The Smartest Way to See Iceland? Cruise the Coast, Then Explore Reykjavík

There’s a reason it feels like everyone you know has visited Iceland. In the past decade, airline stopover programs have lured travelers, and new direct flights keep emerging—the latest, Icelandair’s Nashville route, debuts in May.

Known for ever-changing weather, the country offers more than spontaneous snow flurries and northern lights. A summer trip gains extra-long days thanks to the midnight sun (which barely dips below the horizon)—with the likelihood that plans won’t get canceled due to inclement weather.

Enter Celebrity Cruises: In July, the luxury line is launching its Iceland Intensive, a seven-night journey around the island aboard the Celebrity Silhouette—its first-ever round trip from Reykjavík—starting in the capital and continuing to three ports along the dramatic northern coast.

Getting to see lesser-explored, harder-to-reach areas isn’t the only draw of an Icelandic cruise. There’s something special about approaching its looming glaciers and fjords as they come into view from your stateroom balcony—then being able to hop off and see it all up close.

This being a Celebrity cruise, there’s also plenty to enjoy on board, from mixology classes and spa treatments to bocce and Daniel Boulud–designed dinners. By the time you return to Reykjavík, you’ll have gotten a taste of this wild, windswept country—and wish you’d experienced even more. So don’t risk regret. Budget a few extra days before the cruise kicks off, and we’ll show you what to do next.

The Must-Do Excursions

The island nation is perhaps best seen from the bow of a ship.

After spending some time in Iceland’s capital, experiencing its smaller villages is a true treat. Here’s what not to miss at each stop; book your excursions directly through the cruise or via Chase Travel.

Seyðisfjörður

This small northeastern town harbors a fun secret. Head toward the now-defunct Brimberg Fish Factory and follow the gravel road 10 to 15 minutes north of town to find Tvísöngur, a sound sculpture by the German artist Lukas Kühne. Its concrete domes represent five traditional Icelandic musical harmonies. Guests are encouraged to enter, sing, meditate, play music or just take in the view.

Akureyri

Iceland’s northern stretch is one of Europe’s best spots for seeing migrating whales. On the boat in Akureyri’s fjord, watch for blue, minke and humpback whales passing through, feeding and breaching. The area isn’t just a whale haven—harbor dolphins and porpoises may also be joining you.

Ísafjörður

Less than an hour from Ísafjörður’s port lies one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Dynjandi, often compared to a bridal veil, features multitiered falls rising some 330 feet high. While reaching the top requires a cliffside hike, lower platform views are just as impressive. Pair your visit with a stop in Suðureyri, a nearby fishing village where you can sample traditional fiskibollur (fish balls).

Reykjavík’s Main Attractions

Experience Icelandic bathing culture at Sky Lagoon by Pursuit, a geothermal spa.

During the warmer months, locals and visitors throng the streets of the capital to shop, dine alfresco and catch an early happy hour. Renting a car for a day trip to Þingvellir National Park or the Snæfellsnes peninsula is easy work when the roads are clear.

See the City Sites

Start the day at Sky Lagoon—the seven-step bathing ritual is a necessary indulgence. Stroll toward Old Reykjavík to shop Iceland-inspired scents at Fischersund. From there, the Reykjavík Art Museum is a short walk away, as is Harpa, the magnificent opera hall whose facade was designed by the Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. While you’re there, drop in to Rammagerðin, a well-stocked gift shop that sources from local designers and artists.

On the other side of downtown, you’ll find The Einar Jónsson Museum, which offers a crash course in the work of its namesake sculptor. The city’s Hallgrímskirkja church is just a few steps away—take the elevator to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s colorful rooftops. For a less-expected way to spend your afternoon, make the 90-minute drive to Friðheimar, a tomato greenhouse and restaurant in Reykholt, or pay a visit to Gamla Laugin, the oldest swimming pool in the country. 

Take a Tour or Two

Whether or not you rent a car, there are plenty of ways to get out of Reykjavík. If you have a full day, book a tour to the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle—the famed route intersects with popular natural attractions like the Gullfoss waterfall. Been there, done that? There are also tours to Snæfellsnes peninsula and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, or a hiking trip to Landmannalaugar in the Highlands, which you can really only visit during the summer.

If you’re short on time, hop on a yacht for a whale-watching cruise or join a group for an Icelandic horseback ride. For something you can do only in Iceland, snorkel along the Silfra fissure, a tiny corridor between two (slowly moving) tectonic plates. The best part? All of these guide-led experiences will pick you up in Reykjavík.

Where to Stay

The Reykjavik EDITION touts a top-notch spa, a winning restaurant and water views from many of its rooms. Photo courtesy of Nikolas Koenig.

The Exeter Hotel, near the old harbor, has simple but spacious rooms with comfy beds; it’s also attached to one of the best places in the city to get a burger (Le Kock). For an extraspecial stay, book The Reykjavik EDITION. Some rooms offer harbor views, the on-site restaurant (TIDES) is from the city’s best chefs and the sanctuary-like spa offers treatments inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Where to Eat and Drink

Common visions of Iceland’s food scene may include fermented shark, puffin and other specialties that speak to the natural environment, but don’t limit yourself. Check out Hosiló to see just how creative someone can get with the catch of the day; for a caffeine fix, Kaffibrennslan (snag a table in the loft) and Brauð & Co (order a cinnamon roll) are local favorites.

Once happy hour hits, head to Prikið, Skúli Craft Bar or Einstök Bar; the outdoor tables offer prime people-watching. If you’re looking for the best meal of your life, book a table well in advance at ÓX—this intimate 17-seat spot is designed to look like the chef’s grandmother’s home. And don’t leave the city without scarfing down at least one hot dog from the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand.