Greenland Discovery

Located in southwest Iceland near Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavík blends modern culture with small-town charm. Brightly painted buildings line the skyline, offering a distinctive and welcoming cityscape. Visit the Harpa Concert Hall to see striking glass architecture that reflects Iceland’s contemporary aesthetic. On Oskjuhlid hill, explore Perlan, a converted set of water tanks now home to a museum, planetarium, restaurant, and panoramic viewing platform.

Set along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the quiet town of Grundarfjordur is home to just under 1,000 residents and surrounded by dramatic natural beauty. The striking peak of Kirkjufell, or "Church Mountain," stands as a signature landmark, paired with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall to form one of Iceland’s most iconic views. In town, a sculpture of an orca by artist Unnsteinn Gudmundsson pays tribute to a well-known whale named Thunderstorm, often spotted on local whale watching excursions.

Spend the day on the high seas, pampering yourself at the spa, or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Along the southern edge of Greenland sits the awe-inspiring Prince Christian Sound, also known as Prins Christian Sund. Snow-capped mountains on the horizon and the borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in the colorful, yellow, red, and blue, Nordic-style houses. Around the sound, wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of fin, minke, and blue whales, as well as bearded and ringed seals.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

The largest city in southern Greenland is perhaps best known for its open-air “Stone and Man” art exhibition featuring sculptures from some of the country’s most renowned artists built around Qaqortoq’s colonial center. In this historic center, you also find Mindebronde, Greenland’s oldest fountain. Near the town sit the Viking ruins of Hvalsey Church, the last known written records of the Greenlandic Norse who attended a wedding in 1408 BCE. Hot springs are abundant in Greenland, but the outdoor spa on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq comes with surrounding views of mountain peaks in the distance, making it a favorite among locals and explorers alike. Set within a stunning scene of nature, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
 

As a gateway to South Greenland’s Norse ruins of Qassiarsuk and having played an important role among the Allies of World War II, Narsarsuaq holds a rich history. Home of the Greenland Arboretum, find lush hiking trails resplendent with Greenlandic wildflowers in the summer. These paths lead to viewpoints overlooking glaciers that make for a stunning scene. Nearby sits another small town, Igaliku, where you find another old Norse settlement but a more tranquil scenery away from the crowds. From Narsarsuaq, you may access the Greenlandic Ice Sheet by way of the Flower Valley.

Inhabited since 1500 BCE and lying off the beaten path amid a scene of wild fjords, the village of Paamiut truly embodies the essence of exploration. Walking among the colorful houses, you’re likely to find the locals drying seal meat and pelts on racks under their homes. Seek out a local guide from the Paamiut museum who can show you the town’s history, such as the peat houses the Inuit built to keep warm in the winters. As you hike the paths of ancient trails, white-tailed eagles may soar above, and it’s said if you spot one, it will bring luck. From the shores, keep an eye on the horizon, looking for humpback, minke and fin whales that are abundant in the region in the summer.

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name, best known for humpback whales, waterfalls, and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums, and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking can be found most anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural center Katuaq, displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. You may find an opportunity to fish for cod or redfish and have it cooked for you at the gourmet restaurant Qooqqut Nuan.
 

Breathe in the crisp air and set your sights on the untouched beauty of Akulleq, a land where the ice reigns supreme and the mysteries of the Arctic come alive. Nestled in the heart of Greenland, Akulleq invites you to uncover its serene landscapes and rare wildlife. You may catch a glimpse of agile Arctic foxes dashing through the frost or experience the grandeur of breaching humpback whales against a backdrop of floating icebergs. Perhaps some charming harp seals will greet you from their ice floes if you take a Zodiac safari through the pristine waters. If your expedition team takes you and your fellow explorers on a shore landing, you may trek across the unspoiled tundra and witness the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness first-hand. Capture breathtaking images of wildlife and landscapes, possibly under the expert guidance of a seasoned naturalist..

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE - Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

At the end of the Arctic Circle Trail sits Sisimiut, where modern and traditional cultures come together to create a rich tapestry of Greenland’s history. Take a historical hike through Tele Island, known as Sallinnguit, home to the Inuit people for over 4,000 years. Here, ruins from various eras whisper tales of the past. Venture into the wild heart of Sisimiut on an ATV, ready to conquer the rugged terrain that makes this part of Greenland a beacon for adventurous souls. As you amble through the picturesque old town, you’ll be greeted by charming colonial houses that stand as sentinels of history, their colors and architecture narrating stories of bygone times. Stop by a local shop to pick up an authentic muskoxen wool pelt, known as Qiviut, obtained from local hunters.

Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world, Kangerlussuaq is filled with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, crevasses and blue meltwater lakes. Take a possible trek to the remote Russell Glacier, where herds of musk oxen roam free, the Arctic Circle Trail hike begins and you may witness the ice calving with a mighty crack. Back in town at the Kangerlussuaq Museum, you find a look at the town’s modern history, as well as that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. For scientific minds, discover the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility.