Southeast to West Greenland With Glaciers, Fjords, and Viking History 21% Advantage

This 15 day expedition links East, South, and West Greenland on a rarely travelled route along the southeast coast, around the greener southern tip, and into the glacier shaped west. The focus is on fjords, ice filled bays, and steep mountains, complemented by insights into Inuit coastal communities and traces of Norse settlers. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites frame the journey, the Ilulissat Icefjord and the Kujataa Cultural Landscape. The itinerary is deliberately flexible, because ice, weather, and local conditions determine which landings, Zodiac cruises, and hikes are possible. Talks and discussions on board explore geology, climate, wildlife, and history, while seabirds are regularly spotted at sea and, with some luck, whales may also be seen in these waters.

Southeast to West Greenland With Glaciers, Fjords, and Viking History: the itinerary

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

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Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavik
In the afternoon, the expedition begins on board, heading toward Greenland. After settling in, there is time to familiarize yourself with daily life on board and to get in the mood for the coming days in the Arctic.

Day 3: Passage Through the Denmark Strait
During the crossing, the expedition team provides insights into Greenland’s wildlife, geology, ecology, climate, and history. It is worth looking outside, as seabirds are regularly spotted above the ship, and whales may also be encountered in these waters.

Day 4 and 5: Explorations in East Greenland
Southeast Greenland is one of the most remote and least visited regions of the island, so the current weather and ice situation determines the daily planning. Between steep mountains, fjords and massive glaciers, Zodiac cruises and landings are possible depending on conditions. A visit to the Skjoldungen Fjord (Saqqisikuik) is possible, where glacier views open up between narrow fjord arms and the water is fed by waterfalls. If conditions allow, an abandoned Inuit settlement can also be included, whose residents were resettled to larger towns around 1961. In addition, hikes are possible, for example in a more lush fjord landscape such as the Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq).

Day 6 and 7: Southern Greenland With Culture and Coastal Scenery
Along the southern coast, Greenland appears surprisingly green, with valleys that take on color during the short Arctic summer season, and with small settlements within the fjord systems. A passage through the Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) can be among the most impressive sections, as narrow channels, steep rock walls, and calving glaciers shape the journey, from the ship as well as on a Zodiac excursion. On land, depending on the location, hikes of varying lengths are possible. The historical focus is on the Norse past, during a landing at Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq), Greenland’s best preserved Norse ruins take center stage, while Igaliku, as Greenland’s oldest sheep farming settlement, can offer insights into agriculture and into the UNESCO cultural landscape of Kujataa.

Days 8 to 13: West Greenland With Communities and the Icefjord
Along the west coast, impressive glaciers and mountainous landscapes alternate with lively coastal communities, which are integrated into the program depending on conditions. In Nuuk, there is time in the historic district of Old Nuuk with views of the Hans Egede Church and the Hans Egede statue by the water. If it fits, a visit to the National Museum adds context on history and traditions, including the importance of the kayak. In Sisimiut, historic areas with buildings from the colonial era invite a walk, and occasionally a traditional kayak demonstration can be arranged. A scenic highlight is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Jakobshavn Glacier (Sermeq Kujalleq), the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. A trip between the icebergs as well as a walk from the town of Ilulissat to the coast can, depending on weather and access, offer different perspectives on the ice. In addition, a visit to the small island community of Itilleq is possible, where colorful wooden houses, conversations with residents, and local encounters round out the expedition day.

Day 14: Arrival in Nuuk and Disembarkation
Upon arrival in Nuuk, it's time to disembark. A final Zodiac ride will take you ashore before the group transfer to the airport. Depending on the time, you may explore the city on your own beforehand. You will then travel back to Reykjavik on a charter flight, where a transfer will take you to your hotel.

Day 15: Departure from Reykjavik
After breakfast, the tour services end. Afterwards, you will continue your onward journey individually according to your own plans.

Accommodation:
Accommodation is on board and includes full board throughout the expedition. In addition, one hotel night in Reykjavik before the voyage and one after it are included, both with breakfast.

Special features:
Expedition travel in this region depends on weather, ice, and local conditions, so the route and daily programme may be adjusted at short notice. Wildlife sightings are likely, but not guaranteed. Waterproof trousers are mandatory for Zodiac operations. For flights between Nuuk and Reykjavik, strict baggage weight limits apply, and additional luggage is not possible. Photos are taken from a responsible distance in line with current guidelines, both during wildlife viewing and on landings.
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