The desire for adventure is genetically coded into us humans. Now is your chance to follow in the footsteps of the adventurous Vikings to expand your horizons. On an unforgettable voyage among the islands of the North Atlantic: Iceland – Faroe Islands – Scotland.
From volcanic rocks and hot springs in Iceland, via the Faroe Islands’ green mountain sides and waterfalls that plunge straight into the sea. To unbeatable sandy beaches and world-renowned whisky traditions in Scotland. On this trip, we really get to experience the high seas with two ocean crossings over several days. 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.
Island hopping in the North Atlantic
We start our voyage from the saga island of Iceland where we explore the northwest and west coasts. The volcanic activity with hot springs in every other fjord makes the visit completely unique. We pass the glaciated, volcanic peak Snæfellsjökull, an impressive sight. Depending on the weather, conditions and what we want to prioritize, it can be possible to arrange a guided glacier walk to this scenic peak. Before we leave Iceland, we visit the special island of Vestmannaeyer all the way in the south. This is the last stop before our first ocean crossing.
The Faroe Islands offer spectacular rocky shores and views we do not find many other places. It’s obvious that the open sea has battered these ocean cliffs and shaped the landscape for thousands of years. The Faroe Islands put a good effort in maintaining their Norse cultural heritage, and we get an exciting encounter with their culture. Once in Scotland and the Hebrides, we spend the rest of our time hopping between these traditional islands. We visit some of the world’s leading whiskey distilleries and sail against the tidal currents.
Proper ocean sailing
We’ll cover around 1000 nm on this expedition. With two weeks to spend, this means around half of our time on board is sailing en route. Including two legs with offshore sailing, Iceland – Faroe Islands, and Faroe Islands – Scotland. During the crossings and underway sailing, we keep watch around the clock and learn a lot about navigation, sailing and seamanship. We’ll also get a raw and genuine experience of the natural forces underway, with wind, weather, waves and sea. It’s quite an experience to surf down the large waves of the North Atlantic with our heavy expedition ship!
This expedition is for you who are curious about ocean sailing, for you who want more seamiles under your belt, and for you who have always wanted to visit the Faroe Islands, the Hebrides, or Iceland. This is a trip for you who want to combine an active holiday, exciting anchorages and ports, and experience different cultures with Norse elements, across the North Atlantic by sail. You do not need any previous experience with sailing to join this voyage. Though if you have sailed a lot before, you will still be challenged and get more responsibility onboard.
Our expedition boat, Valiente
It’s not just any sailboat we use on this trip, but our 70-foot expedition boat Valiente. She is a very sturdy and comfortable boat built in steel for sailing in arctic waters. The boat is amply equipped and has large outdoor areas, a wheelhouse, and a saloon with a 360-degree view. Here you can see pictures and read more about Valiente.
Be part of the crew on board
From SeilNorge we provide skipper, co-skipper and guide/crew. As a participant with us you are always involved in all tasks on board. Everything from standing behind the helm and hoisting sails, to cooking, cleaning and planning the sailing legs. We mostly sail around the clock and divide everyone into watch teams, where we rotate with 4 hours on and 8 hours off. In addition, we add a few shorter shifts each afternoon, so that the night shifts also rotate between the watch teams throughout the expedition.
A sea crossing expedition with us, is first and foremost a great voyage of discovery. Though also an excellent opportunity to learn about sailing and navigation, and not least using the boat as our base for discoveries and experiences on land. We are all adventurers – and we explore together. Are you ready for a sailing adventure from Iceland to the Faroes and Scotland?
Environment & Sustainability
Our northern waters are vulnerable areas under pressure from people and climate change. In SeilNorge we are concerned with taking care of the environment to the greatest extent possible. We believe that small boats with few people and little pollution and waste, are significantly less harmful to the environment, climate and local wildlife than larger vessels and cruise ships. At the places we visit, we try to clean up rubbish and only take home memories and photos. We avoid leaving any traces behind us.
The lowest possible carbon footprint is important to us. We sail as long as there is wind, and we work purposefully with food, purchasing and waste management. Even if we have to use our engine for propulsion when there is no wind, our trips are among the most sustainable ways to experience the Arctic and North Atlantic waters. Join us on an exotic, unique, sustainable, environmentally friendly and unforgettable holiday!
A fin whale in our wake
There is nothing like surfing down a huge wave with a sturdy ship on the high seas! And perhaps with a fin whale in our wake? Like in this film clip from one of our previous trips in the North Atlantic, from Shetland to Norway.
Day 1: Welcome on board in Iceland!
Day 2-3: Along the volcanic and glaciated coast of Iceland
Day 4-7: From Iceland to the Faroe Islands
Day 8: Faroe Islands; coastal cliffs and waterfalls
Day 9: Thorshavn
Day 10-11: From the Faroe Islands to the Hebrides
Day 12-14: Whisky-sail around the west coast of Scotland
Day 15: Bye for now in Mallaig
Changes to the program
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
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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!)