Recommended Arctic Greenland Cruise Itinerary: Explore Iceland's Reykjavik Before and After Your Voyage!

Have you ever dreamed of an Arctic Greenland Cruise Iceland itinerary, experiencing both Iceland's geothermal wonders and Greenland's magnificent glaciers in one trip? DeWonder's "Arctic Greenland Northern Lights In-Depth Tour" departs from Iceland's capital Reykjavík, allowing you to seamlessly connect with your polar cruise voyage, while also giving you 1 to 2 extra days before and after departure to explore the best of Iceland.This isn't just about convenience — it's the perfect way to add a "double impact" to your Arctic journey, letting you witness both "Iceland's energy" and experience "Greenland's purity" firsthand.

Choosing to depart from Reykjavik is the result of years of Arctic expedition experience. This city is not only the ideal transit hub, but also the natural gateway to the Arctic — before departure, you can first experience Iceland's unique energy where "geothermal wonders and glaciers coexist"; once aboard, your grand journey to Greenland's ice sheets officially begins. ✈️ World-Class Gateway, Easy to Reach

• Reykjavik International Airport (KEF) is a major hub connecting Europe and North America.
• From Hong Kong, you can reach it with just one transfer, saving both time and energy.
• Multiple airlines (such as Finnair and Icelandair) offer reliable, regular routes.

🧭 Seamless Connections, Flexible Arrangements

• This 11-day, 10-night Arctic Greenland cruise embarks and disembarks in Reykjavik.
• Want to arrive early to adjust to the time difference, or extend your stay afterwards to relax? Either way, it's easy.
• The short distance between the meeting point, city centre and port makes transfers smooth and seamless.

🌋 Gateway to the Arctic, a Naturally Progressive Experience

• Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is the ideal starting point for exploring Greenland.
• Transitioning from the vibrancy of "geothermal wonders and volcanoes" to the grandeur of "ice sheets and fjords", the journey unfolds at a gradual, natural pace — the perfect prelude to your Arctic adventure.

From transport to experience planning, Reykjavik offers the ideal starting point for this Arctic Greenland Cruise + Iceland itinerary. Before boarding, why not spend a day soaking in the unique rhythm of this city on the edge of the Arctic Circle? It's not just a warm-up to adjust to the time difference, but also the perfect transition in your journey — "from the city to the Arctic".

We recommend arriving in Reykjavik the day before boarding the cruise — not only does this make it easy to adjust to the time difference, but it also lets you leisurely soak in the unique charm of the world's northernmost capital before setting sail. No need to rush on this day; a leisurely stroll, some photos, and a cup of coffee are more than enough to make it memorable.

• Climb the church tower for panoramic views of the colourful rooftops and harbour scenery.
• Inspired by volcanic basalt formations, this church is Iceland's most iconic landmark.

Reykjavik's landmark — Hallgrímskirkja, where climbing the bell tower rewards you with sweeping views of the colourful city and harbour.

• Walk along the harbour promenade and admire the Northern Lights reflected in the glass façade.
• The Sun Voyager sculpture symbolises the Viking spirit of exploration, making it a must-visit photo spot.

Harpa Concert Hall, a landmark of Reykjavik, its honeycomb glass façade reflecting the beauty of the Arctic sky. Photo credit : Hapra Official Website

Sun Voyager, Reykjavik's most iconic waterfront sculpture, symbolising the Viking spirit of exploration and yearning for the unknown. Photo by Jocelyn Allen on Unsplash

• Try the local specialty at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, hailed as "the best hot dog in the world".
• Sit down at a café on Laugavegur, the main street, and soak in the slow pace of this Arctic city.

💡Tips｜Before You Go

• We recommend checking into a hotel in downtown Reykjavik early, within walking distance of the main attractions.
• A pre-cruise briefing will be held in the evening, allowing you to familiarise yourself with voyage details and the meeting point in advance.

Greenland, the largest island on Earth, is the true heart of the Arctic. Here, magnificent ice sheets, deep fjords, and skies lit by the aurora let you feel the pure, overwhelming power of nature at every moment. For travellers already setting sail from Iceland, this is not merely a continuation, but an elevated polar baptism.

• The cruise departs from Reykjavik, crossing the icy Denmark Strait to officially enter the Arctic Circle, embarking on an 11-day, 10-night in-depth Greenland voyage.
• Onboard polar experts and ecologists will guide observations of seabirds and whales along the way, making the journey both spectacular and intellectually enriching.

• Ride a Zodiac boat to weave up close among towering icebergs and drifting ice floes.
• Every landing is a journey into the unknown, where cliffs, tundra, glaciers, and wildflowers blend into a landscape all its own.
• Weather permitting, you may also join a helicopter sightseeing experience, taking in the breathtaking Greenland fjords from above.

