Silversea Luxury Cruises A GRUNDARFJORUDUR

Explore the rugged natural beauty of Iceland and areas that have been immortalised in Icelandic literature during this intriguing, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Grundarfjörður, Berserkjahraun Lava Field

Depart the pier for the short drive through the Berserkjahraun Lava Field. Its name is derived from the Eyrbyggja-saga, which tells the tale of two Berserks that met a tragic end in the field. The rugged lava formations are mystically fascinating, with contrasting colours of black and green. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and head to Helgafell Mountain.

Helgafell Mountain, Guided Hike to the Summit, Panoramic Views, Stykkishólmur, Free Time

Helgafell Mountain (Holy Mountain) is more like a hill than a mountain, and believed to have special powers. Take a guided hike up the approximately 239-foot-high (about 73-metre-high) slope to the top, where, weather-permitting, the view is spectacular. In the ancient book, Landnáma, it is written that when you climb this mountain you are granted a wish, but only if you follow a few simple rules. Leaving Helgafell Mountain, re-board your coach and continue on to the lovely town of Stykkishólmur. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to browse the local handicrafts and other souvenirs.

Bear Harbour, Farm and Shark-Curing Farmstead, Guided Tour and Tasting

The last stop on your journey is Bjarnarhöfn (Bear Harbour), a farm and shark-curing farmstead that has been owned by the same family for generations. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the Shark Museum, and learn about the processes of shark curing and drying fish. Following your tour, proceed for a unique opportunity to taste the local produce and specialities, including fermented shark; it might be a good idea to bring a few mints with you to use on the way back. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier, with a drive through the majestic lava field en route.

Experience a unique and mysterious world formed thousands of years ago during this unforgettable, half-day caving excursion to the centre of the earth.

Grundarfjörður, Malarrif, Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Vatnshellir Cave

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Malarrif. After a comfort stop here, re-board your coach and continue on to the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave, located on the approach to the Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Upon arrival outside of the Vatnshellir Cave, meet your guide, receive your safety and tour instructions, helmet and flashlight, then embrace your sense of adventure as you head inside the entrance to the cave.

Guided Cave Tour, Upper- and Lower-Sections, Lava Formations

Inside the lava cave, there are two main sections. The upper-section has great features and unique lava formations. The lower-section of the lava cave can only be reached by a long, narrow staircase that takes you deep underground, to a place that was hidden from the outside world for thousands of years. Whilst proceeding through the cave, your guide explains the geology, history and folklore associated with it. When you're deep inside the lower cave, you and the guests can turn off all of your flashlights and experience total darkness. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Embrace the scenic splendour, history and culture of the picturesque Snæfellsnes Peninsula during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Grundarfjörður, Fishing Villages, Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Mountains, Volcanoes

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 50-minute drive through several small fishing villages that hug the dramatic coastline en route to the famous Snæfellsjökull Glacier. This glacier was made popular by the French writer, Jules Verne, in his classic novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It is one of the country's many interesting geological features, but other prominent mountains and volcanoes also grace the area.

Djúpalónssandur Beach, Shipwrecked Fishing Trawler, Lóndrangar Cliffs, Malarrif, Visitors Centre

Your first stop is at Djúpalónssandur Beach. Upon arrival, take a short, invigorating walk to the viewing platform, which offers spectacular panoramic views over the beach and ocean. On the beach, view the remains of a Grimsby fishing trawler that was wrecked here in hazardous weather in 1948. Afterward, re-board your coach for the short drive past the Lóndrangar Cliffs en route to Malarrif, where a stop is made at the Visitors Centre.

Arnarstapi Village, Lava Formations, Birdlife, Photo & Refreshment Stops, Búðir, Church

Next, your drive continues on to picturesque Arnarstapi. This village's idyllic setting boasts many interesting lava formations, and an abundance of birdlife during the summer months. A few photo stops, along with a refreshment stop at a local restaurant, are made during your visit here. Your final stop is at Búðir, famed for its beautiful surroundings of black lava, and one of a few yellow-sand beaches in Iceland. Upon arrival at the Búðir Church, take a short guided stroll through the area, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.