Silversea Luxury Cruises A SEYDISFJORDUR

Explore the pristine natural beauty of Seyðisfjörður in an invigorating new way during this panoramic hiking excursion.

Seyðisfjörður, Vestdalur Valley, Mountains, Nature, Ocean

Depart the pier for the short drive to the starting point of your guided hiking tour. Upon arrival, begin you're approximately 2.25-hour nature trek on-foot up to a part of the Vestdalur Valley near Seyðisfjörður. This valley is a protected nature reserve due to its remarkable flora. Along the way, take in breath-taking views of the valleys, mountains and ocean of this exquisite Icelandic landscape.

Vestdalseyri Town

Next, your nature trek takes you to the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri for a look at the ruins of this former thriving town. Vestdalseyri was inhabited for roughly a century, from 1851-1963. Originally, it was home to a whaling station and one of the largest cooperatives in the country. Despite Vestdalseyri's beautiful, sunny location, the town eventually declined, with its last inhabitant leaving in 1963.

Waterfalls

Your picturesque journey continues with a walk past a series of beautiful waterfalls offering splendid views and photo opportunities. At the conclusion of your visit, begin the hike back to the coach. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.5 miles (about four kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with sturdy, flat, closed-toe and non-slip hiking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the splendid beauty and landmarks of eastern Seyðisfjörður during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the impressive mountain-pass of Fjarðarheiði, with two photo stops. After the photo stops, re-board your coach and head for a visit to Egilsstaðir, the commercial centre of eastern Iceland. Leaving Egilsstaðir, re-board your coach drive along Lagarfljót Iceland's third-largest lake. The lake's bed lies approximately 328 feet (about 100 metres) below sea level, having been formed by glaciers over thousands of years. This lake is famous for the mythical 'Ness' that is said to reside far below.

Our journey continues to Valþjófsstaður, a 13th-century church estate and manor farm in the Fljótsdalur Valley. The church was consecrated in 196 and contains many valuable items, among them an exquisite chalice and paten. Your last stop is at the Hallormsstaður. One of the county's most successful government forestry stations, it is nestled in the beautiful Hallormsstaðarskógur Forest, and features more than 40 species of trees from various parts of the world.

Re-board your coach and contintue to Skriðuklaustur, an unusual building of basalt blocks with white cement and the former home of one of Iceland's greatest writers, Gunnar Gunnarsson. Today, this building serves as a residence for artists and writers, both Icelandic and foreign. At Skriðuklaustur walk to Snæfellstofa,, the Vistor's Centre for the area covering the east side of Vatnajökull Glacier National Park, to explore the nature of the area through interactive exhibits.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for a brief drive to Vallanes, where you will enjoy a rustic lunch at an organic farm.

The tour will conclude with an approximatley 1 hour drive back to the ship.

Explore the history, landmarks and culture of Seyðisfjörður Town on-foot during this picturesque sightseeing excursion.

Seyðisfjörður Town, High Mountains, Harbour

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour of Seyðisfjörður Town, which lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name and is surrounded by high mountains. The harbour is one of the best in the country, as the fjord is long and winding, and sheltered from the open Atlantic Ocean. The town's history involves the fishing industry, harnessing waterpower and herring fishing era in the late-20th-century.

Norwegian Wooden Houses, Church of Seyðisfjörður, Icelandic Music Concert

Begin your walk with a stroll past the charming, Norwegian wooden houses for which the town is renowned. A stop is made at to the beautiful old wooden Church of Seyðisfjörður, often called the ('Blue Church). Musical recitals are held once a week during the summer, attracting various types of musicians. Upon arrival, you are treated to a short concert of Icelandic melodies performed by a local musician.

Avalanche Memorial, Home of Local Artist, Skaftfell Art Centre, Handicraft Shop, Souvenirs

Next, walk over to the Avalanche Memorial, then past the home of local folk artist and naivist, the late-Ásgeir Emilsson. Continue walking through this charming, small town, and stop by the Skaftfell Art Centre before commencing the walk back to the pier. En route, a stop is made at an arts and craft shop selling locally-made handicrafts for a memento of your visit.

