Iceland & Greenland: Viking Legends and Wild Fjords

Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Take a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts. Embark National Geographic Explorer.

National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here.

Cross the Denmark Strait and arrive at the mouth of Scoresbysund (the planet’s largest fjord system) in the afternoon. This area is marked by mountains that rise straight out of the sea, glistening tidewater glaciers, and is also a major area to capture the ice calving off from the east side of the Greenland ice cap. Depending on ice conditions explore the area by hiking, Zodiac, and keep an eye out for whales and other marine life.

Explore north over the next two days using the ship's tools for exploration to the fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among the icebergs, deploying the ROV, and setting out on foot to hike. Ace spotters help you search for polar bears. If ice conditions are unrelenting, explore a bit further south, where there are spectacular fjords that are generally ice-free at this time of year.

The ship heads south to follow in the wake of Erik the Red and Brendan the Navigator. Watch for whales and bird life.

The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic ice sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland. The high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. Among the options for exploration are landings at Skoldungen fjord.

Prins Christian Sund is a major fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque little town by the water’s edge.

Explore a remarkable site on the Viking Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the most extensive Norse site in Greenland. The ship then continues to Qaqortoq. Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is still apparent in the colorful wooden buildings and town museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art, and crafts.

Eriksfjord is the area that Erik the Red chose for his farm when he settled here in 982 AD. Explore Brattahlid, site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde. This region is also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son, Leif Eriksson, 500 years before Columbus.

Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq, and the subject of a NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC cover story.

Today is left open for exploration of this rugged coastline. You may take a Zodiac cruise, kayak, or hike across the tundra. Your Undersea Specialist may launch the Remotely Operated Vehicle to see the marine life inhabiting the fjord floor.

Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and after a guided overview of the city, fly to Reykjavík via privately chartered aircraft. Overnight at your fine hotel. 

Have a guided overview of Reykjanes Peninsula and transfer to Keflavik Airport for flights home.