From Reykjavik to the Eastern fjords of Iceland
Sailing from Reykjavík to Seyðisfjörður is a journey through the heart of Iceland’s coastline, from the cliffs and volcanic landscapes of the southwest to mountains and fjords of the east. This voyage offers a unique perspective of the island, where glaciers meet black sand beaches, sea stacks rise from the ocean, and remote fishing villages nestle quietly in sheltered bays. Each day at sea reveals new contrasts from the open waters of the North Atlantic to the fjords, teeming with wildlife and framed by Iceland’s iconic, untamed landscapes.
From Reykjavik to Seyðisfjörður(Iceland)
We sail through areas rich in animal and bird life, and on land we clearly see how our Norse ancestors have influenced these archipelagos’ culture.
Join as part of the crew on board
From SeilNorge we will be skipper, co-skipper and crew/guide on board. Which are all good sailors, and at least one of whom will have solid sailing time and experience from similar expeditions. The guide and remaining crew on board also take responsibility for being polar bear watch when we are on land, where needed. En route for sail or motor, we include everyone on board in the sailing. We will mostly sail around the clock, and divides everyone into watch teams. On the crossing, we rotate between the duty shifts and go 4 hours on and 8 hours off. In addition, we include a couple of shorter shifts in the rotation in the afternoon, so that we also rotate the night shifts between the different watch teams.
Our expedition vessel, Valiente
It’s not just any sailboat we’re using on this trip, but our 70-foot expedition boat Valiente. She is a very stable and comfortable boat built in steel for sailing in arctic waters. The boat is well equipped and has large outdoor areas, and a wheelhouse and a saloon with a 360-degree view. For pictures and more information about the vessel Valiente, see this link.
Iceland
This expedition, like our other longer trips, is primarily a great voyage of discovery, but also an excellent opportunity to learn a lot about sailing and navigation. And not least using a boat as a starting point for discoveries and experiences on land. We recommend all participants to stay a few extra days in Iceland, there is a lot to see and do here. We will send out tips and information about activities and accommodation to all participants.
Environment and sustainability
The Arctic is a vulnerable area under pressure from people and the climate. However, in SeilNorge we are concerned with taking care of the environment to the greatest extent possible. We believe that small boats with fewer people and little pollution and waste are much less harmful to the environment, climate and local wildlife, than larger boats and cruise ships. In the places we visit, we also try to clean up litter rather than leaving anything behind, so we leave a positive handprint. In Svalbard and Greenland, we follow AECO’s guidelines for encounters with wildlife, beach cleaning, cultural heritage sites and for visitors and operators in the Arctic. You can read more about AECO’s guidelines here.
Join us on our new expeditions in 2026!
Emil, founder SeilNorge
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome on board in Reykjavik
We meet in the harbor of Reykjavik in Iceland at 12:00. We start by getting to know each other, before going through the plan for the week. We familiarize ourselves with the boat and equipment, and stow the boat with provisions and equipment. Life onboard an expedition requires cooperation, and before departure we go through routines and procedures for sailing and emergency situations. We are already setting off for our adventure this first evening!
Day 2 : From Reykjavik to Grindavik
After early breakfast we start to sail to Grindavik. On the way we explore the western fjords. This is an opportunity to see puffins, guillemots, seals, and sometimes humpback whales offshore. We will stop for the night at Grindavik and we will time to explore this beautiful fishing town.
Day 3 : From Grindavik to Vestmannaeyjar - The Westman Islands
We continue along the Snæfellsnes peninsula, known for its volcano and glacier, then towards the cliffs of Lóndrangar and the black lava beaches. This part is a little more populated than the previous one, and we will pass by fishing villages.
At the end of day, we will reach the town Vestmannaeyjabær on the island of Heimaey, where we will spend the night.
Day 4: Discovering Vestmannaeyjabær
After a nice breakfast on board, we will visit Vestmannaeyjabær, hike in the Herjolfsdalur valley located in the west of the island, and sample local specialties: fresh seafood and cod.
