Expedition East Greenland - Scoresby Sund under the Northern Lights

Cross the Arctic Circle and go on a voyage of discovery with Oceanwide Expeditions: In the east of Greenland, you will travel into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world, home to countless animal species. There is plenty to marvel at and, with a bit of luck, your expedition will be rounded off by the mystical Northern Lights. Huge icebergs will pass you by and maybe even a whale or two - here in the home waters of all whale species. Look forward to a real adventure. The price refers to accommodation in a double cabin for two people, other categories on request. Please note that this is an exemplary route description, as it will be adapted to the weather and ice conditions as well as animal observation opportunities. A high degree of flexibility promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Expedition East Greenland - Scoresby Sund under the Northern Lights - The itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and start of the expedition
If you have also booked the transfer (information under "Arrival"), this trip starts with a 6-hour bus ride from Reykjavik to Akureyri, where the ship is already waiting for you. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon and you move into a comfortable cabin on board. The tour package begins with embarkation. In the early evening, the ship leaves the port of Akureyri and sails north towards the Denmark Strait. Take in your first impressions over dinner.

Day 2: North across the Arctic Circle
You start the day and this unforgettable adventure with a hearty breakfast. The day at sea offers you good opportunities to discover various seabirds and inhabitants. A special highlight on this day is the crossing of the Arctic Circle. Look out for the first icebergs and the coast of East Greenland appearing on the horizon. After dinner, with a bit of luck you will discover the Northern Lights dancing in the Arctic night sky.

Day 3: The largest fjord on earth
Strengthen yourself at breakfast for the adventures ahead. Today you reach Scoresbysund and have a fantastic view of the passing glaciated coastline. A Zodiac cruise takes you along the glacier fronts to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. In the afternoon we continue along the east coast of Milne Land through a breathtaking landscape with a multitude of huge icebergs. If you have the opportunity to land at Charcot Havn, take a walk to the Charcot Glacier - an unforgettable adventure. Then continue to Bjørneør and the Øfjord. In the evening, you can review what you have experienced.

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Day 4: Experience the fjords up close!
The day begins with breakfast and a large portion of anticipation. In the morning, the destination is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, where you are surrounded by impressive icebergs. You will be amazed at the contrast between the stark blue and white and the rocks right next to them. In the afternoon, a trip through the northern part of the Røde Fjord and into the Harefjord is on the agenda - look forward to the best chances of seeing musk oxen and, of course, beautiful warm autumn colors. End the day with dinner and perhaps a good book.

Day 5: Icebergs and other highlights
From breakfast, you may already be able to spot the colossal icebergs that will greet you today - some of them are over 100 meters high and more than a kilometer long. You land near Sydkap, enjoy the breathtaking view of Hall Breuning and keep an eye out for the cute Arctic hares. On the program is a hike from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km, 7.5 miles northeast) along the shore south to Satakajik. Along the way you will see fascinating nature, old whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule's summer houses. Passengers not taking part in the hike join us here and also have plenty to discover. Back on the ship, you can relax and talk to the expedition team about what you have experienced.

Day 6: Visiting the Inuits
After a hearty breakfast, you will head out into nature, into the tundra on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. In the afternoon, you can look forward to a very special landing as you visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund with around five hundred inhabitants. Experience the settlement up close, stroll through the streets and marvel at the sled dogs and dried seal skins. Here you will immerse yourself in a foreign culture that is at home in this remote and extreme place. Continue south by boat, past the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville coast.

Day 7: Game viewing along the coast
Fortify yourself with breakfast and keep an eye out, because with a bit of luck you will encounter narwhals today. In Turner Sund and Rømer Fjord you have the opportunity to travel far inland, as there is no ice in the way. Not only in the water, but also on land there is a variety of native animal species. From the outside deck, you have the best view of the passing coastline. At this time of year, the days are rounded off with breathtaking sunsets.

Day 8: Out and about at sea
Take your time over breakfast and look forward to a day at sea with the opportunity to observe seabirds. Keep an eye out for whales and in the evening for the magical Northern Lights. You will have time to relax, reflect on your experiences and chat with other guests or the crew.

Day 9: End of the trip in Akureyri
After a final breakfast, the trip ends in Akureyri, where you disembark. It is possible to book a transfer (6-hour bus ride) to Reykjavik (bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in Austurbakki). Please ask for this when booking. With unbelievable memories you make your way home or directly to the next adventure.

Route information 2025
This travel description refers to the dates in 2024. For the two dates in 2025, the trip will be extended to 10 days / 9 nights. The island of Stewart Ø will be included on the seventh day. It is not only an important hunting station for the inhabitants of Scoresby Sund and a good area for spotting polar bears and narwhals, but the beautiful remains of the Thule houses can also be visited.

Arrival
The transfer from Reykjavík to Akureyri and back is not included. A 6 hour bus ride from the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in Austurbakki, Reykjavík to the ship in Akureyri can be booked for 120 € p.p. each way. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to book this.

Expedition ship:
MS Plancius (Date 31.08.-08.09.24)
The MS Plancius was used by the Dutch Royal Navy as a research vessel from 1976 to 2004 and was converted into a passenger ship by Oceanwide Expeditions in 2009.The expedition ship offers space for 108 passengers with private shower and toilet [4 four-person cabins with porthole, 2 three-person cabins with porthole, 9 double cabins with porthole, 25 double cabins with window, 2 deluxe double cabins (approx. 12.5 square meters) and 10 superior double cabins (approx. 21 square meters)]. Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway.The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge.Enjoy the benefits of the MS Plancius: a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows allowing a full panoramic view.The ship welcomes you comfortably and beautifully - in keeping with its expedition character, it is not a luxury ship.Experience, exploration and education are the main focus of the voyages.

MS Ortelius (dates 11.09.-19.09.2024 and 30.08.-08.09.2025)
The ship has the highest ice class (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable for sailing in both solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. The Ortelius offers space for up to 108 passengers and has a large number of open deck spaces.
Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway.The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge.Although our voyages are primarily aimed at providing our passengers with a wildlife exploration program with as much time ashore as possible, the Ortelius has all the amenities of a standard hotel - including a bar and lecture room.Flexibility guarantees maximum opportunities to explore the wildlife.Ortelius therefore has 10 Zodiacs with 60 hp Yamaha engines.The ship has space for 108 guests.

MS Hondius (Date 05.09. - 14.09.2025)
The Hondius is the world's first registered Polar Class 6 ship and meets the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Exceeding the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius is the most flexible, advanced and innovative cruise ship in the polar regions, optimized for exploration voyages that give you the greatest possible first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctic. The Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art energy management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels to a minimum. This means that on board the Hondius you can enjoy the extreme landscapes and wildlife while having as little impact on them as possible. Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway. The best view is always from the outside deck or the bridge. The Hondius offers space for up to 170 passengers.
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