Greenland Expedition from Iceland

Dreamlike nature, fascinating culture and impressive glaciers: this unforgettable expedition with Albatros Expeditions has plenty of highlights in store for you. Experience Greenland up close and immerse yourself in traditions in an extreme yet beautiful place. You can observe Arctic animal species up close from on board or on land. Discover the friendly, colorful settlements and get to know the Inuits personally. The tour price per person is based on accommodation in a double cabin for two people.

Greenland Expedition from Iceland : The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Reykjavík
This trip starts with embarkation in Reykjavík in the afternoon. You will move into a cozy cabin on the Ocean Albatros. After the safety drill, enjoy dinner with a glass of champagne and look forward to the unique experiences that lie ahead. The ship sets course for Greenland on the Denmark Strait.

Day 2: On the Denmark Strait towards Greenland
Start the day with a hearty breakfast. Today you are traveling on the Denmark Strait on your way to Greenland. On the narrow section of the North Atlantic that separates Iceland from Greenland, you have a very good chance of spotting countless sea creatures. Look out for seals, whales and seabirds. There is something for everyone - you can choose between specially prepared lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and much more, relax with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa or simply watch the seabirds gliding past the ship from the whirlpool. The anticipation of Greenland increases and you can arrive in peace.

Day 3: Majestic Skjoldungen Fjord
Your day begins with the entrance to the beautiful Skjoldungen fjord on the south-eastern coast of Greenland. The fjord not only enchants with its unique nature, but also has a lot to offer in terms of history. Some houses from long ago can still be discovered. Huge, saw-toothed mountains with shimmering glaciers line the deep, cold waters of the fjord, which can even freeze over in summer. At the head of the fjord lies the magnificent Thryms Glacier, a magnificent river of ice flowing down from the ice sheet. On the south side of the Thryms Glacier lies the extensive U-shaped glacial valley Dronning Maries Dal - a prime example of a glacier-carved landscape. Join the expedition team on a walk across the beautifully flower-covered valley floor and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. You will be present on the outside deck as the ship enters and leaves the fjord - a very special highlight!

Day 4: Prins Christian Sund
Today we head further south through Prins Christian Sund, an inner passage and at the same time a more spectacular 60 km long waterway. It stretches from the entrance on the south-east coast of Greenland to the small village of Aappilattoq and connects the Labrador and Irminger Seas. As one of the most spectacular waterways in the world, Prins Christian Sund promises an incredible amount to discover and is kept ice-free all year round. On both sides, the waterway is surrounded by mountains that rise directly out of the water, some of which are over 2,000 meters high. On the north side of the strait, large glaciers flow from the ice sheet into the sea, while on the south side, sapphire-blue mountain glaciers tower over the water and huge icebergs cover the crystal-clear water. Marvel at this fascinating nature. Make yourself comfortable on the outside deck and make memories to last a lifetime.

Day 5: Visit to Qassiarsuk
In the early morning, the majestic mountains of the Tunulliarfik Fjord pass you by on the way to the small village of Qassiarsuk. Situated at around 60°N, this region is comparable to northern Scotland or southern Scandinavia, and the climate is similar. Instead of rocky slopes, the fjords here are lined with lush green meadows and dotted with small sheep farming settlements, of which Qassiarsuk is perhaps the best known. Although the modern village of Qassiarsuk was only founded in 1924, the place has a fascinating and much longer history, as it was here that the legendary Norse explorer Eric the Red settled. He named the land he discovered "Greenland" to encourage other settlers to follow him - a marketing ploy that has endured for over a thousand years! In this place, you will encounter a history of which some remnants can still be seen today. Modern Inuit farmers continue to raise sheep on the same farms as Erik the Red, and a statue of Erik now towers over the village, commemorating the first European to reach America. The settlement of Brattahlíð is rich in fascinating history and culture from ancient and modern times and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kujataa. Not only for nature lovers, but also for those interested in history: this day will certainly remain in your memory for a long time.

