In Viking footsteps: Iceland – Harlingen

Three weeks sailing from Reykjavik to Harlingen via Vestmannaeyjar, the Faroe Islands, Shetland, Orkney and the Wadden Islands. Island hopping in the wake of the Vikings, ending in a Dutch port, aboard the Tecla.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Reykjavik – Vestmannaeyjar – Faroe Islands – Shetland – Orkney – North Sea – Wadden Islands – Harlingen
Departure: Wednesday 6 October 2027, 18:00, Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrival: Thursday 28 October 2027, 10:00, Harlingen, the Netherlands
Duration: 22 nights
Ship: Tecla, historic two-masted sailing ship (over 100 years old)

Prices per person

Berth in a twin cabin: € 5,175
Youth aged 15–25: € 4,658

Lowest price from € 5,175 per person for a berth in a twin cabin. Young people aged 15 to 25 pay € 4,658.

FROM ICELAND TO THE WADDEN SEA

This voyage takes you from Iceland to the Netherlands past the islands where the Vikings left their mark. You end in Harlingen, about two and a half hours by train from Schiphol: convenient for those coming from the Netherlands or Belgium.

In the Faroes, Tórshavn, Gjógv, Vestmanna and Mykines are on the programme, in Shetland Jarlshof and the Hermaness bird reserve, and in Orkney the prehistoric village of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.

THE ROUTE

Reykjavik and Vestmannaeyjar

Board in Reykjavik and sail to Vestmannaeyjar on the first day.

The Faroe Islands

A crossing of about 400 nautical miles, then several days in the Faroes.

Shetland and Orkney

To Shetland with Lerwick as a base, possibly Fair Isle, then Orkney with Stromness, Skara Brae and Hoy.

Across the North Sea to the Wadden

A crossing of just over 400 nautical miles to the Wadden Islands, with at least one island stop, and finally Harlingen.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Tecla is a historic sailing ship more than a hundred years old, with two wooden masts and six sails. A family has sailed and run her since 2006. On board are four permanent crew and at most twelve guests, so you travel in a small, close-knit group. There are six twin cabins amidships, where the ship is at her steadiest, each with bunk beds and its own shower and toilet. Full board with meals from the ship's cook is included. Guests are expedition crew: you help set sails, take the helm and on longer passages join a watch system, always guided by the permanent crew. No experience is needed; the crew teaches you everything along the way.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For lovers of islands, nature and history who are also up for a few solid crossings. No sailing experience is needed.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Excursions and any landing permits are not included.
• The route depends on wind, weather and ice; the captain decides.
• Harlingen is about 2.5 hours by train from Schiphol.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is October not a stormy month?

The weather can be changeable; the captain times the crossings carefully and there are calm days among the islands.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

Tecla

The Tecla is a beautiful sailingship with a tough rig. Together with her crew she explores the remote places. One more accessible than the other. Tecla stands for adventure, nature, wonder and splendor. With this exceptional ship and its exceptional program you are good for a memorable trip.

Sail Training Program

On board the tecla we work with a Sail training program developed by the Dutch Sail Training Association (STAN). This sail training program is not only about learning to sail but uses sailing as a tool for personal development. Trainees on board are encouraged to step out of the comfort zone to experience new things. This applies to all ages! At the end of the trip, long or short, the trainees get a logbook containing the past process and how far they have come. Different skills are developed depending on the length of the trip. These can come in handy in a professional sailing environment as well as outside the maritime world.

Sail training makes sailing that slightly more than an active vacation.