Great adventures lie ahead of you on this route with the HANSEATIC nature, defined by diverse natural phenomena and 24 hours of daylight. Iceland welcomes you first – a foreign world that is surreal, exciting and bursting with sagas and myths. In addition to impressive volcanic landscapes and gigantic waterfalls, the wildlife in summer will draw you under its spell. From an ornithological point of view, you will be amazed when cruising off Latrabjarg. The cliffs are teeming with thousands of puffins, guillemots and auks. Keep an eye out for whales at any time – at this time of year, the gentle giants of the seas return to the north after the winter. Near the small Patreksfjordur, the long Raudasandur beach* reveals a surprising interplay of colours in a wide bay. Alternatively, the Dynjandi waterfall*, which plunges into the valley from a height of around 100 m (328 ft), is truly exhilarating. No, you’re not in Ireland, even if the steep green cliffs you see when cruising off Hornvik are sure to remind you of the Emerald Isle. The people of Djupavik used to come and go with the shoals of herring. The old herring factory, which has now been turned into a museum, tells the story of those prosperous times. Akureyri is a role model in terms of sustainability, as heating and electricity come 100 % from renewable energy. Iceland’s rugged north* reveals the power beneath the earth – with evidence of recent volcanic activity, bizarre lava formations and craters. A flight over the volcanic landscape* will make you aware of the dimensions of Iceland’s largest lava field and the mighty Vatnajokull glacier. Alternatively, take a comfortable trek through nature and get to know some island inhabitants with a friendly character on a ride on Icelandic horses*, known for their special tolt gait. It only takes one step to cross the Arctic Circle on Grimsey.

The vastness of the Arctic lies before you here. Seeing the largely glaciated island of Jan Mayen, crowned by the 2,277 m (7,470 ft) high Beerenberg, will conjure up incredible feelings.

High in the north, where the sun doesn’t set at this time of year, your days of adventure never end. Nautical miles away, the striking silhouette of a peak announces the next terrain you will explore: Spitsbergen. Now in summer, the ice gives way to allow explorations along the “cold coast”, revealing an inhospitable environment of rugged mountain ranges, glaciers, rocky beaches and Arctic tundra. With their many years of polar experience, the captain and crew know which course to take to enable great moments of adventure. Your team of experts opens up captivating background knowledge during presentations, landings with the Zodiacs and on numerous hikes. You’ll see cruising in front of glacier backdrops as well as wildlife from a new perspective. With a little luck, you will be able to spot polar bears, whales, Arctic foxes and walruses. The latter often gather in herds on the small island of Prins Karls Forland. The small settlement of Ny Alesund is known for great polar history and international research, as scientists investigate climate change here. You, however, can explore a shimmering blue ice wall with your own eyes: the 14th July Glacier, named after the French national day. The Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park is a delightful contrasting landscape. Feel the power and sensitivity of nature that also characterises Liefdefjord with the majestic Monacobreen – blocks of ice keep falling into the fjord from the 5 km (3.1 mi.) front. You can also enjoy unforgettable views in the Smeerenburgfjord with its bizarrely rugged scenery. It will be hard to say goodbye but all the easier to wax lyrical about this cruise.