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Day 6: Nuuk, the capital of Greenland
At breakfast today, you can already look forward to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. A very special flair, a mixture of modernity and traditional wooden houses welcomes you here. Surrounded by tranquil fjords, this is a place of contrasts and is sure to inspire you quickly. The city's population continues to grow rapidly and new suburbs are being built below Ukkusissat, the mountain that rises to the east of the city. There is much to discover, including some of Greenland's best attractions. In the Kolonihavn district, visit the Greenland National Museum, a treasure trove of history dating back to the first inhabitants of this icy island - including artifacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods and the fascinating mummies of Qilakistoq. Explore Greenlandic culture in Katuaq, the city's cultural center and an architectural marvel; shop for authentic Greenlandic artwork in the city's many boutiques or simply relax in a hip sidewalk café with a Greenlandic coffee and watch the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city. Back on board you have time to relax.

Day 7: North along the coast
On the rugged coast of Greenland heading north, you have the best chance of spotting whales, seals and a variety of seabirds. Keep an eye out from the outside deck and enjoy this fantastic view of the passing landscapes. Round off the day with lectures on local history, wildlife, geology or culture and have the option of a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa.

Day 8: Qeqertarsuaq and Eqip Sermia
After breakfast, you will explore the Disko Islands of Qeqertarsuaq, where you will dock surrounded by 1,000-metre-high mountains in a wonderfully protected natural harbor. The curved red-black basalt mountains of Qeqertarsuaq are fundamentally different from the rolling granite hills that characterize much of Greenland, and offer a much richer soil. Although the region lies well above the Arctic Circle, it is much greener and lusher than the rest of the country thanks to the rich volcanic soil and mild microclimate. Locals from all over Disko Bay come to the island in summer to collect angelica, herbs and mushrooms. The town itself is typically Greenlandic, with picturesque, colorful houses, a great museum and the unique octagonal church. It is well worth a visit, as there are also excellent hiking opportunities here. From here, we continue by boat across Disko Bay towards Eqip Sermia. Eqip Sermia is a relatively small glacier compared to many other glaciers in Greenland, although it is a truly huge river of ice flowing directly from the Greenland ice sheet. It is also one of the most active glaciers, and ice is almost constantly falling from the huge glacier front - a sight that has to be seen to be believed, and the comfortable viewing decks of the Ocean Albatros provide the best possible platform for this. From here, we continue south in the evening towards Ilulissat, the largest town in Disko Bay.

Day 9: Ilulissat the iceberg capital of the world
There is probably no other town in the world that is located in such a spectacular natural setting. Today you will discover Ilulissat, known as the 'iceberg capital of the world'. Just a short walk from the harbor is the Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland's most famous attraction. The Ilulissat Icefjord is dotted with city-sized icebergs that are so close together 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 of Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland ice sheet and producing 10% of all the ice in the northern hemisphere. These breathtaking figures and the indescribably beautiful landscape have led to the Ilulissat Icefjord being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cafés and restaurants in Greenland's third largest city serve freshly caught seafood and there are excellent shopping opportunities. Especially recommended is the artist's workshop above the harbor, where you can buy handmade artwork 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 to suit all abilities. During the visit, you have the opportunity to take part in a boat trip to 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. Please note that the boat and flight excursions to the ice fjord are not included in the general tour price - booking on request. In the evening you can round off this exciting day, perhaps on the outside deck with a spectacular view.

Day 10: The settlement of Itilleq
After a hearty breakfast, you will visit Itilleq, which means "the place that crosses the sea". The settlement is located at the foothills of the mountains and fjords that line the hinterland of Central Greenland, north of the Arctic Circle, and is one of the many small villages that dot the Greenland coast. Although 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. The local highways are the water and the ice, and the sea and the tundra feed the locals as they have done for thousands of years. Experience traditions at first hand and life in one of the most extreme places on earth. After an eventful excursion, you return on board. The ship heads slightly south and reaches the 160 km long Kangerlussuaq Fjord.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq and return flight
During the night, the ship crosses the 160-kilometre-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After a final breakfast on board, you will say goodbye to the ship's crew, the expedition team and your fellow travelers before going ashore in the Zodiacs. Your journey ends with the flight to Copenhagen.

Arrival:
This voyage begins with embarkation in Reykjavík. On the last day of the trip, the package ends with the flight from Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen.

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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