Disko Bay - Expeditions voyage Greenland

This expedition with Albatros Expeditions takes you to the incredible nature of Disko Bay. In the west of Greenland, you will explore fascinating wildlife and huge icebergs. At the same time, you will immerse yourself in the culture of the Inuits and can look forward to an exciting exchange with the indigenous people in this extreme place. An adventure that you will certainly not forget in a hurry! The tour price per person is based on accommodation in a double cabin for two people.

Disco Bay - Greenland Expedition Voyage: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Kangerlussuaq
This tour package starts with a flight from Copenhagen or Keflavik (Iceland) to Kangerlussuaq on the west coast of Greenland (both flight options are possible, please contact us for more information). On arrival, you will be taken to a small harbor west of the airport, where the Ocean Albatros will be waiting for you at anchor. The Zodiacs will take you to the ship, where you can check in and move into your cabin at your leisure. After the safety drill, you will round off the day with a glass of champagne over dinner and set course for the adventure in the 160-kilometre-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord.

Day 2: Visit to Sisimut
Fortify yourself with a hearty breakfast, as you will then reach the town of Sisimut. With around 5400 inhabitants, it is the second largest town in Greenland and one of the most interesting to explore. There are many cultural sites and buildings from the past. Stroll through the streets and explore this colorful city. Tradition and modernity meet here - a very special atmosphere. Take a walk through Spedjesø and see an exhibition in the town's cultural center, explore the fascinating heritage of the region in the town museum or visit the artists' workshop. Back on the ship, you have time to reflect on your impressions. At nightfall, the Ocean Albatros leaves Sisimut and sets course for the iceberg-strewn waters of Disko Bay in the direction of Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq, the Disko Island
Today's destination is a wonderfully protected natural harbour called Qeqertarsuaq, nestled between 1000-metre-high mountains. This used to be the capital and is now an important hunting and fishing industry. You will find beautiful wild nature here, thanks to the rich volcanic soil. Even locals from all over Disko Bay come to the island to collect angelica, herbs and mushrooms. You can also look forward to impressive rock formations and black sand beaches that characterize the landscape. The town itself is typically Greenlandic, with picturesque, colorful houses, a great museum and the unique octagonal church. From here, we continue along the edge of Disko Bay towards Uummannaq.

Day 4: The town of Uummannaq
You also start this day with an extraordinary view, as the town of Uummannaq lies at the foot of an impressive mountain. As in the rest of the area, the mountain rises vertically from the icy depths and 1170 m high into the clear blue sky. Mount Uummannaq (translated from Greenlandic as "heart-shaped") is a mecca for mountaineers from all over the world. The town itself is located in a small, flatter area at the foot of the mountain and was founded by Danish colonists in 1763. However, as with many places in Greenland, the history of the Inuit in this area goes back much further. Here you can immerse yourself in the life of the indigenous people and experience traditions at first hand. The grassy town square is worth a stroll: enterprising locals sell handicrafts, while others offer their catch at the local fish market. From the outside deck, you can watch as the ship starts to move and the deep blue water lined with icebergs passes you by. Marvel at the beauty of the fjord and the majestic mountains. The evening ends with a cozy dinner.

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Day 5: On the way to the Eqip Sermia glacier
Today we head back into the heart of Disko Bay, towards Eqip Sermia (a typical Greenlandic name meaning "the glacier at the end of the fjord"). The glacier is a huge river of ice that comes directly from the Greenlandic ice sheet and is also the most active glacier, as ice is constantly falling from the huge glacier strand. An incredible natural spectacle that you should not miss - preferably from the outside deck of the Ocean Albatros. In the course of the evening, the ship sails towards Ilulissat, the largest town in Disko Bay and the iceberg capital of the world. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you may be able to go ashore in Ilulissat and marvel at the ice fjord at sunset.

Day 6: Impressive Ilulissat
Today a highlight awaits you on this expedition: the iceberg capital of the world, Ilulissat, which has spectacular surroundings. Just a short walk from the harbor is the Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland's most famous attraction. The Ilulissat Icefjord is dotted with huge icebergs so close together that you could almost walk to the other side. It stretches over 70 km from its mouth in Disko Bay near the town of Ilulissat to the Sermeq-Kujalleq glacier. This is the largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland ice sheet and producing 10% of all the ice in the northern hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire United States). The Ilulissat Icefjord has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the impressive nature, there is an incredible amount to discover here: The legendary Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen was born in Ilulissat, and his childhood home is now home to the town museum. Today, Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland with more than 4,500 inhabitants and, with more hotel rooms than Nuuk, is undoubtedly the tourist capital of Greenland. We particularly recommend the artist's workshop above the harbor, where you can buy handmade works of art directly from the artist. The town enjoys dry, sunny weather throughout the summer and there are a number of well-signposted walking routes around the ice fjord that are suitable for all abilities.
During the visit, you have the opportunity to take part in a boat trip on the ice fjord with a local captain. The trip takes around two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of the Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If a hike or boat trip is not exciting enough for you, you can also take part in a sightseeing flight over the ice fjord in a fixed-wing aircraft. Both excursions are not included and must be booked for an additional charge - please contact us for price information.

Day 7: The settlement of Itilleq
Today you are visiting the settlement of Itilleq, which means "the place that crosses the sea". Located north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is one of the many small villages that dot the Greenland coast and lies at the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the turf houses and hideaway tents have been replaced by colorful modern homes, the lifestyle here has hardly changed since the Inuit arrived in Greenland. Water and ice are the highways of the Inuits and they live off the tundra as they have done for thousands of years. They are immersed in an incredibly fascinating and traditional way of life. Despite this ancient heritage, the inhabitants of Itilleq are firmly anchored in the modern world, with smartphones, fast Wi-Fi and satellite TV. However, you will be able to sense how proud the indigenous people are of their traditions and will be welcomed with warm hospitality. After the ship leaves Itilleq, you head south and reach the 160 km long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. On board, you can chat with fellow travelers and reflect on the impressions of the day.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq
During the night you will be driven 160 kilometers up the Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast, disembarkation takes place and you will unfortunately have to say goodbye to the ship's crew, the expedition team and your fellow travelers before going ashore by Zodiac. Your Arctic adventure and your time in Greenland end with the return flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik, Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark.

Arrival:
Arrival and departure is by charter flight to and from Reykjavik, Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark (already included in the advertised price). The tour service starts and ends with these flights. Due to the weather conditions and the expedition character of this trip, the exact departure times are not known far in advance. We generally recommend arriving at least one day before the start of the tour for such extraordinary trips. We will be happy to plan the journey for you according to your individual wishes and personal requirements.

Expedition Vessel: Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros is a stylish and revolutionary passenger ship that combines the advantages of a small expedition vessel with those of a luxury cruise ship. With a maximum occupancy of 175 passengers in 94 state-of-the-art cabins and suites, a warm hearted, caring crew and a guest-to-guide ratio of 8:1, an intimate and friendly atmosphere is created on board. Each of the cozy and private cabins offers an undisturbed view of the vastness of the sea, most even with their own balcony. The ship has two restaurants and a wellness area with a heated pool, jacuzzis, sauna and spa. There are also various bars, lounges and a modern lecture hall on board. The Ocean Albatros is a "comfort class" certified ship, sailing with the lowest noise and vibration levels in the industry. She is also "clean-ship-certified", runs on Tier 3-compliant engines (4 diesel engines, 2 electric engines) and therefore has one of the cleanest propulsion systems in the world.
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