Experience one of the most remote locales in Iceland during this memorable, half-day excursion to the beautiful and expansive Skálanes Nature Centre.

Þórarinsstaðir Archaeological Site, Green Valley, Old Farms, Mountains

Depart the pier for the short drive to Þórarinsstaðir. Upon arrival, a stop is made at this important archaeological site, which features artefacts from the first years of settlement in Iceland. Afterward, re-board your coach and continue driving through a green valley surrounded by high mountains. The valley is dotted with isolated, abandoned farms that remind the traveller that this peaceful landscape was once home to farmers and their families.

Skálanes Nature Centre, Birds, Ducks, Reindeer, Seals, Whales

Next, experience one of the most remote locales in Iceland during a visit to the approximately 3,089-acre (1,250-hectare) Skálanes Nature Centre. Here, the Icelandic environment and cultural history can be researched and interpreted, whilst maintaining a model for sustainable tourism. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. During the summer months, Skálanes is home to about 47 different bird species. At times, seals and reindeer can be spotted in this vicinity, and, on rare occasions, a whale can be seen off the coast. Eider ducks nest in great numbers around the pond. Following your tour, refreshments and a comfort stop, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 35-minute drive back to the pier.

Relax and unwind amidst the tranquil waters of Vök, geothermal floating pools located on gorgeous Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland, during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Seyðisfjörður Town, East Iceland, Lake Urriðavatn, Vök Baths, Underwater Hot Springs

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Vök Baths, located on gorgeous Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland, the Vök Baths boasts a collection of serene geothermal floating pools. Throughout the centuries, people living around Lake Urriðavatn noticed certain spots on the lake that curiously did not freeze in the wintertime. The Icelandic name given to these ice-free patches is Vök (plural: Vakir), and their source was discovered to be underwater hot springs streaming up to warm the surface from deep under the lake. Before the hot water was discovered, people were convinced that there was a monster living on the bottom of the lake that either melted or broke the ice.

Floating Pools, Soothing and Relaxing Soak, Lovely Lake Surrounds

Completed in the summer of 2019, Vök Baths is Iceland's newest geothermal destination, and boasts the country's first and only series of floating pools. The design and architecture of Vök Baths complements and embellishes the essential qualities of the environment, to communicate deep respect for Icelandic nature. Upon arrival, change into your bathing attire and enter the hot water, which is renowned for its therapeutic properties, within and surrounded by the lake. During your soothing and relaxing soak, enjoy the beauty and serenity of your surrounds. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the stunning natural beauty and waterfalls of Seyðisfjörður and its surrounds during this panoramic, half-day hiking excursion.

Seyðisfjörður Town, Blue Church, Forestry Area, Power Station, Fjardarsel, Waterfalls, Vegetation

Depart the pier for a short walk through the heart of Seyðisfjörður Town, past the beautiful Seyðisfjörður Church (Blue Church), Hotel Aldan and the Norwegian wooden houses for which the town is renowned. Continue along on a partly-gravel and grassy walkway through a forestry area, and stop to see the Power Station en route to Fjardarsel. Here, your route follows the Fjarðará River and offers spectacular panoramic views of over 20 waterfalls, along with a variety of Icelandic vegetation.

Scenic Mountains, Optional Hill Trek, Fo Neðri Stafur Rock Stratum, Exquisite Landscape

Of the river's many waterfalls, most of the prettiest ones are seen along your route. Wild crowberries and blueberries can also be found here in late-August. The scenic mountains, waterfalls, vegetation and history of the town combine to create the ideal setting for this unforgettable natural hike. More adventurous waterfall lovers may opt to trek a little further alongside the south side of the Fjarðará River, and ascend the hill for approximately 219 yards (about 200 metres) to enjoy an incredible view of this exquisite Icelandic landscape. Next, a photo stop is made at the Fo Neðri Stafur rock stratum before commencing the approximately one-hour walk back to Seyðisfjörður town and the pier.