East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Northern Lights, Including Long Hikes

Dive into the adventure of East Greenland and experience the impressive beauty of the Scoresby Sound as you travel aboard the MS Ortelius. This expedition takes you through one of the largest and deepest fjord systems in the world, where gigantic icebergs and the fascinating northern lights are your constant companions. The journey offers you the opportunity to participate in long hikes accompanied by experienced guides and discover the fascinating Arctic wildlife. Enjoy the comfortable accommodation on board and be enchanted by the impressive landscape and unique experiences. Flexibility and a spirit of adventure are your keys to a remarkable experience in the Arctic.
 

Travel Itinerary: East Greenland Scoresby Sound - Northern Lights, Including Long Hikes

 
Day 1: On the Road in Iceland
Your journey begins in the morning, where you can, upon request, travel by a chartered bus (T) from the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in Austurbakki, Reykjavik, the designated meeting point, to the ship in Akureyri, the embarkation point. This journey offers you the chance to enjoy the impressive landscape of northern Iceland as you prepare for the upcoming sea voyage. After about a six-hour drive, which gives you a first impression of the rugged beauty of Icelandic nature, you will reach your destination in the afternoon. PLEASE NOTE: This transfer (T) must be booked and paid for in advance to ensure a smooth process. In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri and sets sail north towards the Denmark Strait, where your sea adventure begins.
 
Day 2: Journey to East Greenland
On the northern journey, you can expect a fascinating encounter with Arctic wildlife. You will likely observe elegant fulmars gliding effortlessly through the air and lively kittiwakes performing acrobatic feats in the sky. Majestic gannets and sociable guillemots may also cross your path as you explore the untouched nature of this region. A special highlight of the trip is crossing the Arctic Circle, a moment that, with a bit of luck, may be accompanied by sightings of majestic whales cruising through the cold waters. Towards evening, as the sun slowly kisses the horizon, the first icebergs appear on the horizon. These impressive natural wonders herald the approach to the east Greenlandic coast at Brewster and offer an impressive view that perfectly rounds off the journey to the high north.
 
Day 3: Arrival at the Largest Fjord on Earth
Today you will reach the impressive Scoresby Sound, the largest fjord on earth, and sail along the breathtaking glaciated coastline of Volquart Boons Kyst. This region is known for its spectacular landscapes, and you have the opportunity to take an exciting Zodiac trip along one of the majestic glacier fronts. There you can admire the fascinating basalt columns and unique ice formations of Vikingebugt up close. In the afternoon, we continue our journey, sailing past the east coast of Milne Land, where you will be surrounded by a multitude of giant icebergs. If conditions allow, we plan a landing in Charcot Havn to take an impressive walk to the stunning Charcot Glacier. This excursion offers you the opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the Arctic landscape up close. We then continue our journey to Bjørneør and sail into the picturesque Øfjord, where the majestic nature of the Arctic will continue to captivate you.
 
Day 4: Colors of the Cape
Today's goal is an exciting Zodiac trip near Sorte Ø, an area surrounded by majestic icebergs. These icebergs present themselves in a stark blue-white contrast to the earthy sediment slopes nearby, offering an impressive backdrop. In the afternoon, a scenic journey through the northern part of the Røde Fjord is on the program, taking us further into the Harefjord. Here you have the opportunity to observe the fascinating wildlife, including the majestic musk oxen native to this region. Additionally, you will be presented with an impressive sight of the warm autumn foliage that makes the landscape shine in bright colors, promising a remarkable natural experience.
 
Day 5: Gigantic Icebergs, Arctic Hares
In the morning, an impressive natural spectacle awaits you as you encounter colossal icebergs majestically rising from the water. Some of these icy giants reach heights of over 100 meters and stretch more than a kilometer in length. These imposing icebergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep at this point (1,312 feet). After this fascinating sight, you will land near Sydkap, a place offering you an impressive view of Hall Bredning. With a bit of luck, you may also observe Arctic hares in their natural habitat here. Today's long hike takes you from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt, a distance of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles northeast), where the river from Holger Danskes Briller meets the sea. The plan is to hike south along the shore to Satakajik. Along this route, you will have the opportunity to discover whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. For those who do not wish to participate in the long hike, there is the opportunity to join the group at this location for the second excursion of the day.
 
