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Norse Adventures

57hours

Wild Wander

H.G. Verk

Thor Travel

Downtown Reykjavik Apartments

Reykjavik Northern Lights

Viking Experience

Iceland tour operator offering women-only group tours, private family excursions, and custom adventures for those seeking authenticity, confidence, and community in Iceland.

Viking Women

Heimdall

Northern Lights Tour In Iceland

Layover ehf.

Ice Cave in Iceland

North Sailing is an award-winning, family-owned Icelandic company based in Húsavík, known for sustainable whale watching and Arctic sailing expeditions, offering eco-friendly tours on silent, electric, or traditional oak boats for wildlife viewing, northern lights, and unique Arctic adventures, emphasizing respect for nature. They combine modern green technology with historic vessels like schooners, focusing on responsible tourism and citizen science, with offerings from short tours to longer voyages in Iceland, Norway, and Greenland.

North Sailing

Let's Go To Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most amazing natural wonders of Iceland and one of the most popular attractions for travelers to visit. Of course, it’s a “must” to get on a Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon boat tour! The lagoon is a part of Vatnajökull national park and the largest glacier by mass in all of Europe.

Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull looms over the lagoon, which is without a doubt one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring sights. Jökulsárlón is a few-hour drive from Reykjavík but is definitely not a sight to be missed.
The lagoon is a part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland’s biggest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ice Lagoon

Midgard Adventure

Troll Expeditions

Tmp Co

Iceland's main international gateway on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with car rentals, shops, and easy road access to Reykjavik and the south coast.

Keflavík International Airport

A UNESCO-listed rift valley where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge surfaces, with Almannagja fissure, Oxararfoss, and the historic parliament site.

Þingvellir National Park

A farm-to-table restaurant on the Golden Circle serving dairy from its own cows, with ice cream and views over the surrounding fields.

Efstidalur Farm & Restaurant

A geothermal field with the erupting Strokkur geyser, steaming vents, and walking paths around hot pools on the Golden Circle.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The Golden Waterfall on the Hvítá River, plunging in two tiers into a basalt gorge along the Golden Circle. Mist often throws rainbows over the cliffs, and winter visits bring ice-framed viewpoints.

Gullfoss Waterfall

A small south-coast town near waterfalls and volcano country, with fuel, food, and services for Ring Road travelers.

Hvolsvöllur Village

A countryside hotel near Hvolsvollur with comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and dark-sky views popular for northern lights.

Hotel Ranga, Hvolsvollur

A modern hotel between Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon, a convenient base for glacier tours and Diamond Beach.

Hotel Glacier Lagoon

A 60-meter south-coast curtain with a footpath looping behind the cascade. Sunset light glows through the falling water, and nearby Gljúfrabúí hides in a mossy cleft just upstream.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

A 60-meter curtain on the Skóga River where mist often paints double rainbows. A steep staircase climbs to a rim view and connects to the Fimmvörðuháls trail, and legend says a chest of treasure is hidden behind the falls.

Skogafoss waterfall

A casual restaurant near the black sand beach, serving hot meals, coffee, and quick stops for travelers.

Black Beach Restaurant

An iconic black-sand beach with basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful surf; stay behind the safety lines.

Reynisfjara black sand beach

A glacial lagoon filled with drifting icebergs near the coast, with boat tours and the nearby Diamond Beach.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

A boutique hotel in Seydisfjordur set in a former bank building, close to the harbor and the town center.

Bankinn - Hotel by Aldan, Seydisfjordur

A dramatic coastal mountain near Stokksnes with black sand dunes and mirrored reflections on calm days.

Vestrahorn

A cafe at Stokksnes serving light meals, coffee, and tickets for the nearby Vestrahorn area.

Viking Cafe

A hotel near Lake Myvatn with modern rooms and easy access to geothermal sites, lava fields, and the lake shore.

Fosshotel Myvatn, Myvatn

A basalt-column canyon revealed after the Kárahnjúkar dam reduced river flow. Turquoise water contrasts with towering hexagonal walls; access is via farm tracks and a staircase down to a riverside platform.

Studlagil Canyon

A highland farm stop on the Ring Road offering hearty meals, baked goods, and a warm break between long drives.

Modrudalur Farm

A steaming geothermal field at Namafjall with bubbling mud pots, sulfur vents, and boardwalk paths.

