Hafen
Djupivogur

OVERVIEW

Take a leisurely walk through Djúpivogur with a focus on its cultural side, which is quite extensive considering that there are only about 500 residents. As far back as 1589, this area was a trading center and the village’s oldest warehouse is now the cultural center. But that isn’t the only attraction that highlights Djúpivogur’s past. At the Audunn Mineral Shop, you will get a glimpse at geological marvels such as a massive boulder sawed in half to reveal a center of agate, quartz and zeolite. It is the biggest such stone in Iceland. Perhaps even more unusual are the 34 large granite eggs perched on concrete pedestals at Merry Bay. A local artist created them in honor of the 34 species of native birds that nest in the area. The Tank is another unexpected cultural venue. This old fish oil tank is now used for art exhibitions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an enlightening walk through Djúpivogur that highlights its cultural attractions.
• Stop at an outdoor art installation of oversized granite bird eggs along the bay.
• See how an old fish oil tank has been converted into an exhibition area for art and music.
• Browse a collection of minerals and rocks that a local resident spent decades gathering.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drink in the gorgeous natural beauty of eastern Iceland on a panoramic drive through its wild rugged terrain with enlightening stops along the way. While traveling down the coast, you will pass a number of picturesque solitary farms that attest to the independent spirit of the people that inhabit these remote areas. At the in Nyheimar cultural center Höfn, you will learn a bit about the region’s geology and glaciers, which will be particularly relevant during the stop in the lagoon at the foot of Heinabergsjökull Glacier. This is sliding glacier that is descending from southeast side of famous Vatnajökull national park with the spectacular glacier lake and it is hidden gem of southeast Iceland. The icebergs in the lagoon broke off the outer edge of the glacier in a process known as calving. You can expect to see real calves and purebred Icelandic horses at a nearby farm. The horses are revered for their unique gaits, which ensure a fluid ride.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through the wild hinterlands of eastern Iceland, which is incredibly picturesque.
• Comfort stop at Nyheimar cultural center in Höfn.
• Behold a lagoon that meltwater from a retreating glacier created over the last century.
• Visit a farm that raises purebred Icelandic horses and other domesticated animals.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See one spectacular cascade after another in Fossárdalur, the aptly named Valley of Waterfalls. There are so many waterfalls in this area that many of them have never been named, especially some of the more remote ones that you will behold. The juxtaposition of the clear mountains waters roaring down over the black volcanic rocks makes for beautiful photographs, as you will see firsthand at an abandoned farm with a backdrop of two glorious waterfalls. The peace and serenity will be overwhelming at times as the water plummets into the pools below. Flögufoss is another spellbinding waterfall as it spills over a v-shaped notch in a sheer cliff. Because the water rushes through such a narrow gap, the resulting waterfall is thinner than most. In contrast, the Beljandi waterfall is exceptionally low, stout and wide. It is photogenic from every angle so be sure to snap plenty of pictures.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View roaring cascades in every imaginable size and shape in the Valley of Waterfalls.
• Delight in the serenity of the settings as the water rushes over the volcanic landscape.
• Marvel at waterfalls that are so beautiful that you simply can’t take a bad picture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Join your local guide and start your walk to visit the old harbor- close to Langabúð, the oldest house in the town, Eggs of Merry Bay sculpture, and the museum. Take in the unusual outdoor granite artwork around town, and enjoy some local music before making your way back to the ship.

Appreciate Iceland's rugged and unforgiving, as well as gentle and exceptionally beautiful, landscape on this panoramic drive through valleys and across moors near the lovely village of Djúpivogur.

You'll set off in an Econoliner van to experience the East Fjords' amazing natural wonders in the Valley of Waterfalls -- the Fossardalur Valley. Enjoy the view of the impressive Berufjordur Fjord with its towering mountains and incredible rock formations.

Take in your surroundings -- the sublime natural wonders of Iceland.

The tour operator/local supplier reserves the right to operate the tour in reverse order if needed.

See Europe's largest glacier up close in a Lagoon full of Icebergs. Drive just over 2.5 hours by bus from Djupivogur to the glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón, located by Europe's largest glacier Vatnajokull. Embark on a zodiac to enjoy magnificent landscapes and get up close to the floating icebergs cruising throughout the glacier lake.

Lunch is served at a restaurant close to the Lagoon area. Returning to Djupivogur enjoy a sightseeing tour of Höfn, a small fishing village known for its stunning mountain views to break up the 2.5 hour drive back to the ship.

Enjoy a steep hike at the Hálsar mountain range in addition to some beautiful scenery. Start at the pier and walk through part of the town, stopping briefly at Langalág, where hobby farmers have their stables. From there continue down the old road of the village, Olnbogi, which winds through Klessuklif to Rakkaberg, a cliff and a well-known church for the hidden people and elves. Next, head north to Berufjörður on the way to Hálsar which is a small mountain range, offering a short but steep climb. Take your hike to the flat surface at the top, where you can catch your breath while enjoying the beautiful scenery, of Berufjörður in north and Hamarsfjörður in the south. Make your way down the small mountain on the Hamarsfjörður side, where the forestry among the cliffs welcomes climbers. Conclude your tour with a short stroll through the forestry before returning to the ship.

Walk with your guide to experience the beauty in nature - walk through the Bondavarda cache, take in the vistas at Breidivogur and Fyluvogur Lake, Djupivogur's black beaches, some islands, and a small village along the way before making your way back to the ship.