Fjords & Eternal Ice: South Greenland by Helicopter 21% Advantage

This 15 day expedition travels from Iceland to South Greenland and on to Nuuk, combining sea routes, fjords and selected landings with helicopter operations. The focus is on changing perspectives, from Zodiac cruising in sheltered bays to hikes in alpine terrain, and then on to flight legs over fjord landscapes and to the Greenland Ice Sheet. In East Greenland, hanging glaciers and uninhabited coasts shape the first days, in the south, Prins Christian Sund and the Tasermiut Fjord follow. Encounters with local communities and the cultural landscape of Kujataa add to the natural experience. The schedule remains flexible and depends on weather, ice and logistics.

Fjords & Eternal Ice: South Greenland by Helicopter - The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Once you arrive in Reykjavik, you will make your own way to the included hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can get to know Reykjavik, with its blend of modern architecture and Viking tradition.

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Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavik
In the afternoon you board the ship and set off on the expedition towards Greenland. Look forward to many new experiences.

Days 3 to 4: Sea Days Across the Denmark Strait
During the passage toward Greenland, the expedition team prepares you for the days ahead with lectures on Arctic history, wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology, and climate. Outside, your gaze turns to seabirds accompanying the ship and to whales that regularly appear in these waters. As you draw closer, the first outlines of Greenland begin to take shape on the horizon.

Days 5 to 6: The Wild East
Upon arrival at the remote east coast, steep fjords and hanging glaciers shape the landscape. In this uninhabited region, there are good chances of spotting humpback whales, and occasionally polar bears are also possible, drifting down on sea ice floes from more northern areas. Depending on conditions, the coastal world is explored from different perspectives, by Zodiac, on foot, and also from the air with helicopter landings. Among other plans is the exploration of the Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuaq), where traces of early Paleo-Inuit hunters and fisherman appear against a backdrop shaped by cascading glaciers and steep mountains.

Days 7 to 9: Arctic Patagonia
The route leads through the Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) with steep cliffs and glaciers that reach all the way to the sea. In the South Greenland fjord landscapes around Cape Farewell, a distinctive character emerges, made up of islets, inlets, and skerries. If conditions are right, a visit to Aappilattoq is planned, a small Inuit community where encounters with local partners are possible, for example through stories, music, and traditional tastings. Afterwards, the Tasermiut Fjord awaits, often referred to as Arctic Patagonia, with striking rock walls, glaciers, and views of peaks such as Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq. Depending on weather and logistics, excursions, hikes, Zodiac cruises, and overnight camping (for an additional fee) can also take place here.

Days 10 to 12: Westlands and the Greenland Ice Sheet
In the western fjords, ice strewn, blue shimmering waters contrast with green valleys and blooming pastures. In sheltered microclimates, landscapes that are unusually fertile for the Arctic emerge, where agricultural traditions from the Viking Age continue to this day. Afterwards, the Greenland Ice Sheet takes center stage, covering large parts of the island, and its scale only becomes tangible on site. By helicopter, wide aerial perspectives open up, and depending on operational conditions, a landing is planned in order to experience the ice field on foot. On the same day, Tamassa may take place, a cultural exchange on board with South Greenlandic hosts who, through conversations, workshops, tastings and performances, provide insights into their lives. In addition, exploration of Kujataa is possible, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with evidence of Norse and Inuit farming, as well as a visit to Qassiarsuk and the remains and reconstructions of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s former estate.

Day 13: Sea Day Along the West Coast
On the way to Nuuk, Greenland’s spectacular west coast accompanies you. Lectures by the experts on board explore the travel themes in greater depth, while there is time to share observations and discuss open questions with the expedition team.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Nuuk and Flight to Reykjavik
After arriving in Nuuk, you will go ashore once more by Zodiac. Depending on the schedule, there will be time for a brief impression of Greenland’s capital before the transfer to the airport and the onward journey to Reykjavik.

Day 15: Departure from Reykjavik
After breakfast, you continue your journey home independently or spend additional time in Reykjavik at your own arrangement.

Accommodation:
Accommodation is on board throughout the entire expedition. In addition, hotel nights in Reykjavik before and after the sea voyage are included. On board, shared areas are available for lectures and exchange, and the daily program alternates between sea days, landings, and excursions.

Meals:
The price includes all meals, snacks, and selected beverages on board. During the overnight stays in Reykjavik before and after the expedition, only breakfast is included.

Special features:
Expedition travel in South Greenland depends heavily on weather, ice, sea state, wildlife and local conditions, therefore no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Helicopter and Zodiac operations are always dependent on weather and logistics and require compliance with the relevant safety instructions. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed, and rare species such as polar bears may only appear occasionally. For photography and approaches, responsible distance and regulatory principles apply in line with AECO guidelines. In addition, fixed baggage weight limits apply on flights between Nuuk and Reykjavik, with no option to add extra baggage.
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