Hverir geothermal area

A small lava cave with a geothermal pool made famous by Game of Thrones; bathing is usually not advised due to temperature swings.

Grjotagja lava cave

A lava field of towers, caves, and arches near Lake Myvatn, with short hiking loops through the formations.

Dimmuborgir lava field

A cluster of pseudocraters on the south shore of Lake Myvatn with easy trails and lake views.

Skutustadaggar pseudocraters

A harbor-side hotel in Husavik, convenient for whale-watching tours and the town center.

Fosshotel Husavik, Husavik

Europe’s most powerful waterfall, dropping 45 meters over a 100-meter span in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Gravel roads access viewpoints on both banks; the east side is closer to the spray, the west side has a broader panorama.

Dettifoss

A horseshoe-shaped canyon said to be the hoofprint of Odin’s horse. Birch woodland floors the basin; short trails lead to Botnstjörn pond and cliff viewpoints within Jökulsárgljúfur National Park.

Asbyrgi canyon

A family-run restaurant in northeast Iceland known for simple seafood plates and local hospitality.

Veggur Restaurant

Basalt rock formations and echoing cliffs in Jokulsargljufur, reached by short walking paths.

Hljodaklettar rock formations

A stylish hotel on the marina in Siglufjordur with fjord views, hot tubs, and easy access to the herring museum.

Sigló Hótel

# Nature friendly adventures with North Sailing

Sailing close to the arctic circle on a beautiful Icelandic oak boat, surrounded by whales and stunning nature is an indescribable experience. North Sailing is a family business operating from our local harbour of Húsavík and has offered whale watching and adventure voyages since 1995. The company has received numerous awards for entrepreneurship in environmental tourism and worldwide attention for innovation and conservation of nordic culture.

## Welcome to Húsavík: Europe’s Whale Watching Capital

Húsavík in Skjálfandi bay is a remarkable destination. From the times of settlement, the lives of its inhabitants have been intertwined with the ocean. The conservation and development of the local harbour reflect that fisheries and coastal culture are still key to the society. North Sailing was the first of Icelandic businesses to offer organised whale watching trips in Skjálfandi bay in 1995. It became clear right from the start that this experience of Icelandic nature was unique, lying the groundwork for its reputation as Europe’s whale watching capital.

Húsavík is also home to the incredible whale museum, where guests can learn all about whales in Iceland and their history. The museum holds the skeletons of various whales, including the magnificent blue whale. Húsavík is also the location of a research centre run by the University of Iceland, which conducts valuable research hoping to develop our understanding of these majestic animals.

## Unique whale watching for all

North sailing offers various whale watching tours from Húsavík. Our most popular tour is the three-hour whale watching trip on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Increasing in popularity, especially among families, are our whale and puffin tours where we sail around the island Lundey.

Whale watching on North Sailing’s schooners is a unique experience where passengers learn about the schooner’s history and assist us in hoisting the sails. Last but not least, North Sailing is the only company in Iceland offering whale watching tours on electric boats that run purely on green (Icelandic) electricity and glide silently through amongst the whales.

On all of these trips, passengers are offered warm safety overalls as well as hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies on the return journey.

## Whales and blue whales

It’s no coincidence that whale watching in Skjálfdandi bay is a popular experience. A great variety of whales travel here and stay in these ideal conditions for feeding. Humpback whales are most commonly seen on trips, but you’re just as likely to come across a minke whale, dolphin or porpoise.

Fin whales and sei whales can sometimes be spotted, as can bottlenose whales and orcas. Skjálfandi Bay is also one of the few places in the world where the Earth’s largest mammal, the blue whale, regularly visits.

The birdlife in the bay is no less lively, as various seabirds entertain the crowds—not least the puffin, arguably the most eye-catching of them all. In the summer months, whale sightings are almost guaranteed on our trips.

## A passionate team with deep-seated history

The team at North Sailing consists of a coordinated team of people who all share a passion for sailing and deep respect for animals and nature. Our captains, locals with decades of experience in these waters, work with our guides from all over the world, in a lively and diverse team.

We have developed extensive knowledge about the bay and its ecosystems within the company. Additionally, renovation and upkeep of our gorgeous fleet are undertaken at Húsavík shipyard, run by North Sailing. Our mission for the very start has been to foster sustainable tourism and as such we’ve made every effort to renew and maintain traditional oak ships.

