Southern Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic 40% Discount

Immerse yourself in the adventure of South Greenland, where majestic alpine peaks and remote ridges await you. This expedition begins in Reykjavík, Iceland, offering you the opportunity to explore Greenland's impressive landscape from the air. On board the Ultramarine, experience remarkable heli-hiking and flight adventures while discovering Greenland's cultural highlights with local partners. Be impressed by the world's second-largest ice mass, the Greenland Ice Sheet, and enjoy activities suitable for all fitness levels and interests. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kujataa and learn about the fascinating connection between Inuit and Viking cultures. This journey promises a unique experience you shouldn't miss.
 

Itinerary: South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic

 
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. Once you have settled in, you will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Reykjavik, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers a myriad of opportunities for discovery. Whether you choose to wander through the charming streets, visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, or perhaps indulge in some local cuisine at one of the many delightful eateries, the city is yours to explore at your leisure. Take this time to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Reykjavik, where modernity meets tradition, and every corner holds a new adventure waiting to be uncovered.
 
Day 2: Fly to Nuuk
In the morning after breakfast, guests and their luggage will be taken to the airport for their charter flight to the Greenlandic capital Nuuk. This picturesque city with 17,000 inhabitants is located on a fjord, with the impressive Sermitsiaq mountain in the background, providing a fascinating backdrop. After arriving in Nuuk, guests will be taken to their ship to continue their journey. The crossing offers the opportunity to enjoy Greenland's unique landscape and fresh, clear air while preparing for the upcoming adventure.
 
Day 3 to 5: From Nuuk to the Westlands
The journey leads along Greenland's spectacular west coast towards the Westlands. Following in the footsteps of the Greenlandic Norsemen into the western fjords, it's easy to understand why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name: In every direction, visitors are rewarded with views of blue, ice-strewn waters stretching before an impressive backdrop of lush green valleys and blooming meadows. Unique in Greenland and indeed in the entire Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. The South Greenlandic agricultural traditions, dating back to the Viking era, are still kept alive. Many families farm their remote sheep farms along the fjord shores, their lives closely tied to the seasons, while producing a variety of organically grown products such as potatoes, beets, and kale. Also in the west, we find the perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which we will reach by helicopter. You will enjoy the most impressive views of the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere and the second largest in the world, stretching from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the few people to ever stand on this remarkable ice body during our included Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. In these two days, you will have the opportunity to explore the ice sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the azure, ice-filled waters, and engage with our local friends and partners during the most meaningful and profound community experiences offered on a Quark Expeditions journey. Guests will learn more about the history and culture of this region at the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, which represents a living history lesson in Viking agriculture. We hope to offer you the opportunity to visit the charming Qassiarsuk, a small sheep farm settlement across the fjord from Narsarsuaq, where you can experience the true hospitality of South Greenland and gain insights into the fascinating life of the sheep farmers on the edge of the ice sheet. We recommend taking the time to explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlíð, the estate of Erik the Red, which was once the epicenter of the Greenlandic Norse Eastern Settlement.
 
Day 6 to 8: Arctic Patagonia
The stunning maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets, and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland’s most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the 100-km long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)—one of the world’s most scenic fjords—will be truly memorable. Guests can then look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea, and stunning vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts. The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. We hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), to introduce you to our friends and partners there. We hope to offer you the opportunity to listen to their stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator. If you are looking for the most iconic peaks of South Greenland, you’ll be in your glory when we reach the Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what’s known as “Arctic Patagonia,” where guests can sign up for overnight camping (with local hosts) along the 70-km fjord. Marvel at the impressive Sermeq glacier at its head with rivers of ice tumbling almost down to sea level, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter-enabled excursions.
 
Day 9 to 11: The Wild East & Journey Back to Nuuk (Northbound)
We set off for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, including the Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name Kangerlussuatsiaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of Paleo-Inuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these remote fjords, living off the land and surviving mainly on the resources the sea provided, before European explorers and the subsequent establishment of settlements triggered one of the largest migration waves in Greenland. Traces of these once proud peoples can still be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep-walled mountains. These fjords are frequently visited by marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are possible as they drift down on ice floes driven by the East Greenland Current from the north. Humpback whales are often spotted as they enter the fjords, as the shallower seas bring nutrients to the surface. While keeping an eye out for wildlife, the magnificent alpine terrain invites us to explore it—by water, land, and air, to fully immerse ourselves in the remote ice landscapes of the region. The wild east is ideal for helicopter landings and hikes, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings.
 
Day 12: Disembarkation, Explore Nuuk, Flight to Reykjavik
After breakfast, guests will be taken from the pier into the city. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the streets of the historic district of Old Nuuk and visit the Hans Egede Church and the Hans Egede Statue near the waterfront. There is also the opportunity to visit the Greenland National Museum and Archives to explore the collections and exhibitions and gain a deeper understanding of Greenland's cultural heritage. Particularly noteworthy is the significance of the kayak, considered a national symbol of Greenland, with a history that can be traced back over 4,000 years. Another highlight is the viewing of the famous 500-year-old Greenlandic mummies. After a half-day of exploration in Nuuk, guests will meet at a designated location in the city to transfer to the airport for their charter flight to Reykjavik.
 
Day 13: Depart Reykjavik
After a restful night in your included hotel, make your way to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight or continue your independent explorations of Reykjavik at your leisure. Take the opportunity to further discover the charming capital of Iceland, whether through a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets or a visit to one of the many interesting museums and galleries. You might also want to enjoy the local cuisine at one of the numerous restaurants or simply soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the city. Whether you choose to continue your journey or stay longer, Reykjavik offers a wealth of opportunities to make your stay special.
 
 
Further Information: This expedition offers various length options ranging from 13 to 14 days.
 
Discover the impressive beauty of South Greenland and experience remarkable adventures in a unique environment. Demand is high, and many departures are already sold out. Contact us now to plan your trip and secure a spot for this extraordinary experience!
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