Description
Summary
Description
Explore East Iceland's glaciers, winding canyons, and rugged ravines on this 10-hour guided shore excursion from Seydisfjordur Cruise Port. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking dramatic scenery, with visits to volcanic landscapes, remote trails, and geothermal sites.
The tour begins with pickup at Seydisfjordur Cruise Port, where your expert local guide will welcome you and provide an overview of the day ahead. Enjoy the quiet charm of the fjord and nearby mountains as you start your tour, heading inland.
Soon, you'll enter the lush Jokuldalur Glacier Valley, shaped by ancient ice and glacial rivers. Along the way, see Rjukandi Waterfall, a roadside cascade that flows down steep cliffs and makes for a great photo stop.
One of the highlights of the tour is the drive through the Jokuldalur Valley area, where you'll explore two of East Iceland's most impressive canyons. Both were shaped by the Jokla River and revealed more fully after changes in the river's flow.
The first canyon you'll visit is Studlagil, known for its tall basalt formations and clear blue stream. It stayed hidden for years until the Karahnjukar Hydropower Plant lowered the river's water level and revealed its full form.
Today, trails on both sides of Studlagil lead to viewpoints where you can admire its unique rock formations up close. It's a rewarding stop for photographers and travelers interested in Iceland's natural landscapes.
Next, you'll visit Hafrahvammagljufur, one of the deepest canyons in the country. It stretches about 5 miles (8 kilometers) and drops as far as 656 feet (200 meters), with steep cliffs rising on both sides.
The same hydropower project that revealed Studlagil has made Hafrahvammagljufur Canyon more accessible. Visitors can now take in the scale of the gorge and explore one of East Iceland's most remote natural features.
The tour continues to Laugarvalladalur Valley, where a naturally warm geothermal waterfall flows into the main river. Here, you'll be able to bathe or shower beneath the falls. Bathing in hot springs is a meaningful part of Icelandic culture and remains popular with locals today.
Finally, on the return to Egilsstadir, the tour stops at Karahnjukar, Europe's largest hydroelectric power plant. Completed in 2009, the plant uses water from several glacial rivers, including the Jokla, to help power East Iceland.
The project created the massive Halslon Reservoir, which now covers much of the area. Although it provides renewable energy, it has also sparked debate because of its impact on river flow and the local environment.
As you reach Egilsstadir, look out for Lake Lagarfljot, a glacial lake known for its legends. According to local folklore, a serpent-like creature called the Lagarfljot Worm is said to live beneath its surface.
After the final stop, your driver will take you back to Seydisfjordur harbor. You'll arrive with plenty of time to board your cruise ship and reflect on the day's journey through East Iceland's wild and lesser-known landscapes.
Don't miss this incredible experience exploring the sights of East Iceland on a shore excursion. Check availability now by choosing a date.