## The electric schooner Ópal, the first of its kind worldwide

Opal’s unique electrical system was inaugurated in Húsavík in 2015. Following this, North Sailing became the first company to offer carbon-neutral whale watching trips by only using electricity and wind power during trips.

Another electric boat joined the fleet a year later and was given the fitting name Andvari (English: gentle breeze).

## Adventure voyages in the north

At North Sailing we offer unique adventure voyages on our schooners. Week-long sailing trips around the largest fjord system in the world, Scoresbysund in East Greenland, have become a staple in our season since we started offering them in 2011.

The trips are in great demand, unsurprisingly as it’s an incredible opportunity to experience an entire week onboard a schooner in the diverse nature of the fjords, where every day is unique. We’ve also offered skiing trips in Iceland and Norway as well as private tours to Jan Mayen, Svalbard and Greenland.

## Other operations

Since 2015, North Sailing has offered whale watching tours from Hjalteyri in Eyjafjörður. Our first boat, Knörinn, stays there over the summer for trips operating from this unique and historic coastal village.

North Sailing also owns the restaurant Gamli Baukur in Húsavík which is built out of driftwood and beautifully decorated with various local marine artefacts and collectables. A lovely restaurant with a fantastic view over the harbour.

North Sailing also took part in the development of the gorgeous Geosea in Húsavík which opened in 2018 and has since become a hit amongst locals and tourists alike with its relaxing atmosphere and unmatched views.

A pub and restaurant on Husavik harbor serving burgers, fish, and local beer with upstairs views.

Gamli Baukur

The Waterfall of the Gods on the Skjálfandafljót River, where sagas say law speaker Þorgeir cast away the old gods. Twin horseshoe drops and basalt ledges give easy views near the Ring Road.

Godafoss waterfall

A museum in Siglufjordur documenting the herring boom, with restored boats and interactive exhibits.

Sildarminjasafnid - Herring Era Museum

A central Reykjavik hotel near the old harbor and downtown sights, offering modern rooms and easy walkability.

Hotel Reykjavik Saga, Reykjavik

A short stop along the Ring Road with a narrow canyon and several small waterfalls, named after the giantess Kola.

Kolugljufur canyon

A seafood restaurant in Husavik known for fresh fish platters and hearty soups.

Sjavarborg Restaurant

An accessible volcanic crater with a short trail to the rim and wide views over Borgarfjordur.

Grabrok crater

Iceland's capital and largest city, where geothermal water, a working harbor, and colorful tin-roofed streets sit beneath Hallgrímskirkja's tower.

Reykjavík

Main parking area for Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach access.

Jokulsarlon Parking Lot

Black sand beach strewn with glacial ice from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Diamond Beach

Operator offering guided ice cave tours in the Vatnajokull region.

A geothermal valley above Hveragerði where a 3 km hike leads to a warm river for bathing. Boardwalks and simple changing screens line the stream; steam vents and sulfur pools bubble along the trail.

Reykjadalur Hot River

A man-made lagoon fed by geothermal water near Lake Mývatn, known as the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon. Silica-rich pools, cold plunge areas, and northern-light-friendly skies define the experience.

Mývatn Nature Baths

Europe’s largest ice cap, spanning outlet glaciers like Svínafellsjökull and Breiðamerkurjökull that calve into Jökulsárlón. Winter ice caves form in its tongues, and Skaftafell serves as the main hiking hub.

Vatnajökull

A glacier-capped stratovolcano at the tip of Snæfellsnes, famed from Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. It anchors a national park with lava fields, bird cliffs, and views back to Reykjavík on clear days.

Snæfellsjökull

The south-coast ice-capped volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted European air travel. Its glacier feeds outlet tongues above Skógar while the Fimmvörðuháls trail crosses fresh craters Magni and Móði formed in the lead-up to the main eruption.

Eyjafjallajökull

A remote Dyngjufjöll caldera containing Öskjuvatn, Iceland’s second-deepest lake, and the warm crater Víti. Reached by rough F-roads in summer; snow often lingers, and geothermal activity marks the crater floor.

