Published on
February 1, 2026
Hurtigruten, the Norwegian cruise operator with its Grand Nordic Adventure route will start bringing international tourists to Iceland in 2026. The company will introduce its first travel package which combines ocean travel with land exploration that covers Finland, Norway and Iceland. The Iceland portion of the tour will feature Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Gullfoss waterfalls and Þingvellir National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The inclusion of Iceland in this flagship tour represents a strategic extension of Hurtigruten’s immersive travel philosophy and is expected to provide a significant boost to Iceland’s inbound tourism, especially from North America and Europe, by offering authentic, multi‑destination Nordic experiences not previously available in such a curated format.
Grand Nordic Adventure: A 19‑Day Journey to Iceland and Beyond
At the heart of Hurtigruten’s expanded offerings is the Grand Nordic Adventure, a 19‑day curated land‑and‑sea programme that begins in Helsinki and culminates with a six‑day exploration of Iceland’s iconic landscapes. Starting with a rail journey through Finland’s pristine wilderness, the tour features Arctic activities such as husky hikes and Sámi cultural encounters before transitioning to a classic Hurtigruten Coastal Express voyage southwards along Norway’s dramatic coastline from Kirkenes to Bergen.
Upon arrival in Iceland, travellers will embark on guided tours that showcase the island nation’s geological wonders from the soothing geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon to the thundering cascades of Gullfoss, and the rift valleys and cultural history of Þingvellir National Park. These experiences are expected to enhance Iceland’s tourism portfolio by adding premium, structured itineraries that highlight both natural beauty and cultural depth.
Boosting Iceland Tourism Through High‑Value Immersive Experiences
Icelandic tourism authorities are likely to find significant value in Hurtigruten’s expanded tours. The itinerary’s format, which combines local guides, curated excursions and multi‑day stays, encourages longer visitor durations and deeper engagement with key tourism assets. This contrasts with shorter stopovers typical of cruise calls and is expected to translate into increased spending on local hospitality, transport and cultural services.
The carefully planned Iceland leg aligns with Iceland’s broader tourism strategy, which focuses on sustainable visitor growth and dispersal of tourists to iconic yet sensitive sites. By integrating natural jewels such as Þingvellir, a site of geological and historical significance and wellness‑oriented attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Hurtigruten’s itinerary supports diversified tourism that extends beyond Reykjavik’s city core.
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New Nordic Winter Journey and Norway’s Capital and Coast Tours
In addition to Iceland‑inclusive travel, Hurtigruten has added two other itineraries to its 2026 portfolio that will also indirectly benefit Nordic tourism ecosystems, including Iceland’s broader perception as part of a must‑see northern European experience.
The Nordic Winter Journey is a 13‑day tour that centres on Finland’s Arctic environment, offering elite winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and Northern Lights viewing from remote resorts. It also integrates a cruise of the UNESCO‑listed Nærøyfjord and a ride on Norway’s famed Flåm Railway.
Meanwhile, the Norway’s Capital and Coast tour, available in summer, pairs time in Oslo with a six‑day Coastal Express segment, highlighting a range of UNESCO‑listed natural and cultural sites along Norway’s scenic shoreline. While these do not reach Iceland geographically, they create pathways for travellers to extend their northern European adventure by adding Iceland before or after these cruises.
Enhanced Connectivity and Targeted Market Appeal
Hurtigruten’s expansion is designed to appeal to both North American and European markets seeking more than conventional cruising experiences. With departures beginning in July 2026, the Grand Nordic Adventure tour is expected to attract travellers motivated by slow travel and multi‑destination discovery, a segment shown to be growing in global tourism trends due to its enriched cultural engagement and premium nature.
Additional airline services, such as new seasonal flights to Reykjavik from North American cities, may amplify this effect by improving accessibility to Iceland as part of broader Nordic travel circuits. These connections can significantly increase inbound flows to Iceland, reinforcing its role as a gateway to volcanic and Arctic exploration.
Encouraging Sustainable and High‑Impact Tourism in Iceland
From a destination management perspective, Hurtigruten’s move aligns with sustainable tourism objectives. By promoting guided tours with small groups and longer stays, the company shifts visitor patterns toward lower‑impact, higher‑value tourism, encouraging respect for local environments and cultures. This approach supports Iceland’s long‑term strategy to balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship.
Iceland’s local tourism sectors, including accommodation, hospitality, guiding services and transport operators stand to benefit as global travellers opt for structured, immersive experiences that go beyond the typical itinerary. By elevating the country’s visibility within a comprehensive Nordic journey, Hurtigruten effectively reinforces Iceland’s position as a premier destination for travellers seeking nature, wellness and cultural depth.
Looking Ahead: Iceland as a Core Nordic Destination
As Hurtigruten primes its 2026 tours for launch, Iceland is set to take centre stage in one of the most distinctive Nordic touring products yet offered to global travellers. The island’s inclusion is a milestone for both the cruise‑tour operator and Icelandic tourism, opening new avenues for sustainable growth, deeper cultural engagement, and longer traveller dwell times.
The development introduces a new phase for Icelandic tourism which now presents itself as a complete travel experience that combines multiple Nordic destinations through their natural features and cultural elements and genuine travel stories.
Image Credit: Hurtigruten
