All guides are born and raised in the area, have excellent story-telling skills, and inform you all about the local history and nature during the tour. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore the beautiful, yet rugged locale and events experienced by local settlers of Norðfjörður during this panoramic, half-day hiking excursion.

Eskifjörður, Tunnel, Neskaupstaður Village, Guided Hiking Trek

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Norðfjörður via a tunnel, then on Neskaupstaður Village, where your guided hiking adventure begins. Along the way, take in breath-taking panoramic views of the fjord and its mountains, glaciers and waterways. Experience the vulnerability of man against nature whilst hiking around the area, and hear stories about the rugged conditions and events the locals have experienced throughout history.

Avalanche History and Protection Walls, Local Nature & Geology

Through history, the town has fallen victim to the full force of avalanches. This was especially the case in late-December 1974, when two big avalanches hit the town and claimed 12 lives. Due to the town's location, all roads were closed off, and aide had to be brought in by ships and snowmobiles. In 2002, the first part of the avalanche protection walls was built, the second part in 2015 and the third part is on the drawing board. These magnificent structures that merge with the local nature and geology don't draw attention whilst driving, but are clearly evident whilst hiking around the area.

Refreshment Stop, Hótel Hildebrand

Following your hiking trek, proceed to the town's hotel, Hótel Hildebrand, for a brief refreshment stop consisting of coffee, tea and cake. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the treasures of the Eastern Fjords and how isolated Icelandic villages have adapted to harsh weather conditions during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Eskifjörður, East Fjords, Tunnel, Neskaupsstaður Town, House of Three Museums

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the town of Neskaupsstaður via a tunnel. There is an ebb and flow in the history of communities, and this is especially true of the East Fjords of Iceland. This tour offers a comprehensive look at how these isolated villages were at one time self-sufficient, and, at another time, connected internationally. Upon arrival at Neskaupsstaður Town, a visit is made to a lovely old house containing a trio of interesting and informative museums; an art collection, exhibition of tools and machinery, and a museum of natural history.

Avalanche Breaker, Icelandic Wartime Museum

Neskaupsstaður has been hit hard by avalanches through the ages, but now man has pitted his intelligence against the forces of nature and built an Avalanche Breaker, which you can examine during a stop at this lifesaving innovation. Afterward, continue on to the Icelandic Wartime Museum, a memorable venue that recounts the history of the town of Reyðarfjörður from the moment the huge battleship Andes sailed into this calm, peaceful fjord on July 1st, 1940. The town's population went from 300 to nearly 3,300 in an instant, and this museum displays in a lively way how the interaction between the locals and soldiers developed during the occupation.

Hólmanes Peninsula, Photo Stop

Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed to the Hólmanes Peninsula for spectacular panoramic views of your surrounds. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore the villages, waterfalls and historic landmarks of Mjóifjörður Fjord during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion via 4X4 Jeep.

Eskifjörður, Mjóifjörður Fjord, Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall

Depart the pier with your driver/guide aboard a specialised 4X4 vehicle for the scenic, approximately 50-minute drive to Mjóifjörður Fjord, renowned for its beauty, tranquillity and history. Upon arrival, get acquainted with its history and highlights of this magnificent fjord. Your journey begins with a visit to the Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall, where clear water tumbles down a tiered hillside by the roadside.

Brekka Village, Asknes, Norwegian Whaling Station

After a photo stop at the Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall, continue on for a comfort stop in the tiny village of Brekka, which is home to less than 40 inhabitants. In addition, see the remains of a Norwegian whaling station at Asknes. It was the largest of its kind when built by the Norwegians around 1900, and employed approximately 200 workers. Leaving the whaling station, head out to the lighthouse, farm and guesthouse of Dalatangi.

Dalatang Lighthouse, Farm & Guesthouse, Atlantic Ocean, Rivers, Hofsárgljúfur Waterfall

Located in the far-east reaches of Mjóifjörður, this unique destination is situated at the top of the cliffs by the very end of the road; as far-east as you can get by car. A stop is made here to marvel at the spectacular view, which overlooks the river mouths of Loðmundarfjörður and Seyðsifjörður, and the deep blue North Atlantic Ocean converging into the horizon as far as your eyes can see. There are two lighthouses at Dalatangi. The older one, build in 1895, is made of basalt. The newer lighthouse was built in 1908, and is still in use to this day. A final photo stop is marvel at the Hofsárgljúfur Waterfall, situated in the small, but scenic and impressive Mjóifjörður Fjord. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier, with a comfort stop en route.