Askja

Iceland’s classic 55 km hut-to-hut trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. It crosses rhyolite mountains, obsidian deserts, black sand plains, and glacial rivers, with staffed huts and campgrounds along the route.

Laugavegur Trail

A demanding 25 km day route linking Skógafoss to Þórsmörk, passing more than two dozen waterfalls and the craters Magni and Móði between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Weather can change quickly on the pass.

Fimmvörðuháls Trail

A historic highland route across the Kjölur plateau, linking Hvítárnes and Hveravellir. The track follows old saga paths between Langjökull and Hofsjökull with huts, geothermal stops, and wide glacier views.

Kjalvegur Trail

Backcountry routes in the roadless Hornstrandir Nature Reserve of the Westfjords. Accessed by boat from Ísafjörður, hikers traverse arctic fox territory, sea cliffs like Hornbjarg, and abandoned farmsteads.

Hornstrandir Trail

A network of coastal and mountain tracks around Borgarfjörður Eystri in the Eastfjords. Colorful rhyolite peaks, small huts, coves, and nearby puffin colonies make it a quieter multi-day alternative to the south.

Víknaslóðir Trail

A 15-person cabin within the **Highland Base** area at **Kerlingarfjöll**.

Kerlingarfjöll Hut sits in the heart of Iceland's highlands, offering a **small, self-contained base** where groups can regroup, cook, and rest before returning to the surrounding ridges and geothermal valleys.

## Access & Logistics

- **Reached via:** **F347** off **Kjölur**
- **Winter access:** Snow-ready vehicles are required

### Base Camp Mindset

Treat this spot as a **launchpad** — arrive prepared, respect local conditions, and leave the area ready for the next party of travelers.

Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Hut

A geothermal oasis on the Kjölur route with boardwalks over fumaroles and a natural hot pool. The hut sits between Langjökull and Hofsjökull, serving as a midpoint stop for highland travelers.

Hveravellir Hut

A quiet hut in a grassy valley west of the Kjölur track near Bláfell. Used by hikers and riders looking for solitude, it offers shelter among rhyolite slopes and lingering snowfields.

Þjófadalir Hut

High on the Kjölur plateau south of Hofsjökull, this hut supports hut-to-hut ski and hiking routes. Views stretch across the highlands, and weather can change rapidly on the exposed plain.

Þverbrekknamúli Hut

A historic touring hut on the shore of Hvítárvatn with sweeping Langjökull vistas. It is a key stop on Kjalvegur crossings and a base for glacier and lake outings in summer.

Hvítárnes Hut

Located on Suðurgata in Reykjavík, it charts Icelandic history from settlement-era artifacts to modern culture. Exhibits include longship rivets, turf house reconstructions, and rotating special collections.

National Museum of Iceland

A glass-domed landmark on Öskjuhlíð hill featuring glacier, lava, and aurora exhibits. An indoor ice cave, interactive displays, and a 360° observation deck overlook Reykjavík and Faxaflói bay.

Perlan Museum

Icelandic trolls are said to roam mountains and coasts by night, turning to stone if caught by daylight. Sea stacks like Reynisdrangar and lava formations in Dimmuborgir are tied to these legends.

Trolls

Huldufólk, or hidden people, are believed to live in boulders and hillsides. Folklore says roads and homes sometimes divert around their dwellings; tales are especially common around Hafnarfjörður and lava fields.

Hidden People

Reports of lake and fjord monsters span the coasts, from Strandir to the Lagarfljót wyrm in East Iceland. A small museum in Bíldudalur tracks sightings with maps, stories, and archival reports.

Sea Monsters

Draugar are undead figures from the sagas, often bound to farms, ships, or burial mounds. Stories in Eyrbyggja and later folklore warn of encounters on remote headlands and in old crofts.

Ghosts

A serpentine mossy canyon carved by the Fjaðrá river near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Elevated paths and platforms trace the rim with views down to ribboned cascades and narrow slot turns.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Milky-blue, silica-rich spa water pooled in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Steam rises around black basalt walls, with on-site saunas, masks, and a swim-up bar just off the airport route.

Blue Lagoon

An oceanside geothermal lagoon near Reykjavík with an infinity-edge view over Faxaflói. The seven-step ritual combines steam, cold plunge, and sauna framed by turf and stone design inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions.

