Reykjavík

Explore the world’s northernmost capital Your adventure begins in Reykjavík.  A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.  Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striki... Explore the world’s northernmost capital Your adventure begins in Reykjavík.  A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.  Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja  Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.   If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins. Read More

Cruising Denmark Strait

In the wake of Vikings We leave Iceland behind and sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. These days at sea offer time to relax and settle into the ship. Perhaps keep watch for whales and seabirds from the deck, mingle with fellow travellers in the Explorer lounge, or enjoy the welln... In the wake of Vikings We leave Iceland behind and sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. These days at sea offer time to relax and settle into the ship. Perhaps keep watch for whales and seabirds from the deck, mingle with fellow travellers in the Explorer lounge, or enjoy the wellness facilities.  The Expedition Team will give presentations about the protocols of respectfully visiting the fragile natural areas and indigenous Arctic communities. Now is the time to book excursions and maybe learn a few words of Greenlandic.  Read More

Cruising Denmark Strait

Prince Christian Sound

Get straight into adventure mode Over the next four days we’ll be going full-on expedition style as we explore the maze of fjords, channels and islands in this spectacular and wild region. Local weather and ice conditions will determine where and when we land, but the Captain and Expeditio... Get straight into adventure mode Over the next four days we’ll be going full-on expedition style as we explore the maze of fjords, channels and islands in this spectacular and wild region. Local weather and ice conditions will determine where and when we land, but the Captain and Expedition Team are used to these conditions and know the best places to go.  On our landings, excursions, and activities we’ll aim to visit Norse ruins, sail into majestic fjords where beautifully sculpted icebergs glisten in the sun, and go on community visits to picturesque towns. You might land at the colourful and tranquil settlement of Qaqortoq with its beautiful lake, drop by Erik the Red’s farm at Brattahlíð, and simply gaze in wonder at the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the scenic southern fjords.  As you’ll discover, southern Greenland’s rugged mountain ranges tower above scattered green meadows and fjords. It’s a landscape sculpted by ice and weather over billions of years. The Norsemen settled here over a thousand years ago, but the harsh living conditions eventually saw them leave after only four centuries. Now, in this vast and mostly unpopulated wilderness, you’ll enjoy a sense of tranquillity not often found in the modern world, so just relax, enjoy the nature, and learn all about what makes this region so special. Read More

Qaqortoq (Julianehaab)

The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Upon arrival in this charming southern Greenland enclave, it's easy to see why. Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the su... The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Upon arrival in this charming southern Greenland enclave, it's easy to see why. Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Although the earliest signs of ancient civilization in Qaqortoq date back 4,300 years, Qaqortoq is known to have been inhabited by Norse and Inuit settlers in the 10th and 12th centuries, and the present-day town was founded in 1774. In the years since, Qaqortoq has evolved into a seaport and trading hub for fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair. Read More

Qassiarsuk

Qassiarsuk is the newer, Greenlandic name for this small village. Brattahlid is the older, Norse name. Here we tour the foundation remains of the manor house of Erik the Red, who found Greenland after being banished from Iceland and Norway for murder. We will also visit the site of the fir... Qassiarsuk is the newer, Greenlandic name for this small village. Brattahlid is the older, Norse name. Here we tour the foundation remains of the manor house of Erik the Red, who found Greenland after being banished from Iceland and Norway for murder. We will also visit the site of the first Christian church ever built in North America (physiographically speaking), see a recently unearthed Norse graveyard that contains remains of 144 Norse colonists, and have a chance to admire Hans Lynge’s remarkable bronze sculpture of Erik the Red. Read More

