Europe
Norway & Iceland
Immerse yourself in true beauty on a Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess®. Sail past mountains, fjords and forest-lined valleys. Discover artifacts and architecture of medieval times. Or learn about legends from locals, whose stories have been passed down from generations before them. Between the rugged terrains and the Viking history, these lands echo the promise of adventure.
Natural splendors abound in Norway and Iceland. In Grundarfjördur, marvel at the seascapes, fjords and tidal currents within Breidafjordur Bay. Rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. Or fly over Godafoss Waterfall, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods,’ during a flightseeing tour in Akureyri. Come face-to-face with Mother Nature’s crown jewels — only on an Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess.
Our award-winning Norway and Iceland cruise shore excursions bring you to natural wonders, wildlife and landmarks. Relax in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon while gazing at snowy landscapes. Get up close to Akureyri’s 35-foot waterfall that tumbles into the Skjálfandafljót River below. Or travel to the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Farm in Grundarfjordur to learn how to make hákarl, a 400-year old Icelandic delicacy.
Travel to Alta, the "City of the Northern Lights," for a chance to see the sky painted lime green. Cruise to Iceland in June and bask in 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice. Or visit Honningsvag for a glimpse of the Midnight Sun during your evening departure. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see these natural phenomena, we can promise that the journey is just as exciting as the wonders themselves.
Enjoy even more marvels and mysteries with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. On a Norway cruise to Alta, search for the Aurora Borealis at midnight with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Attend a summer concert at Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral to welcome the return of the Midnight Sun. Or enjoy a 9-hour journey through Reykjavik’s landscapes on itineraries that depart later in the evening
Known to be the most pleasant town in Iceland, Akureyri is teeming with tranquility and beauty. On an Iceland cruise, take a dip in the Myvatn nature baths, known for their restorative powers. Or stroll through the Botanical Gardens, where you can admire over 2,000 species of flora from around the world. Experience the best of both fire and ice when you visit Akureyri with Princess.
MoreThe 'Waterfall of the Gods' is one of Iceland's most beautiful and popular attractions. The rushing glacial waters of the Skjalfandafljot River its carved canyon
This public park possesses samples of most of the Icelandic flora as well as about 7,500 plants from around the world. It's a peaceful retreat where you can get away from the bustle of the town.
Located near the still active Krafla volcano is a geologic expanse of boiling mud pools and steaming vents that exhibit the sheer power of the earth's natural forces within.
This area is Europe's largest bird sanctuary where there is a magical mixture of lush vegetation set amongst the ethereal lava spires. See an amazing array of species indigenous to Iceland.
Built in 1865, these well-preserved turf houses are now museum pieces that offer a glimpse of how people used to live in Laufás during the 17th century.
Experience a dip in the geothermal natural baths that originate from fissures deep within the earth. Enjoy warm, soothing waters claiming to be beneficial for your mind and body.
This fishing village is famous for whale sightings, and its Whale Centre features exhibits on Iceland's whaling history, as well as the biology of these gentle giants.
Formerly a base for herring processing and export until the herring vanished in the late 1960s, now it's known as an ideal vantage point to view the Midnight Sun in early summer.
Encounter beauty, history and culture when you visit Bergen on your Norway cruise. Marvel at the grandeur of Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world, on a scenic day tour. Or step into a medieval assembly room at the Schøtstuene Museum, and walk down Bryggen Wharf — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves wooden buildings from the days of the Hanseatic League.
MoreBergen has played a crucial role in Norwegian history and culture since Olav the Good founded the city in 1070. Perched between the sea and seven hills, Bergen has witnessed Vikings setting sail on voyages of exploration, trade and war. In the Middle Ages, its old port was a major trading hub for the Hanseatic League, the band of Germanic merchants whose trading empire encircled the Baltic and North Seas. In the 19th century, Bergen was home to such cultural luminaries as the virtuoso violinist Ole Bull and the composer Edvard Grieg.
The city retains much of its 18th- and 19th-century charm. Visitors to Bergen will encounter a city that offers a heady blend of natural beauty, history and culture.
Norway's second largest city boasts a magnificent setting surrounded by mountains and a sparkling fjord. Its old city and the World Heritage Site of Bryggen on the waterfront offer enticing adventures.
The Waterfront Fish Market at Torget is a feast for the senses with its wide variety of seafood stalls selling tasty treats.
The hall is a recreation of a medieval assembly room from the days of the Hanseatic League. Here, League merchants from around the Baltic would meet, conduct business, and dine. Your visit includes a fascinating look at the hall's kitchens.
The third largest fjord in the world and the second largest in Norway, Hardangerfjord, can be experienced from Bergen on scenic day tours that spotlight magnificent scenery.
The most visited of Bergen's Seven Mountains Mt. Floien is easily experienced via a funicular that leads to mountaintop trails and offers panoramic views.
