A wild and weather-shifting adventure exploring Iceland’s coastal magic—fjords, waterfalls, volcanoes, and beyond.
Last June, I had the chance to sail around the enchanting island of Iceland with HX Expeditions—an unforgettable journey through a country shaped by fire and ice, and steeped in sagas, folklore, and stunning natural contrasts. What was meant to be a full circumnavigation turned into something even more memorable, as unpredictable weather shifted our route and added a real sense of expedition to the experience.
We departed from Reykjavik and sailed north to Grundarfjörður, where Kirkjufell—one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains—rose dramatically from the coastline. The surrounding fjord scenery was straight out of a fairytale, lush and mysterious under the soft light of the Icelandic summer.
From there, we continued to Patreksfjörður and on to the remote and otherworldly Strandabyggð region. Here, Iceland’s Westfjords showed off their raw, rugged beauty: sheer cliffs, winding roads, and an overwhelming sense of isolation.
But the weather had its own plans. As a storm rolled in from the north, our captain made the call to alter our itinerary and seek safe harbor in Akureyri. It turned out to be a silver lining. Known as the “Capital of the North,”
Akureyri charmed us with its colorful streets, botanical gardens, and the now-iconic heart-shaped red stoplights—a perfect symbol of Icelanders’ sense of humor and heart. From here, we visited Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” its powerful cascades a reminder of Iceland’s spiritual and geological drama.
While we were unable to land on Grímsey due to the rough seas, we still crossed into the Arctic Circle during the voyage north—a thrilling milestone for many on board.
Continuing east, we visited the picturesque village of Grenivík, then made our way to Seyðisfjörður, nestled deep in a fjord flanked by soaring mountains. This is where I had one of my favorite moments of the journey: kayaking in the calm, mirror-like waters of the fjord. Gliding past waterfalls and under towering cliffs in near silence was a peaceful and deeply immersive way to experience Iceland’s untouched natural beauty.
Another standout stop was Heimaey Island in the Westman archipelago, where we hiked across volcanic terrain shaped by the dramatic 1973 eruption. It was humbling to walk over what was once molten lava, now cooled and integrated into the living, breathing fabric of the island. Puffins dotted the cliffs, and the sea views were endless.
Returning to Reykjavik, we capped off the expedition with a tour of the iconic Golden Circle and the South Coast. We witnessed Strokkur geyser erupt skyward, marveled at the powerful cascades of Gullfoss and Skógafoss, stood between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park, and walked the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara near Vík, where the sea crashes dramatically against basalt sea stacks.
Even with the itinerary changes, or maybe because of them, this journey became a true expedition—a dynamic and deeply rewarding experience that brought Iceland’s wild heart to life.
For travelers who crave both comfort and unpredictability, culture and adventure, this HX voyage around Iceland offers the perfect balance.