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 Grímsey Island’s cliff tops Explore Grímsey Island’s cliff tops
Explore Grímsey 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
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^
Antarctica & Arctic Destination Guide
Antarctica & Arctic Destination Guide

Your guide to the Polar Regions

Start planning your unforgettable Scenic journey, details about ocean voyages and frequently asked questions. 

Featured Itineraries

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