Old Bergen is a reconstructed town with around 50 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Countless rooms and objects bring the city's history over the generations to life.
The Swiss-style home and lush gardens of Troldhaugen are joined by a museum and Concert Hall, all of which keep the memory of Norway's favorite son alive, the famous composer, Edvard Grieg.
The Fantoft Stave Church burned down in 1992, but it has since been painstakingly reconstructed to reflect a style of construction that is unique to Norway.
On a cruise to Iceland, unveil Grundarfjordur’s heroic past. Climb the "Holy Mountain," which once housed a temple dedicated to Thor. Tour the 4,000-year old lava fields of Berserkergata, and live through the stories of Iceland’s sagas — tales of migration, war, religion and mythology. Or spend the day birdwatching in the fishing village of Arnarstapi, where gulls, fulmars and kittiwakes reside.
MoreSailing into Grundarfjordur, one travels into Iceland's heroic past, for this township - village really - is one of the oldest settlements on the island. The imposing landscape with its austere mountains, volcanoes and lava fields provided the dramatic setting for one of Iceland's cultural treasures, the sagas. Composed in the 10 and 11th centuries, the Icelandic sagas represent one of the oldest literary traditions in Western Europe. They are tales of migration and settlement, war and blood feud, Christianity versus the old dark gods of Norse mythology. In Grundarfjordur, the world of the saga is still present. One can tread the "Berserkers' Path" or climb the hillock called Helgafell, the "Holy Hill" mentioned in the Laxdæla saga where Vikings once worshipped Thor.
Much of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a national park. The park's centerpiece is the mighty Snæfellsjokull, an imposing stratovolcano with flanks buried beneath a glacial flow. The mountain is a frequent setting in Icelandic myth. The peninsula is also a birdwatcher's paradise.
Once a bustling fishing village, this serenely beautiful black-pebbled beach soothes with a tinkling sound each time the tide rolls through its timeworn surface. Four giant lifting stones used to test fishermen's strength still remain.
With roots deep in Icelandic legend, this quaint fishing port stuns with dramatic volcanic rock formations including three blowholes and spectacular sweeping cliffs that house kittiwakes, arctic tern, razorbills and other seabirds.
A temple honoring Norse god Thor once graced the 240-foot summit of Helgafell, "the holy mountain," the celebrated last home and resting place for the heroine of the Laxdœla Saga, an ancient Icelandic love story.
After learning the basics of fermenting shark and touring this fascinating farm and museum, brave souls can sample hákarl, an Icelandic delicacy, and wash it down with Brennivin, local schnapps known as "Black Death."
The largest town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this thriving center of commerce and tourism offers excellent fishing, access to the fjords, magnificent views and excursions and amazingly preserved Icelandic houses and buildings.
While taking in idyllic Breidafjordur, a shallow bay known for its dramatic tidal currents, splendid scenery and thrilling bird- and wildlife population, spot white-tailed eagles, puffins, cormorants, gray seals, dolphins and whales.
During an engaging guided walking tour through this fascinating town, learn the ins and outs of Icelandic life, culture and customs, past and present, to form a compelling portrait of this nation and its people.
According to the 9th century Eyrbyggja, a Viking saga, two Berserkers were hired to forge Iceland's first road through this massive lava field. The two finished the task in record time - only to be murdered by their employer while relaxing in a sauna.
Reykjavik is the gateway to natural wonders. On an Iceland cruise, warm up with a dip in the city’s Blue Lagoon, and cool down on a glacier walk across jagged ice formations. Ride across the countryside by horseback, soar over volcanic craters during a helicopter ride or snorkel through the waters of Thingvellir National Park. See the beauty of Iceland’s capital for yourself when you sail with Princess.
MoreIceland is a land of volcanoes and glaciers, lava fields and green pastures, boiling thermal springs and ice-cold rivers teeming with salmon. This unspoiled demi-paradise is also home to a very old and sophisticated culture. The northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik was founded in 874 when Ingolfur Arnarson threw wood pillars into the sea, vowing to settle where the pillars washed ashore. Today, Iceland is an international center of commerce and home to one of the most technologically sophisticated societies in the world.
Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland's natural wonders, which range from ice fields to thermal pools. The island is in a continual process of transformation much like its society, which blends Nordic tradition with sophisticated technology.
One of Iceland's hottest destinations, this stunning outdoor geothermal spa offers steamy mineral-rich water, a boon for the skin and certain skin conditions, that's fed by the excess underground water drawn by Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant.
Established in 1930 to protect an area of true historical, cultural and geological value, this remarkable national shrine features Iceland's largest natural lake and amazing views of the continental rift known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The "Golden Waterfall," often complete with rainbows, wows as its rushing water tumbles down three natural, curving cascades then plunges down into a deep gorge to once again flow southward with the wide Hvítá River.
