Iceland & Greenland from Reykjavik, Iceland

There’s a good reason that Iceland is considered a photographer’s dream destination. Its terrain is visually stunning, offering views of lava flows, hot springs, unspoiled nature – and colourful, fascinating cities like Reykjavik. The world’s most northerly capital brings together quaint villages, exciting museums, a flourishing music scene and restaurants that rival Europe’s finest. Explore more of Reykjavik on a European cruise!

This charming, colourful town has a pleasant centre with a small square featuring Greenland’s oldest fountain. The culture project Stone and Man can be seen as an open invitation to explore the town to find the 30 different motifs that are chiseled into rocks and stones by local and Scandinavian artists. The Church of Our Savior from 1832 and the town’s two museums are also well worth a visit. Try traditional Greenlandic suaasat, an Inuit wild game soup made with rice, onions, and potatoes. Shop for local arts and crafts inspired by legends of the Inuit culture, such as the tupilak, a small carved figure representing powerful mythical magic.

The coastal town of Nanortalik provides a charmingly scenic way to experience the natural beauty of Greenland. With its name meaning “the place of polar bears”, it’s not uncommon to see amazing wildlife during your visit here. There are plenty of awesome encounters a trip to Nanortalik provides, including breathtaking views of its mountainous terrain, kayaking and hiking near the Tasermiut Fjord for some outdoor fun, and an engaging local history lesson at the Nanortalik Open Air Museum.

As the largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords’s region, Ísafjörður is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting an enchanting fjord ideal for watersports and a mountainous landscape brimming with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Originally a church site and a 16th century trading post, the town of Ísafjörður is home to wonderful museums and historic sites for those wishing to learn about the region’s rich heritage and local culture.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest urban area and a centre of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums, hike along the extraordinary vistas or explore the botanical gardens. Shop in one of the charming boutiques and then catch a glimpse of the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world. After you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on some Nordic specialties like smoked lamb and fresh fish and then indulge in an Icelandic fried pastry.

The capital of Scotland’s Shetland Islands is a vibrant and energetic city coloured by grand Victorian houses and the region’s namesake ponies. It is a cruise ship’s primary entry to the Shetlands, a mosaic of over a hundred islands inhabited by about 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea featuring views of dramatic sculptured cliffs and tranquil sandy bays. Explore more of Lerwick on a European cruise!

One of Norway’s most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style. Cruise visitors will immediately notice Ålesund’s unique layout, as it is built on islands extending to the sea, and offers scenic views of fjords and the Sunnmore Alps. Ålesund is the fishing capital of Norway. Explore more of Ålesund on a European cruise!

View this lovely and charming Norwegian city from your cruise ship and you’ll see how the city is nestled between seven mountains, seven fjords and the North Sea. The Norwegian King resided here, and many historical events took place in this busy port. These events come alive when you amble down the old streets of Bryggen, past picturesque, wooden buildings and the Romanesque-style St. Mary’s church. Explore more of Bergen on a European cruise!

Imagine sailing on the incredible Viking long ships in the Viking Ship Museum. Picture perfect, the oldest Scandinavian city sits at the head of a 60-mile fjord framed by lakes, woods, moors. Views forever, visit the cliff-dwelling Akershus Castle, originally built in 1300.