I will be taking a cruise next September visiting Iceland, Norway, Amsterdam and Bruges. It is time to seriously think about my excursions.
After leaving Reykjavik, my first port will be Isafjordur.
I will be in port about 8 hours and there are many excursions offered. There are so many offered that I will need some advice.
One that interests me is the following:
"Be awed by the natural beauty of the Westfjords, a wild and sparsely populated region that is breathtaking. Although beaches aren’t top of mind when thinking of Iceland, the spectacularly scenic golden sands that rim Õnundarfjörður may alter your opinion. The large wooden pier Holtsbryggja juts out into the deep blue waters of the fjord, offering an even more panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. To reach this picture-perfect spot, you will travel through Vestfjarðagöng, the longest tunnel in Iceland. You will also pause to admire Bunárfoss, a series of churning cascades that twist and turn as they rush through a narrow valley of volcanic rock. Be sure to ask the guide about the tragic folkloric legend of Bunárfoss. As a contrast to these natural wonders, you will also pass through the most picturesque part of Ísafjörður, an area that features colorful timber houses and reflects the town’s maritime heritage.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy close-up views of the natural wonders on the outskirts of Ísafjörður.
• Stroll the wooden pier that extends into Õnundarfjörður.
• Behold the churning waters of Bunárfoss, a cascade with a dark legend."
This excursion is only two hours long. It is a Level One and it says that it is accessible for those with mobility issues. Cost is definitely within budget.
I imagine that after returning to the ship, we will have free time to walk around Isafjordur.
And here is another one offered:
"Discover some of the eco-friendly businesses that thrive in the mountainous Westfjords peninsula, one of the wildest areas in Iceland. Salt Verk may well be the most unusual as it is the world’s only company that produces 100% sustainable salt from seawater by harnessing geothermal power through a fascinating process that is centuries old. You will have the opportunity to sample the chocolates following lunch in a hotel in Heydalur Valley that harvests produce and fish in sustainable ways. The peninsula is so beautiful it’s easy to understand why the locals are so obsessed with keeping it pure and natural. The lookout at Kambsnes will offer one of the best views of the glacial fjords, while visiting Hvítanes will present an unobstructed look at a colony of harbor seals. The final stop of the tour will be the Arnardalur viewing point where you will enjoy a tasting of a handcrafted chocolate with views of the fjord. Travel through endless fjords and valleys and take in the wilderness along with it‘s diverse landscape and wildlife. This is a perfect tour for people that love a mixture of culture and nature.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain insight into some of Westfjord peninsula’s most sustainable businesses.
• See how geothermal energy is used to extract salt from seawater.
• Savor a lunch of sustainably harvested ingredients and a sampling of chocolates.
• Observe a large colony of harbor seals up close as they sun along the rocky shore."
The above one is 6 1/2 hours long, It includes a lunch as well as snacks. It is pricey and out of budget but can be done.
It is Level 2 and this notification is attached at the end of the description:
"This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of easy walking over grassy, graveled and uneven terrain. It is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina."
Would love feedback from those who know the Westfjord
I will have an injection into my knee which should help with pain but I am slow and will probably still experience stiffness.