Greenland Discovery

In southwestern Iceland, near Faxaflói Bay, lies Reykjavik, the nation's capital. A blend of cosmopolitan energy and charm, its colorful houses paint a picturesque horizon that invites you to linger. The Harpa Concert Hall, a dazzling glass structure, showcases Iceland's modern architectural brilliance, and captivating design enthusiasts. Perched atop Öskjuhlíð Hill, Perlan—once a collection of hot water tanks—has been transformed into a multifaceted landmark featuring an exhibition space, a planetarium, a restaurant, and an observation deck.

Nestled within the stunning landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the small town of Grundarfjörður is home to fewer than 1,000 residents. Its crown jewel, Kirkjufell—meaning "Church Mountain"—invites adventurers to witness Iceland’s breathtaking scenery. Paired with the three-pronged Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, the landscape feels like something out of a fairytale. Strolling through the town center, you’ll come across an unexpected sight—an orca on land. This sculpture, crafted by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson, was inspired by Thunderstorm, a male orca known for delighting visitors on whale-watching tours.

Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Isafjordur, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. Summer months here are brisk, but it’s this cool climate combined with breathtaking and quaint scenery that makes the village feel like an undiscovered treasure. The massive depression among the flat-topped mountains called Naustahvilft – known colloquially as the troll seat – combines Iceland’s natural beauty with the town’s rich folklore. Make a stop at Dokkan Brugghús, the only brewery in the entire Westfjords, and sample the local beers, crafted with naturally filtered spring water from the nearby mountains. For those for whom the sea’s siren call beckons, you must visit the Westfjord History Museum, based on Isafjordur’s maritime heritage and its rise in the fishing industry.

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

In Tasiilaq, vibrant Inuit culture meets the rugged beauty of Greenland’s east coast. Nestled among towering fjords and vast icebound terrains, it offers a unique combination of culture, history, and unforgettable adventure. Here, you’re transported into a world where time-honored traditions are integral to daily life. The spirit of the Inuit people thrives in the colorful houses that dot the landscape and the rhythmic drum dances that narrate centuries-old stories. The small yet captivating Ammassalik Museum unveils the area’s rich history, from ancient hunting tools to kayaks that once glided through icy waters. Engage with the warm local communities renowned for their artisanal crafts and storytelling prowess. The town’s bustling harbor is a hive of activity where fishermen haul the day’s catch, offering a taste of freshly caught Arctic char and other local delicacies. For the adventurous, there may be opportunities for hiking in Flower Valley to breathtaking views, kayaking through serene fjords, or whale watching for humpbacks during their summer migration.

Imagine a land where time stands still, and nature reigns supreme. Skjoldungen Island is your gateway to unparalleled adventure and breathtaking beauty. Nestled in the serene waters of Southeastern Greenland, this pristine haven is an essential landing on your Polar Expedition. As your yacht approaches the enchanting shores, a symphony of wildlife may greet you. Keep your binoculars handy and cameras ready as incredible whales breach the icy waters, displaying a mesmerizing ballet of nature's giants. Witness the elegant dance of kittiwakes, puffins, and Arctic terns soaring gracefully through the crisp, clear air. You might glimpse the elusive Arctic fox stealthily moving through the rugged terrain if you're lucky. A local pod of ringed seals may make their presence known, inspiring awe and wonder. Feel the call of the wild as you traverse landscapes sculpted by time and ice. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you uncover the mysteries hidden within this Arctic jewel.

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 borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may possibly make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in 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 spontaneous exploration as your Captain works with your 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. You also find Mindebronde, Greenland’s oldest fountain in this historic center. 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 has surrounding views of mountain peaks in the distance, making it a favorite among locals and explorers alike. Set within a stunning nature scene, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Inhabited since 1500 BCE and lying off the beaten path amid a scene of wild fjords, the village of Paamiut 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 and is best known for humpback whales, waterfalls, and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and an 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 almost 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.

Sitting near Greenland's impressive Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the village of Kangaamiut is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and expansive glaciers. If you walk down the wooden stairs toward the colorful houses, enjoy the extraordinary view of the fjord made for a postcard. Hike the mountain trails of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, a region filled with Arctic hares, musk oxen, polar foxes, and reindeer. You may find opportunities to water ski and trek in desert lands throughout your explorations. The locals run their businesses within the settlement's hills and are always ready to invite you to learn more about them.

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 and that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. For scientific minds, discover the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility.