Greenland Explorer

Hallgrímskirkja Church stands tall over Reykjavik, a lively city celebrated for its Nordic cuisine, distinctive museums, and vibrant shopping scene. After completing safety briefings, the voyage begins as you set sail toward East Greenland.

The Denmark Strait, a narrow stretch of water between Iceland and Greenland, is alive with abundant marine life. Head to the outer decks with the Expedition Team to spot wildlife along the way. As the ship nears Greenland, the team will share insights into the region’s ecology, geology, and wildlife, along with essential briefings on Zodiac operations and polar bear safety in the remote wilderness.

Tasiilaq is East Greenland’s largest settlement, sitting on rugged Ammassalik Island. Isolated from European contact until its founding as a trading post in 1894, it preserves the unique culture of the Tunumiit people. Once home to Greenland’s last shamans, Tasiilaq is the origin of the tupilak, a feared magical creature – now a celebrated art form. Visitors can meet sled dogs (with owners’ permission), experience drum dancing, hike tundra meadows, and visit the famous Stunk Artist’s Workshop.

During the morning, approach Ikateq, also known as Bluie Two East – a haunting remnant of the American military presence on Greenland during the Second World War. Marvel at the remains of this vital airbase, untouched since it was abandoned in 1947. In the afternoon, reposition to Kuummiit – a small village deep in the calm waters of Ammassalik Fjord. Here, you have a chance to connect with the friendly locals and experience East Greenlandic culture in one of the country’s most beautiful and welcoming villages.

The next stop is the breathtaking Sermilikfjord – a vast ice-choked fjord which drains the colossal Helheim Glacier. Armadas of vast icebergs drift from the Greenland Ice Sheet out into the North Atlantic, creating one of the most spectacular natural sights on Earth. Join your Expedition Team on a Zodiac cruise and marvel at the gigantic icebergs, natural ice sculptures tens of thousands of years in the making!

Today, explore Skjoldungen, a stunning fjord on Greenland’s southeast coast, known to locals as Saqqisikuik. Once visited by Inuit and briefly settled in the 20th century, it is now remote and uninhabited. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks, highlights include Thryms Glacier and the valley of Dronning Marie Dal. Weather permitting, may land to explore or cruise by the glacier.

In the morning, sail through spectacular Prins Christian Sund, a 60 km iceberg-filled strait linking East and West Greenland. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and valleys, it’s one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. By afternoon, reach Aappilattoq, a small, remote village beneath granite cliffs, known for its traditional lifestyle, scenic hiking, and famous local choir.

Next, cruise through Tunulliarfik Fjord to Qassiarsuk, a lush village known for sheep farming and its rich Norse history. Founded in 1924, the modern village sits on the site of Erik the Red’s 10th-century farm, Brattahlíð. Legend has it that his wife Thjodhild refused to join her pagan husband’s bed until he built her a church – the first in the Americas. In the afternoon, hike from nearby Itilleq to Igaliku and the ruins of Garðar, the seat of Norse Greenlandic power.

From South Greenland, sail north along the rugged coast. Nearly all of Greenland’s settlements lie on the western coast, facing the Davis Strait. Warm Atlantic currents enrich these waters, attracting whales, seals, human hunters, and many seabirds—so keep an eye out during the day at sea!

Home to 20,000 residents, Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, offers culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. Inhabited since 2200 B.C. by Paleo-Inuit and later by Norse settlers, Nuuk is now Greenland’s cultural and political center, featuring the Parliament, National Museum (home of the Qilakitsoq mummies), Katuaq cultural center, local art shops, and cozy cafés. Affectionately known as “Nuuk York” by locals, it stands as a singular blend of the ancient and the contemporary.

On the final full day of voyage, arrive in Kangaamiut, a village where traditional hunting, fishing, and weather shape daily life. Guests can hike for panoramic views and enjoy a warm cultural welcome with local crafts, food, and performance. In the afternoon, venture into Evighedsfjorden—“The Eternity Fjord”—by Zodiac, cruising past majestic glaciers and dramatic bird cliffs, a thrilling and unforgettable finale to the Arctic voyage. 

As the journey concludes, sail up the 160 km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and disembark by Zodiac. Though Kangerlussuaq is more known for its Cold War-era military roots and role as a transport hub than cultural heritage, its surrounding wilderness offers striking natural beauty – the perfect place to end the thrilling expedition.