Fridtjof Nansen, 12 Night Expedition to Iceland – Hamburg to Reykjavík via North Atlantic Islands ex Hamburg, Germany to Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 1 – Departing Hamburg
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Your adventure beginsYour journey starts in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe. There’s much to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you’ll find many attractions in the old town district of Altstadt, including the St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Hamburg is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus and the world’s largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt. Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation’s foremost art museum. Once you embark MS Fridtjof Nansen, you’ll have time to meet the crew and Expedition Team and settle in as we set sail.

Day 2 – A day at sea
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Relax at seaAs we sail from Hamburg towards Norway’s Lysefjord, your expert Expedition Team will introduce what lies ahead with lectures in the Science Center on the wildlife, geology, and culture we’ll encounter along the way. A day at sea gives you plenty of time to get acquainted with the ship and simply relax. Watch the scenery unfold from the deck, settle into the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or unwind in the panoramic sauna or hot tub.

Day 3 – Sailing Lysefjord
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Witness the drama of these famous fjordsWith a backdrop of cloud-shrouded mountains and tumbling waterfalls, of small farms and jade-green waters, we’ll explore one of the world’s most breathtaking fjords. Wind, rain, or shine, head to the deck to take it all in: glide past narrow passages and soak in dramatic scenery that reveals itself from every angle. In autumn, drifting mist and shifting light create an especially memorable atmosphere. If conditions allow, you may also have the chance to hike to Preikestolen, ’The Pulpit Rock’, one of Norway’s most iconic natural landmarks. Rising high above the fjord below, it’s worth every step of the climb.

Day 4 – The Shetland Islands
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Explore Scotland’s northernmost townWelcome to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery. Navigate its narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters, and fudge, then head to the old waterfront for the Shetland Museum, home to Pictish carvings and intricate lace shawls. Nearby, Fort Charlotte and the regal town hall are worth a look. Keep your binoculars handy: grey and common seals bask along Lerwick’s beaches, and red-throated divers, redshanks, and curlews are often spotted from the shore.

Day 5 – 10th century Tórshavn
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A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe IslandsFounded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn, Thor’s Harbour, is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals, set on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Wander through cobbled alleyways lined with colourful turf-roofed houses, or visit the local museums to learn about the city’s origins and the islands’ flora, fauna, and geology. A short walk out of town brings you to Svartafoss, where a waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. Along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Day 6 – Seyðisfjörður’s rainbow
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Waterfalls and wildlife in special SeyðisfjörðurAt the end of a deep fjord with picturesque mountains and waterfalls lies the quirky village of Seyðisfjörður. Colourful wooden houses line the streets, while the aptly-named Rainbow Road offers a vibrant photo opportunity. Walk to an unusual sound sculpture, Tvisongur, or take a longer hike in the hills above the town. Or you can choose to join a visit to Skalanes, a private nature reserve home to reindeer, Arctic fox and mink. Here, scan the skies for Black-tailed Godwits, Golden-Plovers and Gyrfalcons, Europe’s largest falcon.

Day 7 – Grímsey Island’s puffins
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Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic Puffins A remote, windswept island of breathtaking beauty, Grímsey is rich in wildlife and steeped in myth and legend. Weather permitting, we’ll land to visit the Atlantic Puffin colonies. As Grímsey is the only part of Iceland crossed by the Arctic Circle, you’ll also have the chance to step across the imaginary line of latitude, hopping between the Arctic and back! By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic as the Arctic Circle creeps northwards at a rate of about 48 ft. a year.

Day 8 – Akureyri and Goðafos
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See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snow-capped peaks as we sail Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. It’s one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Also look out for orcas, blue and fin whales. Iceland’s ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Enjoy the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens, and enjoy a selection of top-notch eateries and museums. Farther afield you can visit iconic Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also seek out Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s more active volcanic areas.

Day 9 – The Northwestern Region
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Exploring Northwest Iceland, expedition-styleOne of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there’s no preset plan. Rest assured, your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure on the day. We may go cruising in our small expedition boats or take you ashore for a hike, swim, or beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!Don’t forget, you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or take a sauna.

Day 10 – Patreksfjörður and its surroundings
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A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatchingIn Patreksfjörður you’ll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village. From here, it’s convenient to travel to some of the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that make this remote corner of Iceland truly unique. Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords. Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff. ching

Day 11 – Snæfellsnes peninsula
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Visit Iceland in miniatureSnæfellsnes is a peninsula of dramatic coastlines, volcanic peaks, lava fields, black sand beaches, and traditional fishing villages, all set beneath the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. It inspired Jules Verne’s book, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and it’s often called Iceland in miniature because almost every landscape the country is known for can be found here in one compact stretch of coast. From our port in Grundarfjörður, overlooked by the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, you can join excursions around the peninsula or explore the surroundings on foot.

Day 12 – Heimaey’s explosive past
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Discover the town that defied a volcanoOur first stop is Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s south coast. In 1973 an eruption nearly buried the town, and the island still carries the evidence. Visit Eldheimar, a museum built around an excavated house frozen mid-disaster, then hike to Stórhöfði, where around eight million puffins nest each summer, or climb Mount Eldfell for views of the town from the volcano that almost destroyed it.

Day 13 – Reykjavík and beyond
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Disembark in ReykjavíkYour expedition ends in Reykjavík, a city that rewards a longer look. Stroll Laugavegur for independent shops and coffee, take in the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, or lose an afternoon in the city’s galleries and museums. If you can, we highly recommend staying an extra night. This marks the end of your time with us for now, but we hope it won’t be the last.

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MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Featuring Hurtigruten’s revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen.

Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team.
MS Fridtjof Nansen’s three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.

Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights.

Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science.

MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.

HX Expeditions is a leading global expedition cruise line offering immersive journeys to the planet’s most remote and extraordinary destinations. From the icy wilderness of Antarctica and the Arctic to the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos and Alaska, HX delivers authentic small-ship experiences designed for curious travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and meaningful connections with nature.

Operating a modern fleet of purpose-built, sustainable vessels, HX puts environmental responsibility at the heart of every expedition. Guests explore fragile ecosystems with expert-led guidance from naturalists, scientists, and local specialists, ensuring journeys are both educational and transformative.

With an emphasis on small groups and personalized service, HX provides access to hidden places unreachable by larger ships, delivering comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether witnessing the Northern Lights or exploring pristine shores, HX Expeditions invites travelers to experience the world’s wildest corners in a responsible and impactful way.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

MA - Expedition Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite with private balcony. Ship’s most spacious cabins with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

MB - Expedition Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite without balcony. Aft corner suite with sofabed, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, large windows, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 

MC - Expedition Suite

Aft Corner Suite with private balcony and hot tub. Various sizes, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 

MD - Expedition Suite

Large Corner Suite with private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Adapted for guests with wheelchair.

ME - Expedition Suite

Suites with private balcony, different sizes, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

MF - Expedition Suite

Corner cabin with large windows. Flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. Without balcony.

XY - Arctic Superior

Accessible cabin with balcony. High deck, broad balcony, double bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

XTD - Arctic Superior

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, double bed, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

XT - Arctic Superior

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

TY - Arctic Superior

Large accessible cabins without balcony. Middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

RR - Polar Outside

Larger cabins on middle decks. Most 20 square meters, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.

RS - Polar Outside

Cabins on lower/middle decks. Double bed, TV.

XTJ - High Deck Cabin with Balcony (Limited View)

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. With limited view. 18 m2.

TT - Arctic Superior

Large cabins without balcony. Lower/middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.