Invergordon (Scotland)
Invergordon itself is quite small, with not much to do on foot. I’d recommend heading straight to Inverness, about 30 minutes away by bus or taxi. The city is charming, and it’s also your gateway to the famous Loch Ness. It’s definitely the better way to spend your day if you want to make the most of the stop.
Tips:
• Distance: Inverness ≈ 35 km / 30 min drive
• Currency: British Pound (GBP), 1 € ≈ 0.85 GBP
• Recommendation: Book a shore excursion in advance, as there’s little to do directly in Invergordon.
Church Invergorden
The church supports a Seafarers Centre, offering hospitality and services right in the church building.
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands, Scotland)
Kirkwall is a tender port, which means you’ll need a small boat to get to shore. The town itself is very compact. The main attraction is the St. Magnus Cathedral with its small graveyard. Beautiful, but after a short walk, there’s not much else to do.
Tips:
• Distance: Cathedral ≈ 10–15 min walk from the tender dock
• Currency: British Pound (GBP), 1 € ≈ 0.85 GBP
• Recommendation: Book an excursion – the Orkney Islands are full of historical sites and natural beauty that you can only reach this way.
St Olaf’s Cemetery
St Olaf’s Cemetery in Kirkwall is a beautiful and peaceful place.
Harbour
Kirkwall Harbour — where history meets the sea
Seyðisfjörður (Iceland)
Seyðisfjörður is a small, colorful town and a lovely place to explore on foot. From the tender dock, you can easily walk to a small waterfall or the blue church with the rainbow street – both within a 5–15 minute walk.
Tips:
• Everything in town is within 5–15 min walking distance from the tender dock
• For larger waterfalls, a taxi is recommended
• Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK), 1 € ≈ 150 ISK
• Recommendation: If you want a relaxed day, stay in town; for more adventure, take a short taxi ride to the nearby waterfalls.
Waterfall
a stunning waterfall cascades against the backdrop of Iceland’s mountains.
Blue Church
Seyðisfjörður’s Blue Church, with its charming steeple, is a picturesque landmark against Iceland’s dramatic mountains.
Akureyri (Iceland)
Akureyri has a charming small town center with cafés and shops. But the highlights are just outside the town. One of the top experiences is the RIB boat whale-watching tour. The provider is less than a 10-minute walk from the port – just head straight out of the harbor and keep left. Being on the fast boat, so close to whales, is an unforgettable experience.
I also loved the Forest Lagoon, a modern hot spring spa with outdoor pools and a sauna surrounded by nature – perfect for relaxing after a tour.
Another must-see is the Goðafoss Waterfall, about a 45-minute drive from the port. Locals at the harbor offer trips, or you can take a taxi or book through the ship.
Tips:
• Whale-watching RIB: ≈10 min walk from port
• Goðafoss: ≈45 min drive (50 km)
• Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK), 1 € ≈ 150 ISK
• Recommendation: Combine the whale tour in the morning with Goðafoss in the afternoon if possible.
Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon near Akureyri is a serene geothermal spa, where warm mineral waters, infinity pools, and surrounding forest create the perfect Icelandic retreat.
Reykjavik (Iceland)
In Reykjavik, ships usually stay for two days, which is perfect for exploring the area thoroughly. I rented a car, which was very easy – traffic is minimal. With the car, we drove the famous Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most iconic routes:
• Þingvellir National Park, where you can see the continental plates drifting apart
• Strokkur Geysir, which erupts regularly in a spectacular water fountain
• Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous and powerful waterfalls
If you have more time, it’s worth driving further to the Diamond Beach and the DC-3 plane wreck. The walk to the wreck takes about 45 minutes, but it’s definitely worth it. Seeing it around sunset – when the sun barely sets in Iceland during summer – was truly magical.
For relaxation, I highly recommend the Sky Lagoon, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Walking into downtown Reykjavik is also worth it; the Hallgrímskirkja Church is an iconic landmark and absolutely stunning.
Even though I’m usually not a fan of colder destinations, Reykjavik and Iceland completely surprised me. Everywhere you look there are little sheep (watch out when they’re near the road!), glaciers, waterfalls, and incredible natural landscapes. Iceland truly captivated me.
Tips:
• Car rental: 10–15 min from port (taxi or shuttle)
• Sky Lagoon: ≈15 min drive from port
• Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK), 1 € ≈ 150 ISK
• Recommendation: One day for Golden Circle, one day for Reykjavik & Sky Lagoon – perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
DC-3 plane wreck
The DC‑3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur Beach, Iceland, lies abandoned on the black sand, creating a dramatic and haunting photo spot.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall cascades in two dramatic drops, creating mist, rainbows, and unforgettable Icelandic beauty.
Strokkur Geysir
Strokkur Geysir erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters high in a stunning Icelandic display.
Conclusion
This route offered a perfect mix: Scotland’s Highlands and historic sites, small charming towns like Seyðisfjörður, and of course Iceland’s breathtaking nature with whales, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Iceland especially surprised me. Even though I usually prefer warmer destinations, I fell in love with Reykjavik and the Icelandic landscape. The peacefulness, sheep wandering near the roads, massive glaciers, and waterfalls – it all left a lasting impression.
Tip: Plan a little in advance. Some ports (like Invergordon or Kirkwall) are only really interesting with an excursion, while others (like Akureyri and Reykjavik) are perfect to explore on your own. This way, the route becomes varied and unforgettable.