Sky Lagoon

Iceland's second-largest ice cap, reachable for snowmobile tours and the man-made Into the Glacier ice tunnel. It feeds the Hvítá and Borgarfjörður rivers and sits north of the Golden Circle.

Langjökull

The ice cap cloaking the Katla volcano above Vík. Its outlet Sólheimajökull hosts snowmobile and superjeep tours, while the black sand plains below reveal jökulhlaup flood scars from past eruptions.

Mýrdalsjökull

One of Iceland's most active stratovolcanoes, nicknamed the Gateway to Hell in medieval times. Its fissured summit ridge is often snowcapped, and hiking access opens in quieter periods between eruptions.

Hekla

A powerful subglacial volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull, known for jökulhlaup floods when it erupts. Monitoring is constant around Vík, and nearby ice caves and black sand plains show the force of past events.

Katla

A wild East Iceland backcountry of rhyolite ridges, glacial rivers, and remote huts near the edge of Vatnajökull. Multi-day routes link Stafafell and Snæfell with few crowds and big views.

Lónsöræfi Trail

A steep path to Iceland's second-highest waterfall in Hvalfjörður, crossing a river by log and rope in summer. The loop climbs to cliff-edge panoramas over the 198-meter cascade.

Glymur Waterfall Trail

A bustling hut at the head of the Laugavegur, surrounded by steam vents and colorful rhyolite slopes. It anchors highland bus routes, hot-spring soaks, and day hikes into the Fjallabak reserve.

Landmannalaugar Hut

A high-elevation stop on the Laugavegur set on a steaming obsidian plateau where snowfields linger into summer; offers basic bunks and a compact kitchen shelter above the ridgelines.

Hrafntinnusker Hut

A lakeside hut along the Laugavegur with wide valley views, river fords nearby, and bunk accommodation beside the Álftavatn shoreline.

Álftavatn Hut

A quiet hut south of Álftavatn, tucked between lava hills and braided streams, serving Laugavegur hikers with bunks and a small kitchen space.

Hvanngil Hut

A Laugavegur stage above the deep Markarfljót canyon, with views toward Mýrdalsjökull and simple bunk rooms near black sand plains.

Emstrur Hut

A Þórsmörk valley hub under birch slopes and rhyolite peaks, marking the southern end of the Laugavegur with bunks, cooking area, and trail access toward Fimmvörðuháls.

Langidalur Hut

Thirteen mischievous figures descending from Grýla and Leppalúði, visiting homes between 12–24 December. Each has a distinct prank and leaves gifts (or potatoes) in children’s shoes; their cat prowls for unwary souls.

Yule Lads

A remote track along the Eldgjá fissure canyon, threading volcanic ridges, black sand flats, and hidden falls between Landmannalaugar and the Skaftá area.

Eldgjá Trail

The Icelandic language, preserved from Old Norse with letters like Þ, Ð, and Í, carried through sagas, poetry, and everyday life.

Íslenska

An annular solar eclipse crossing Iceland in 2026, drawing viewers to open coasts and lava fields for a rare ring-of-fire sky.

Solar Eclipse 2026

A 1238 Sturlung Age clash in North Iceland where church-allied forces defeated the Sturlungar; remembered as the island's largest medieval battle.

Battle of Örlygsstaðir

The Icelandic explorer credited with reaching Vinland around 1000 CE; honored with a statue in Reykjavík facing the harbor.

Leifur Eiríksson

The four guardian spirits of Iceland—a dragon, eagle/griffin, bull, and mountain giant—said to protect the land and featured on the national coat of arms.

Land Wights

A classic Íslendingasaga weaving feuds, law, and fate around Njáll and Gunnar; renowned for its legal detail and tragic scope in 10th-century Iceland.

Njáls saga

The tale of poet-warrior Egill Skallagrímsson, mixing skaldic verse, battles, and family feuds from Norway to Iceland in the Viking Age.

Egils saga

A saga of love, rivalry, and honor in Laxárdalur, centering on Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir and the Bolli–Kjartan feud.

Laxdæla saga

The saga of outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson, famed for strength, a curse, and lonely years on Drangey island before his fated end.

Grettis saga

A tiered cascade in the Westfjords dropping 100 meters in a bridal-veil fan, with smaller falls lining the path up the valley toward the main drop.

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