Silversea Cruises is charting a bold new course in Arctic expedition travel with its recently unveiled series of small-ship journeys to Iceland’s remote northern coast. Designed to provide access to the country’s most pristine and rarely visited coastal destinations, the voyages focus on the rugged beauty of the Skagafjörður region and nearby uninhabited islands such as Drangey and Málmey.
With its boutique vessel Silver Wind, Silversea delivers a sustainable and intimate cruising experience that goes beyond typical tourist routes. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, geological marvels, and rich cultural heritage—places previously out of reach for most travelers.
Skagafjörður: Northern Iceland’s Hidden Gateway
Located in Sauðárkrókur on Iceland’s north coast, Skagafjörður offers the perfect jumping-off point for travelers eager to explore remote fjords and islands. Silversea’s expeditions use this strategic port to access lesser-known destinations that preserve Iceland’s wild character and cultural depth.
Zodiac boats carry guests to secluded harbors and coastal villages, including Hofsós—a historic settlement known for its basalt column formations and sweeping Arctic views. The region’s raw beauty and authentic charm align with Silversea’s philosophy of curated, immersive exploration.
Drangey Island: Puffins, Sagas, and Volcanic Majesty
One of the most captivating highlights is Drangey Island, a volcanic rock monolith rising 180 meters from the Skagafjörður fjord. Accessible only by sea and climbable via a steep path, this island is famed in Icelandic sagas as the hideout of outlaw Grettir the Strong.
Here, guests witness an extraordinary abundance of seabirds—puffins, razorbills, and guillemots—as well as resident grey seals basking along the coastline. For many, the hike up Drangey is a bucket-list-worthy combination of history, geology, and wildlife in its purest form.
Hofsós: Where Iceland’s Migration Story Lives On
The picturesque village of Hofsós, perched on the fjord’s edge, tells another powerful story. Home to the Icelandic Emigration Center, it memorializes the thousands who left the island for North America in the 19th century due to volcanic eruptions, economic hardship, and harsh living conditions.
Guests are offered guided tours through the museum and the town’s historic heart, gaining insight into the resilience of Icelanders and the geological forces that shaped their lives. The village’s lava-sculpted landscape adds to the awe of this moving cultural encounter.
Málmey Island: A Seabird Paradise
Another standout stop is Málmey Island—part of a trio of birding hotspots that includes Drangey and Lundey. Uninhabited and nearly untouched by human hands, Málmey is a nesting haven for seabirds, making it a magnet for ornithologists and nature photographers.
Zodiac landings allow for quiet observation and photography amid sheer cliffs and dramatic rock formations. The island’s remote allure and biodiversity highlight Silversea’s commitment to low-impact travel that respects fragile ecosystems.
Going Beyond Skagafjörður: Deeper Into the Arctic Wild
Silversea’s Icelandic expeditions extend far beyond Skagafjörður, reaching the windswept coasts of Túmavík, the Melrakkaslétta Peninsula’s northernmost village Raufarhöfn, and the isolated fishing outpost of Djúpavík in the Westfjords.
Guests also explore Veiðileysufjörður in the Jökulfirðir system, a glacier-carved fjord offering kayaking adventures and Zodiac excursions. These sites—rarely featured in mainstream itineraries—provide access to Iceland’s untouched wilderness where dramatic cliffs, Arctic foxes, and humpback whales complete the experience.
Sustainable Travel Anchored in Local Partnership
Silversea Cruises emphasizes sustainability through small-scale tourism, prioritizing environmental preservation and community involvement. By visiting lesser-known ports, the cruise line helps distribute economic benefits more equitably while minimizing tourist pressure on Iceland’s most frequented spots.
Local guides, historians, and naturalists are key to each guest’s journey, offering expert interpretation of wildlife sightings, geological phenomena, and Iceland’s evolving cultural identity.
Silversea also adheres to stringent sustainability standards during its expeditions, including waste reduction, wildlife protection protocols, and carbon offsetting measures. This eco-conscious approach ensures that Iceland’s majestic landscapes remain preserved for future explorers.
Reimagining Arctic Luxury Travel
With this expedition series, Silversea blends five-star service with frontier exploration. The Silver Wind—refitted for polar travel—features all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, and enrichment programs led by glaciologists, marine biologists, and regional historians.
Whether photographing puffins on a windswept island, kayaking in a secluded fjord, or listening to ancient sagas under the midnight sun, guests return from these voyages with a rare sense of connection—to nature, to history, and to the enduring spirit of Iceland.
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