Possible Excursions
The Westfjords DYNJANDI WATERFALL
When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, helicopter, Zodiac cruise or shore landing. The West Snaefellsnes Peninsula SNÆFELLSJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK The centerpiece of Snæfellsjökull National Park is the volcano, which towers over the surrounding scenic landscape. The name translates to “snow-mountain- peninsula” in reference to the iconic ice-capped stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull that rises from the sea at the end of the peninsula. The park is steeped in mythical stories. GRUNDARFJÖRÐUR The picturesque town of Grundarfjörður sits on Breiðafjörður fjord. Its standout landmark is the striking, conical shaped Mt. Kirkjufell, visible from anywhere in the town. You will find vibrant birdlife, spectacular waterfalls and great hiking trails. Expect seals and whales to make an appearance every now and then.
year to align with the ever-shifting—and invisible—Arctic Circle. From Grimsey, home to about 70 people, visitors can look beyond the horizon to the Atlantic Ocean in the north, or turn south to view the glistening mountain tops of North Iceland. Wildlife outnumber humans, especially in April when puffins descend upon the cliffs during their seasonal nesting before heading back to the sea in August. Chances are high that you’ll spot grazing sheep.
Dynjandi, meaning “thunderous,” is without doubt one of the most
spectacular waterfalls in Iceland—if not the world. The water plunges from a height of 100 meters (328 feet), tumbling down over numerous ledges, creating an ethereal, otherworldly ambience. RAUÐASANDUR Rauðasandur, Icelandic for “red sand,” is one of the most famous beaches in Iceland. The beach is flanked by the contrasting black cliffs and the deep blue ocean. Visitors will typically see a resident seal colony, including grey seals and harbor seals. It’s not rare at the peak of summer to witness a hundred seals sunbathing on the beach. The North GRIMSEY The green island of Grímsey is the only part of Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle. In 2017, an eight-ton giant ball, called “Orbis et Globus” (meaning Circle and Sphere), was installed on the northern tip of Grimsey Island to mark the Arctic Circle. The “sculpture” was designed to be moved incrementally each
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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