Viking Islands: Shetland the Faroes and Iceland

Located far north of mainland Scotland, the Shetland Islands sit at the meeting point of the North Sea and the Atlantic. The route focuses on Shetland’s outer islands, where human activity is minimal and much of the land is designated for conservation or scientific interest.

Possible landing areas include:

• Fair Isle: Fair Isle lies between Orkney and Shetland and stands as one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the North Sea. It is regarded as one of the most important bird observation sites in Britain and a key stop along migratory routes, supported by one of the country’s oldest bird observatories. Steep coastal cliffs and open grasslands define the island’s landscape. With only a very small resident population, human presence remains limited, allowing natural systems to dominate.
• Foula: Foula is one of the most remote inhabited islands in Britain, home to fewer than thirty residents. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an important bird sanctuary, it is known for towering sea cliffs and expansive views. When conditions allow, the expedition team leads a short geomorphological walk, while birdlife such as puffins, guillemots, gannets, and various petrel species may be observed from sea and shore.
• Papa Stour: Papa Stour is defined by its complex coastline and highly concentrated sea cave systems. Using Zodiac cruising, guests approach narrow channels, caves, and rock walls shaped by constant wave action. If landing conditions permit, a brief geology focused walk provides insight into the island’s compact and dramatic coastal formations.

Situated between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands form a tightly connected archipelago shaped by steep terrain, strong winds, and an enduring relationship with the sea. Human settlements are largely confined to coastal areas, while cliffs, fjords, and grassy slopes dominate the landscape. Guests explore the Faroes from multiple perspectives, moving between urban centers, villages, and coastal environments to gain a rounded understanding of this rarely visited island society.

Possible locations include:

• Tórshavn: One of the world’s smallest capitals and the administrative heart of the Faroe Islands. A visit to the old town introduces the Viking foundations of Faroese society and the historical roots of settlement in this remote part of the North Atlantic.
• Gøtuvík: A small harbor village on the eastern coast, largely untouched by tourism. Through landing and walking exploration, guests observe how housing, fishing activity, and infrastructure are arranged within a limited and wind exposed environment. Compared with the capital, Gøtuvík offers a closer view of everyday Faroese life.
• Vágar Island: Vágar Island presents some of the Faroe Islands’ most striking natural scenery. Steep ridgelines rise directly from the sea, waterfalls plunge from high ground, and dramatic vertical drops connect mountains to open ocean within short distances. Fjords, cliffs, and exposed coastline shift rapidly in scale, creating strong spatial contrast shaped further by changing light and weather. After completing the shore exploration focused on Vágar’s natural landscapes, return to the ship where you may enjoy locally sourced Faroese salmon. Cold waters and strong currents contribute to its firm texture and clean flavor, allowing the surrounding environment to extend naturally into the culinary experience.
• Vestmanna (Cruising): Approached by ship, the Vestmanna coastline is known for its vertical sea cliffs and dense seabird breeding areas. Cruising along the cliffs highlights both the geological structure of the islands and the scale of birdlife concentrated along these shores.

The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago lies off Iceland’s southern coast and is shaped entirely by volcanic activity. Black lava formations, layered rock, and steep coastlines reveal a landscape formed through repeated eruptions. Geological evidence of recent volcanic events remains clearly visible, giving the islands a raw and unfinished character. Volcanic cliffs also support significant seabird populations. In early summer, bird activity is often dense along the island edges, where geological forces and biological life intersect in a concentrated and dramatic setting.