Day 5: Sail to Vik i Myrdal, landing with tender RIB if possible
We leave Vestmannaeyjar, leaving behind its dramatic volcanic cliffs, and soon glimpse the islands of Elliðaey and Surtsey, both famous for their colonies of puffins. Our route takes us along the black sand beaches of Iceland’s southern coast until we reach Vík í Mýrdal.
To the west of the village rise the striking Reynisfjall cliffs, and just offshore we can see the impressive Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Day 6: Sail to Höfn
After a nice breakfast, we leave the beautiful black sand beaches of Vik and sail towards Höfn. Splendid mountains, volcanic plains, and glaciers will be the backdrop for the day as we make our way to Höfn.
Day 7; Eastern fjords to Seydisfjordur
Tonight is our last night on the boat, but before we celebrate, we set off to explore Iceland’s fjords and mountains. We pass the glacier tongues of Vatnajökull and small fishing villages nestled at the bottom of the fjords. We arrive in Seydisfjordur in the evening for a final dinner together and a visit to the village pub.
Day 8 : Goodbye for now
A week of sailing, exploration and great fun is unfortunately coming to an end. We pack, tidy, and wash ourselves out of the boat and we end the trip before the flight back to Reykjavik. It is also possible to take the ferry to Faroe Islands and Denmark.
To get home, we drive together past the beautiful waterfall Hengifos and then we continue to the airport at Egilsstadir.
Thanks for a great week together, and welcome back next time!
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a starting point, which we adapt depending on weather and conditions underway. We reserve the right to constantly improve the program for the better. With us along the way, we always have dinghies for beach landings and small expeditions. We have fishing equipment for the cod, and hiking equipment for bonfires and summit climbs – we are ready for adventure, are you?!
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper with local knowledge on board
- Co-skipper and crew/guide on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Survival suit and Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance for everyone on board
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Departure and arrival
This trip start in Isafjordur, Iceland and ends in Kulusuk, Greenland.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Our trips aren’t overly strenuous – we rotate positions and tasks, so everyone gets a mix of hands-on sailing and time to relax. Staying active helps prevent seasickness, and if it strikes, it usually passes quickly. Weather up north is unpredictable, one moment it’s smooth sailing and the next the wind picks up, and you’re in the middle of a proper Arctic adventure. Be ready for anything from calm winds to rough weather – because that’s what makes the journey unforgettable!
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you will be taking part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it.
You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together is what creates the best and most memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.
Safety and risk on our expeditions
As mentioned, we take safety very seriously. Even more so on our expeditions, as we then explore really remote waters and terrain, cross open oceans and sail into areas with additional risk factors such as sea ice or poor charts and uncharted waters. We deal with this by having an extra focus on the situations we may encounter among everyone on board, for each expedition. We sail in these remote areas only in the most optimal seasons; and we use larger and very solid boats for our expeditions. Which are both equipped and sized to cope with this type of expedition trips and waters very well.
We are absolutely certain that sailing is the safest and most accessible way to visit these very inaccessible places we go on our expeditions. However, all sailing in general, and particularly sailing in arctic regions and over open seas, involves a certain risk that you must be aware of when joining.
Level of the expedition
Some have their first sailing experience ever, joining us on an ocean crossing! Please note that our expeditions require a certain physical health and mobility level.
The boats we sail on our expeditions are larger, robust and sit well in the sea. On our sailing expeditions we both sail in more coastal, sheltered waters, and cross open stretches of waters. On some of our expeditions even ocean crossings over several days at sea. An incredibly wonderful and special experience!
Weather dictates our journey, and we adapt each expedition’s program accordingly, often allowing extra days for flexibility in assessing and choosing optimal weather windows. Despite planning and preparations, we can’t control the weather, so be prepared for various conditions. The proximity to nature’s forces on such expeditions is a rare and rewarding experience.
On expeditions, we sail with many participants, forming watch teams for a solid on board team spirit. Rotating watches around the clock ensures active involvement without overwhelming fatigue.
As everyone participates actively during the week or more on board, seasickness is rare. If you anticipate seasickness, consider bringing remedies, such as seasickness plasters, often effective for longer expeditions. Consult your doctor for advice on seasickness and any necessary medications. Feel free to ask us about seasickness as well.