Day 6: Settlement at Scoresby Sound
Today you will land in the tundra on Liverpool Land, in the picturesque Hurry Inlet, a place that stands out for its untouched nature. In the afternoon, a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sound, awaits you. With about five hundred inhabitants, it offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Here you have the opportunity to purchase stamps for your postcards at the local post office, a small souvenir that captures your memories of this journey. Alternatively, you can simply stroll through the settlement and let the unique atmosphere sink in. Observe the sled dogs, an important part of daily life here, and take a look at the dried sealskin and musk oxen furs, which testify to the close connection of the residents to nature. In the afternoon, you will continue your journey, sailing south past the impressive and picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast, which offer an impressive panorama with their wild beauty and dramatic coastlines.
 
Day 7: Stewart Ø
Stewart Ø Island is a significant hunting station for the residents of Scoresby Sound and offers a fascinating opportunity to experience the impressive Arctic wildlife in its natural environment. With a little luck, you can observe majestic polar bears wandering through the icy landscape, or the elegant narwhals gliding with their characteristic tusks through the cold water. Furthermore, the remains of Thule houses are a remarkable testament to the ancient cultures that once lived in this harsh but beautiful region. These historical structures tell stories of survival and adaptation in one of the most remote areas of the world. A visit to Stewart Ø is not only a journey into nature but also a journey into the past, leaving a lasting impression.
 
Day 8: Remote Coasts
The Turner Sound and the Rømer Fjord open up the fascinating possibility of sailing deep into the interior of the country. These waters are particularly remarkable as they do not feature a glacier front at their tip, and thus are not blocked by ice. This feature makes them ideal routes for unobstructed exploration. While gliding through these tranquil waters, you might be fortunate enough to observe majestic narwhals in their natural habitat. These rare marine mammals, often referred to as the unicorns of the seas, are an impressive sight and make the journey a remarkable experience.
 
Day 9: Marine Life under the Northern Lights
On a sea day, you have the wonderful opportunity to observe majestic whales in their natural habitat as they glide elegantly through the waves. Equally fascinating is the diversity of seabirds circling over the sea, impressing with their elegant flight maneuvers. These observations offer you a deep insight into marine life and the impressive wildlife of the region. As night falls, another highlight awaits you: the fascinating northern lights. These spectacular light shows in the sky are a remarkable experience, showcasing the beauty of nature in its purest form. Let yourself be enchanted by this impressive natural spectacle and enjoy the tranquility and majesty of the sea under the sparkling night sky.
 
Day 10: End of the Journey in Akureyri
Every adventure, no matter how great, must eventually come to an end. Today is the day you disembark in Akureyri, a charming place that will surely remain in your memory. From here, you will be taken by a comfortable bus (T) to Reykjavik. The journey takes you to the bus stop at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in Austurbakki, an impressive building known for its modern architecture. As you let the landscape pass by, you will have time to reflect on the many experiences and impressions of this journey. The memories of this trip will accompany you wherever your next adventure may be and bring a smile to your face whenever you think back to the special moments.
 
Accommodation: On board the MS Ortelius, you can expect a comfortable and well-equipped cabin that provides you with a relaxing retreat during your journey. Choose from different cabin categories, all of which feature private bathrooms, modern amenities, and ample storage space. Enjoy the view through portholes or windows and relax after an exciting day full of adventures in the Arctic. Prices are based on booking a cabin with at least two people.
 
Further Information: Participation in the long hikes requires a certain level of fitness, as passengers must be ready to cover at least 15 kilometers in challenging terrain. These hikes last approximately six hours in total, including breaks. For those not participating in the hikes, there are alternative landings. Additionally, the optional diving activity requires extensive experience in cold-water diving and its execution depends on current weather and ice conditions.
 
Discover the untouched beauty of East Greenland and experience remarkable adventures amidst impressive landscapes and fascinating wildlife. Demand is high, and many slots are quickly filled, so we recommend submitting your request now to secure your spot for this extraordinary journey!
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