A Smarter Way to Explore Iceland
The best of both worlds: How to see Iceland's remote coastal beauty and iconic inland stops without living out of a suitcase.
Iceland is at the top of almost every traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason. It’s a land of active volcanoes, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers, and geothermal springs.
But when it comes to planning how to see it, many people get caught off guard by the logistics. To explore the island by car, you have to tackle the Ring Road, which stretches around the perimeter of the island. While driving on this highway is very easy, the road stretches for 828 miles! Driving the Ring Road requires changing hotels almost every night, which means packing and unpacking your bags constantly, navigating unpredictable weather, and spending hours pounding the pavement instead of enjoying the scenery.
Fortunately, there is a much smarter and far more relaxing way to experience the “Land of Fire and Ice.” A coastal Iceland cruise paired with a pre- or post-ccruise land extension lets you see it all.
Why a Cruise is the Most Comfortable Way to See the Coast
Cruising around Iceland allows you to cover hundreds of miles of coastline effortlessly. Your ship is your floating hotel that moves while you sleep, waking up in a new fjord or harbor every morning. In addition, you’ll enjoy:
Unpacking just once. Instead of dragging your luggage into a new hotel room every night, you unpack your suitcase once and settle in for the entire trip.
Effortless access to remote ports. Coastal cruises can easily reach the coastal gems like Akureyri in the north, Seyðisfjörður in the east, and Isafjörður in the Westfjords. Reaching these destinations by car requires days of treacherous driving.
Incredible ocean views. Sailing through deep, mountain-framed fjords gives you a perspective of Iceland’s dramatic topography that land travelers simply miss out on.
The Catch: What You Can't See from a Cruise Ship
While a cruise takes you around the perimeter of the island and into the stunning fjords, some of Iceland’s most famous interior wonders are tucked inland near Reykjavík. Standard port stops often don't give you enough time to venture deep into the interior without feeling rushed back to the pier before the ship sets sail.
That’s why the ultimate Iceland itinerary always includes adding 2 to 3 days on land before your ship departs or right after you disembark in Reykjavík.
The Golden Circle from Reykjavik
The Perfect Land Add-On: The Golden Circle from Reykjavik
By extending your stay on land in or near Reykjavík, you give yourself the freedom to rent a car or take a private tour to explore the iconic sights at your own pace:
The Golden Circle: This world-famous 190-mile loop brings you face-to-face with Þingvellir National Park (where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates), the exploding Strokkur Geysir, and the roaring Gullfoss Waterfall.
Geothermal Soaks: Spend a relaxing afternoon floating in the mineral-rich waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon or the seaside Sky Lagoon, a perfect way to ease into your trip before embarking or unwind after disembarking.
In-Depth Exploration: Take time to enjoy Reykjavík’s vibrant culinary scene, cozy coffee shops, and unique architecture without watching a ship's departure clock.
The Verdict: The "Best of Both Worlds" Itinerary
By combining a 2- to 3-day land stay in Reykjavík with a 7- to 10-day coastal cruise, you get the absolute best of Iceland. You experience the iconic inland sites on your own schedule, followed by an effortless, luxury journey along the rugged outer fjords—all without the stress of driving 800+ miles or living out of a suitcase.
Reach out today if you’re considering a trip to Iceland. I’ll help you find the right cruise line and put together the perfect land extension.