With explosive eruptions every few minutes, this awe-inspiring geyser stuns as it hurls boiling water up to 60 feet skyward. Mud pools, algal deposits and stark terrain add to the drama at this geothermal hotspot.
Iceland's second largest power plant, Nesjavellir, sits near active volcano Hengill and Thingvallavatn, Iceland's chief natural lake. Using nearby boreholes from 1947, this geothermal plant produces the nation's top high-temp field.
Situated in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's fissure zone, this famous geothermic field naturally produces steam vents, hot springs and super-heated mud pots whose sulfur deposits lead to a myriad of colorful crystal deposits.
Spectacular in form and function, this 10-story geothermally heated masterpiece serves greater Reykjavik's water storage needs while thrilling visitors with mesmerizing panoramic views and a glass-domed restaurant that revolves.
Nestled on Iceland's serene south coast, this idyllic fishing village charms with majestic vistas, a sparkling shoreline with excellent bird watching and the country's oldest preserved timber dwelling, a Norwegian kit home from 1765.
Stavanger is a true icon of Norway. As the nation’s capital of cuisine, learn how to smoke and can sardines, and then taste them yourself. Attend a musical performance in the chapel of Utstein Kloster, a 12th-century abbey that was once home to Augustine monks. Or visit Old Stavanger during your Norway cruise, and enjoy an architectural tour through Europe’s largest collection of wooden buildings.
MoreNorway's fourth largest city, Stavanger lies at the mouth of the Gandsfjord. The old port, attests to the sea's enduring role in Norwegian history. Here, Vikings once sailed on voyages of conquest and exploration. In later centuries, the port served as a major hub for Norway's mercantile and fishing fleets. By the mid-20th century, however, Stavanger had fallen on hard times as the fishing grounds dwindled. In 1969, the discovery of North Sea oil opened a new chapter in Stavanger's history.
At the "Sword in the Rock" Monument, three giant crossed Viking swords commemorate King Harald Fair Hair's unification of Norway in 872 following his victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord.
One of the most famous fjords in the Stavanger region is Lysefjorden. The fjord is 42 km long with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1000 m into the water. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Norwegian nature.
Gamle Stavanger ('Old Stavanger') is believed to be Europe's largest collection of wooden buildings. Here, you'll find the Norwegian Canning Museum that displays a typical factory from the 1920's.
Step back into the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. Tour the reconstructed wooden buildings with roofs of peat and bark from the days when our early ancestors first used iron implements and weapons.
Built around 1160, the Abbey was once home to Augustine monks until the Reformation. It's been owned by the state since 1900, and is now popular for concerts, weddings, meetings and as a museum.
Seen from the water, the museum looks like a small oil platform. Opened in 1999, this unusual landmark lets you discover the history of offshore petroleum activity especially in the North Sea.
Stavanger domkirke or St. Swithun's cathedral was built between 1100 and 1150 by the English bishop Reinald. It's the only Norwegian cathedral that is almost unchanged since the 14th century.
Ullandhaug Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Jæren countryside and Ryfylke Mountains to the east and of Hafrsfjord to the west.
Stavanger boasts a mild climate and the longest growing season in Norway. Exotic Flor og Fjære Gardens in turn boasts the northernmost tropical garden in the world.
As one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø is teeming with wonders from the skies above to the fjords below. On a Norway cruise, learn about the city’s history of Arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. Visit the Husky Wilderness Camp to meet championship dogs and hear about their racing careers. Or ride a cable car to the peak of Mt. Storsteinen for sweeping views of the city.
MoreLying north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has been a departure point for Arctic explorers and hunters since the 18th century. Today, this town of some 50,000 individuals is home to the northernmost university in the world, which gives Tromsø a lively cultural and street scene, highlighted by the annual Midnight Sun Marathon.
Ride the cable car to the summit of Mt. Storsteinen for dramatic views of Tromsø city and Troms Island. Enjoy refreshments at the panoramic restaurant.
Symbolizing Norwegian cultures and faith, the cathedral's stunning ultra-modern architecture features eleven arched triangles of glass, steel and concrete with a beautiful stained glass window.
Offering dramatic 360-degree panoramic views of Tromsø, Troms Island, and the surrounding mountains, the ride to the top of Mt. Storsteinen is exhilarating and rewarding with a charming restaurant overlooking the city.
Set inside a restored early 19th century warehouse, the museum details the history of Norwegian explorers and hunters with presentations of Tromsø's past as a center for Arctic hunting.
Learn about Northern Norwegian nature and culture, and see displays on Arctic animals, local history and archaeology.
This educational aquarium offers films, exhibits, a walk along the "Arctic walkway," a chance to meet bearded seals and a unique gift shop.
Tour the camp with its more than 250 Alaskan huskies
