Greenland, Iceland & Norway

Considered the artistic hub of Northern Norway, Svolvær is also your base for exploring the fairytale landscape of the Lofoten archipelago. If there's an outdoor activity that you enjoy, chances are you can find it here. From fishing and rock climbing to hiking, horse back riding, surfing and more, the volcanic-rock islands are your outdoor playground to discover. Or explore Svolvær and surrounding towns for a glimpse into local culture and traditions and the region's dramatic Viking past.

Located on the northwestern tip of Alsta Island, Sandnessjøen is situated between the 12-mile long Leirfjorden and a dramatic mountain range known as The Seven Sisters. Explore this storied landscape by water on an unforgettable sea kayaking tour or take to the mountains and soak up panoramic island vistas. With everything within walking distance in Sandnessjøen, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through town, browse local shops and savour traditional Norwegian cuisine at a café or restaurant.

The beautiful views from the ship as you cruise into Olden and a natural wonderland are not to be missed. Located on the southern shore of Nordfjord, Olden is an ideal base to explore the surrounding landscape. From the picturesque village, you can journey into Jostedalesbreen National Park to hike among rushing waterfalls as mountains rise around Briksdal Glacier. Dramatic vistas outside of Olden are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with a wide range of attractions and tours to suit all activity levels.

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!

This colourful capital city of the Faroe Islands on the island of Steymoy features a panoply of Nordic landscapes, with fjords, straits, deep green valleys, and a wonderful harbour dotted with colourful boats. Thorshavn began as a Viking settlement, and later became a thriving town, replete with quaint, colourful neighborhoods, and historic cathedrals and fortresses from the Middle Ages.

Nestled in between the two fjords, Hamarsfjörður and Berufjörður, you'll find the remote little town of Djúpivogur. Captivating as it is quant, this humble fishing village is home to breathtaking scenery that moves from gently sweeping beaches to jagged cliffs and Búlandstindur, the iconic pyramid-shaped mountain. In contrast to the high-energy hustle and bustle of modern life, Djúpivogur encourages a slower, more contemplative way of living. Savour incredible seafood, have drinks with locals and shop traditional handcrafts you can't find anywhere else in the world. While the town of Djúpivogur might be small, there's no doubt it will make a big impression on your next Northern Europe adventure.

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.

There are few places where you can truly feel at the edge of the world as you can in Ittoqqortoormiit. As one of the world's most remote settlements, this small, colourful village of approximately 400 residents is situated in East Greenland near Scoresby Sund. To say that the wild, untouched landscape surrounding the village is incredible would not do it justice. From dogsledding and hiking to kayaking, fishing and boat tours, there are many ways to discover the diverse wildlife, rugged cliffs and large icebergs dotting this unique corner of the world.

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.

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!