A scenic 30-minute boat ride across the majestic ĺsafjarðardjúp fjord in a comfortable cruiser, with commentary, brings you to Vigur (watch out for likely whale sightings on the way).

Guests are welcomed on arrival by one of the island’s resident family or naturalist guides who will provide a brief orientation to the island and any information you will require about timings for the return journey. They will explain something of the eventful history of Vigur stretching back to the original settlement of Iceland in the 9th Century. Some of Iceland’s oldest buildings are on the island (owned by the National Museum of Iceland’s Historic Buildings Collection) as well as its only remaining windmill and oldest seaworthy boat. Guests are invited into the barn where eiderdown is collected from around the island and prepared for export using traditional, sustainable and duck-friendly methods. This almost uniquely Icelandic industry is a centuries-old rural tradition and is kept alive on Vigur as a way of preserving this important rural heritage as well as providing vital income for the island.

Time to explore the island on a walk to the best locations for getting close to the abundant birdlife on Vigur, including the stunning Puffin Path. Exactly what you see depends on the time of year of your visit and the weather on the day. As well as birds, there are good opportunities to observe seals and whales all year round. There are options for guests who prefer not to walk far and your guide will be able to suggest alternative routes if any part of the walk is unsuitable. Visit the smallest Post Office in Europe, coffee room and shop where you can enjoy complimentary home-baked ‘Happy Marriage Cake’ and coffee in the Icelandic tradition. Any free time left over can be spent enjoying the various wildlife viewing points or the historical exhibitions.

The same boat that brought you to Vigur will return you to Ísafjörður, offering another opportunity to enjoy the spectacular fjordland scenery and to see whales and wildlife.