Fridtjof Nansen, 7 Night Elemental Iceland – Circular Saga from Reykjavík ex Reykjavik, Iceland Return

Day 1 – Reykjavík and Beyond
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Embark in ReykjavíkYour expedition begins in Reykjavik, 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 booking our pre-voyage programme to explore the Blue Lagoon, Þingvellir National Park, and the Langjökull glacier. From here, it’s time to board MS Fridtjof Nansen and get ready for departure.

Day 2 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Grundarfjordur
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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 3 – Picturesque Isafjörður
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Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harbourside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland. One of these historic 18th century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

Day 4 – Akureyri and Goðafoss
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See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales. Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit local eateries and museums. A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You’ll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Day 5 – Húsavík
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Cross the Arctic Circle, watch for whales, and explore GoddafossToday you’ll discover Húsavík, a charming fishing town and one of the best places in the world to see whales. It looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even the elusive blue whale are regularly spotted. On shore, the Whale Museum brings you closer to these giants, while the Exploration Museum tells a more unexpected story: in the 1960s, NASA sent 32 Apollo astronauts to train in the lunar-like lava fields nearby, preparing them to collect rock samples on the Moon. For something more relaxing, soak in the geothermal waters at GeoSea overlooking the bay, or end the day with a beer at the local microbrewery.

Day 6 – Puffins up close
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Explore a place beloved of puffins and elvesYour Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town to explore this magical place. A popular hiking area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Day 7 – 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 that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don’t miss climbing Mount Eldfell – at the volcano’s summit you’ll have incredible views of the town below.

Day 8 – Reykjavík and beyond
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Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisureYour expedition ends in Reykjavik, 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.