• You may have the chance to observe polar bears, walruses, musk oxen, whales, and snowy owls in their natural habitats.
• Every encounter is guided by careful distance assessments from our guides, ensuring an authentic experience without disturbing the environment.

👉 Further Reading:Guide to Spotting Polar Bears | Overview of Arctic Wildlife Viewing

• The cruise ship has the flexibility to "navigate around cloud cover," with the navigation team monitoring weather in real time to find the clearest patch of sky.
• Rather than waiting at a fixed point on land, step onto a deck free of light pollution and enjoy a 360° view of the aurora dancing magnificently across the ice sheets.

👉 Further Reading: Complete Guide to Arctic Northern Lights | Land vs Cruise: Chasing the Aurora | Beginner's Guide to Aurora Hunting

• Visit one of the most remote settlements on Earth and discover the wisdom and traditional culture of the Inuit community.
• If you're lucky enough to catch the "Tundra to Table" Inuit cultural dining experience, you'll get to savour local dishes made with Arctic ingredients — a deeper taste of everyday polar life.

👉 Further Reading: Greenland's Inuit Culture & Everyday Life in Ittoqqortoormiit

After 11 days of Arctic sailing and Greenland ice sheet exploration, it's time to let body and mind gently shift from the grandeur of the polar regions back to the warm rhythm of the island of fire and ice. As the final stop of the journey, Reykjavik makes it easy to arrange a one- or two-day extension, giving your trip a soft and perfect closing note before you head home.

Departing from Reykjavik, whether you join a local day tour or rent a car and drive yourself, you can visit three major landmarks in a single day:

• Þingvellir National Park: Stand at the boundary where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
• Geysir: The geothermal power of the eruption's moment is truly astonishing.
• Gullfoss: Sunlight scatters through the spray, casting rainbows across the mist of the waterfall.

The full route covers about 230 kilometers, with a one-way drive of roughly 3 hours — a classic "day trip, compact but doable" itinerary. 📍 Suggested departure time: Before 8:00 AM, returning to Reykjavik by around 6:00 PM. Travelers who prefer not to drive can simply join a day tour departing from downtown Reykjavik for a comfortable, hassle-free experience.

Strokkur Geysir, a famous feature of Iceland's Golden Circle, erupts every few minutes and is a classic spot to witness geothermal power in action. Photo by Rach Wang on Unsplash

Gullfoss, a classic sight along Iceland's Golden Circle, is a majestic waterfall often crowned with brilliant rainbows in the sunlight.Photo by Brian Zhu on Unsplash

The Blue Lagoon is located between Reykjavik city centre and the international airport, about a 45–50 minute drive away. Opening hours vary slightly by season, roughly 07:00–23:00 in summer (May–September) and 08:00–21:00 in winter. Recommended Timing:

• You can visit on the morning or afternoon of the day after disembarking, relaxing in the hot springs before returning to the city for an overnight stay.
• It's not recommended to schedule a soak on the same day as your flight, as the geothermal water contains minerals that make post-soak clean-up and packing more time-consuming.

💡 Bathing Tips:

• We recommend booking your entry time slot online in advance.
• Hot spring water is rich in silica mud and minerals, which is beneficial for the skin but can leave hair feeling dry and brittle. It's recommended to apply conditioner before and after soaking, and to avoid submerging your hair in the hot spring for extended periods.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most famous geothermal spot, renowned for its milky-blue waters and mineral-rich silica mud, is about a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik. Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

After wrapping up your cruise journey and savoring the stunning scenery of the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, you might find yourself wondering: what exactly sets Iceland and Greenland apart on this trip? The comparison table below gives you a clearer picture of the differences in experience and the unique charm of each destination

Having compared Iceland and Greenland, you might now be wondering — who should you trust to lead you on this Arctic journey?

Greenland's grandeur deserves to be witnessed firsthand, and who guides you there shapes the world you see. DeWonder has teamed up with Quark Expeditions to craft a professional Arctic In-Depth Journey. With small-group arrangements, you can observe wildlife up close through cruise ship and Zodiac excursions, while expert guides help you gain deeper insight into polar ecology and unique natural landscapes. From the aurora and wildlife to Inuit culture, we have already accompanied numerous travellers to the ends of the earth.

• Departing from Reykjavik, Iceland, crossing the Denmark Strait to venture deep into the fjords of northeast Greenland
• Daily Zodiac landings to explore glaciers, Arctic villages and wildlife
• September is the best time to see the Northern Lights, satisfying both aurora and wildlife exploration in one trip

• A once-in-a-decade astronomical spectacle: witness a total solar eclipse atop Arctic glaciers
• The itinerary combines fjord exploration, wildlife observation and science lectures
• Perfect for travellers who love photography and astronomy

👉 Check out theYear-Round Arctic Departure Schedule 👉 Join Our Free Online Seminar, and enjoy savings of up to HKD$22,000! 👉 Further Reading: Arctic Travel Guide | Arctic Cruise Events