Narsaq

Ivigtut

Fjords, glaciers, and ghostly mining towns  The stretch of coast between the fjord systems of southern Greenland and Nuuk is as wild as can be. Long distances separate the few scattered settlements. And although the climate is still mild by Arctic standards the topography is rough, segment... Fjords, glaciers, and ghostly mining towns  The stretch of coast between the fjord systems of southern Greenland and Nuuk is as wild as can be. Long distances separate the few scattered settlements. And although the climate is still mild by Arctic standards the topography is rough, segmented by high mountain ranges half covered by ice and cut through by deep turquoise fjords. With very few inside passages, travelling here has been a challenge since ancient times. And it still is. Mother Nature is in charge here, meaning it’s the perfect adventure playground for modern explorers. On our way north, and always adapted to the local conditions, we’ll get to know the landscapes of the so-called Mellembygden – the Middle Settlement of the Norse settlers. We’ll also look for the ghostly mining town of Ivittuut, where the historically important mineral cryolite was mined, but where today the only inhabitants are shy musk oxen. And we’ll sail into great fjords carved out over millennia by massive glaciers cascading down from the ice cap.  Wildlife thrives in this isolated region. Join our Expedition Team on their wildlife watches either on board or on land, and keep your camera and binoculars ready for seabirds, nesting colonies, and whales feeding at sea. If we’re lucky, we may even see one of the few musk ox herds living on the west Greenland coast. Read More

Kvanefjord

Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn)

Narsarsuaq, a small town in southern Greenland, serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the region. Nestled near the mouth of the Tunulliarfik Fjord, Narsarsuaq is known for its lush green hills, vibrant wildflowers, and rich history, including its significance as a former World... Narsarsuaq, a small town in southern Greenland, serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the region. Nestled near the mouth of the Tunulliarfik Fjord, Narsarsuaq is known for its lush green hills, vibrant wildflowers, and rich history, including its significance as a former World War II airbase. Visitors can explore the remnants of this history while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The town offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Narsarsuaq provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Greenland. Read More

Kapisillit

Be on the lookout for wildlife and history Get ready to explore a grand fjord system. Locally known as the Nuup Kangerlua, the fjords around Nuuk fan out in a somehow parallel network of interconnected waterways. They’re topped by the Kangiussap Nunaa peninsula and the ice cap, most notabl... Be on the lookout for wildlife and history Get ready to explore a grand fjord system. Locally known as the Nuup Kangerlua, the fjords around Nuuk fan out in a somehow parallel network of interconnected waterways. They’re topped by the Kangiussap Nunaa peninsula and the ice cap, most notably in the so-called Nuuk Isfjord. These are the lands of the ancient Norse Western Settlement, the northernmost area they managed to colonise in the Middle Ages. It was probably in Nuup Kangerlua where the descendants of the Vikings met the Thule people for the first time.  The fjords are dotted here and there by old Norse ruins and small Inuit settlements. Some are abandoned, like picturesque Qornoq, while others are thriving, such as Kapisillit and its 88 inhabitants. Relative proximity to Nuuk somehow disguises the fact that communities along Nuup Kangerlua were until very recently as isolated as any other in Greenland. Weather and ice permitting, during the next two days we will explore the fjord system and enjoy the ever-changing mountain landscapes. We’ll also try to reach the icy headwaters of Nuup Kangerlua and visit one of the villages, while always looking for nature-landing, expedition-boat–cruising and wildlife-watching opportunities. Read More

Nuuk (Godthaab)

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty... Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants. Read More

Nuuk (Godthaab)

Get acquainted with a small capital in a grand setting We say a fond farewell to the ship, crew and Expedition Team as we end our voyage of discovery in Nuuk. The lively and compact capital is positively bustling compared to other places you will have visited – but at less than 20,000 resi... Get acquainted with a small capital in a grand setting We say a fond farewell to the ship, crew and Expedition Team as we end our voyage of discovery in Nuuk. The lively and compact capital is positively bustling compared to other places you will have visited – but at less than 20,000 residents, it’s hardly a metropolis.  Visit the national museum to get an insight into life here 500 years ago and see the fascinating Qilakitsoq mummies. Otherwise, there are plentiful shopping opportunities – by Greenland standards – and a mix of cafes and restaurants to drop in on. If you have time before flying back home, Nuuk offers a fascinating window onto modern Greenland. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Reykjavík for the end of your expedition, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt stay with you forever.  Read More