Iceland: Alta, Akureyri & Honningsvag

This island city is Norway's most populous municipality. The harbor town is a shopping mecca in the Lofoten islands, boasting a range of stores. The rocky surrounding cliffs and pristine waters offers picturesque views.

The gorgeous port of Hammerfest touts the world's northernmost city, as well as the first European city to install electric street lamps. World-class freshwater and deep sea fishing, and Arctic hunting have historically taken hold here.

Situated at the head of Alta Fjord along Norway’s northern coast, Alta is nestled among dramatic landscapes and boasts a rich culture and storied past. Enjoy a fishing or kayaking excursion to explore the region by water or embark on an exhilarating whale watching tour. Journey into mountainous terrain to explore fairytale-like landscapes, or truly feel a world away during an immersive Sami cultural experience. From savoring traditional Norwegian cuisine and visiting museums to venturing into the great outdoors, Alta offers memorable experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Honningsvåg is Norway’s third largest harbor and the last port of call before heading eastward to the Arctic Ocean. This is one of the best towns in northern Norway to experience the beauty of continuous daylight. Rebuilt in the 50’s after being destroyed during World War II, Honningsvåg has colorful, modern buildings dotting its landscape. Situated in the Island of Mageroya - with a population of 2,600 - Honningsvåg has a cosmopolitan flair and yet retains the charm of a small enclave. Fishing is the main industry of this Arctic Circle town and the port is always brimming with activity.

Honningsvåg is Norway’s third largest harbor and the last port of call before heading eastward to the Arctic Ocean. This is one of the best towns in northern Norway to experience the beauty of continuous daylight. Rebuilt in the 50’s after being destroyed during World War II, Honningsvåg has colorful, modern buildings dotting its landscape. Situated in the Island of Mageroya - with a population of 2,600 - Honningsvåg has a cosmopolitan flair and yet retains the charm of a small enclave. Fishing is the main industry of this Arctic Circle town and the port is always brimming with activity.

High up in the Arctic Circle, wrapped around the dramatic Isfjorden is the island of Spitsbergen. Here you’ll stop in the world’s northernmost city, Longyearbyen, which is also one of the world’s best birdwatching destinations. This enchanting town is characterized by its rich natural splendor, abundant wildlife and fascinating history. From late April to August, you can enjoy daylight 24/7 with the Midnight Sun. Savor extra time admiring the spectrum of colors that pour over Svalbard’s longest fjord at the Indre Wijdefjorden National Park. Visit the museums or the famous Global Seed Vault. See mountainsides decorated in tens of thousands of exotic birds and spectacular marine life in the surrounding waters. Experience the Northern Hemisphere’s true beauty on this one-of-a-kind magical arctic desert adventure!

High up in the Arctic Circle, wrapped around the dramatic Isfjorden is the island of Spitsbergen. Here you’ll stop in the world’s northernmost city, Longyearbyen, which is also one of the world’s best birdwatching destinations. This enchanting town is characterized by its rich natural splendor, abundant wildlife and fascinating history. From late April to August, you can enjoy daylight 24/7 with the Midnight Sun. Savor extra time admiring the spectrum of colors that pour over Svalbard’s longest fjord at the Indre Wijdefjorden National Park. Visit the museums or the famous Global Seed Vault. See mountainsides decorated in tens of thousands of exotic birds and spectacular marine life in the surrounding waters. Experience the Northern Hemisphere’s true beauty on this one-of-a-kind magical arctic desert 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 center 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.

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 colorful, 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!