Iceland & Norway’s Far North – Midnight Sun and the Incredible Aurora
Strokkur geyser, Iceland
The opportunity to circumnavigate the pristine, rugged coastline of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, one of Europe’s most endlessly fascinating outposts, is featured on several itineraries. Even more adventure is provided on Ambience’s epic Arctic & Greenland Voyage, following in the wake of Norse explorers. Heading north from London Tilbury, a first call is usually made at one of the Northern Isles. Depending on the route you may find yourself in rugged Kirkwall, Orkney, discovering Shetland’s Viking heritage and abundant wildlife, or taking a shore excursion from Tórshavn, pretty Faroese capital. Cruising through waters teeming with aquatic life, landfall is next made on the coast of Iceland itself, where several fascinating ports of call await fascinating exploration. Crowning glory Reykjavík is always a delight, with its colourful houses, striking architectural treasures and unforgettable shore excursions, perhaps to the famous Blue Lagoon Pool, to the ‘original’ Geysir – after which all others are named – or to the stunning Gulfoss waterfall. Majestic Greenland, with its iceberg strewn waters and picturepostcard settlements framed by fleeting summer’s verdant pastures and snow-capped peaks, offers similarly captivating ports, including Arctic fishing paradise Sisimiut. The extraordinary Aurora Borealis, the celestial phenomenon that has bewitched, enchanted and entranced generations, is truly one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring sights, which has to be experienced to be believed. Join one of a selection of cruises north along Norway’s coastline, in search of the mysterious spectacle.
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Selected Ports of Call Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Tiny, Toytown-like Tórshavn is capital of the remote Danish outpost of the 17-strong Faroe Islands, Gulf Stream-washed birdwatchers’ Paradise and guardians of a deep-rooted Viking tradition. One of world’s smallest capitals, Tórshavn boasts an old town lanes and narrow passages, black-tarred, turf-roofed houses, and a modern centre. Shore excursions might cross the famous ‘Bridge across the Atlantic’, which connects main island Streymoy with spectacularly scenic, smaller Eysturoy.
Klaksvik, Faroe Islands
This exquisite port is capital of the Northern Isles of the 17-strong Faroes, remote Danish outpost whose inhabitants are directly descended from the Vikings, and who still speak an ancient Norse language. Surrounded by conical-shaped mountains, Klaksvik is gateway to a green land that is a birdwatcher’s haven.
Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Erik the Red set off to discover Greenland from Iceland’s remote Snaefellsnes (Snow Mountain) peninsula, home to the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, while Jules Verne set “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” in its dormant volcanic crater. The tiny town is watched over by muchphotographed Kirkjufell, the Matterhorn-like ‘Church Mountain’.
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