If you are looking for scenic beauty on a cruise, then there are few countries that can match Iceland, which is home to some of the most impressive natural scenery around.
It’s certainly not a destination to visit if you are looking to relax on the beach, but if you elect to take a cruise to Northern Europe then there’s a good chance that isn’t the main thing you want from your trip anyway….
Whilst the capital city Reykjavik is one of the major draws, there is plenty to see if you head further north to Akureyri on the northern coast of the island.
It’s an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding region, which includes one of the longest fjords in Iceland; Eyjafjörður.
Lake Myvatn is also worth considering for a visit, with the volcanic nature of the landscapes meaning you can expect to see impressive lava formations and thermal baths at every turn.
Whale watching, hiking and off-road adventures are three other activities that you can enjoy, whilst there are plenty of things to explore with Akureyri itself, despite its relatively small size.
There are a various museums covering a range of topics, which include the Museum of Industry, a nature museum and the Aviation Museum of Iceland – which tells the story of aviation on the island.
You might also want to explore some of the churches across the town, including Akureyrarkirkja; a landmark building that towers over Akureyri from a hilltop location.
When it comes to sampling traditional Icelandic cuisine, there is no shortage of places where you can do so although be aware that food in Iceland can be expensive so you may end up paying a premium.
Akureyri also has a number of places where you can do some shopping whilst ashore, and there is a good chance you might be able to add some culture into the mix as well, as the town hosts a range of festivals throughout the year.