Greenland: Disko Bay & Ilulissat

Day one begins in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s only inland town and a major air hub with a Cold War history. After arrival, guests transfer by Zodiac to Ocean Albatros, settle into their cabins, complete a safety drill, and depart through Kangerlussuaq Fjord with a welcome toast.

Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city, with a population of about 5,400. The area has been inhabited since around 2500 BC, and archaeological remains can be found on nearby Tele Island, accessible by foot. Established as Holsteinsborg in 1756, the town includes historic buildings such as the Blue Church, built in 1775, located in the museum district. Today, Sisimiut serves as an important center for education and industry, with major fish processing facilities and the supply company KNI supporting remote communities. Cultural sites include the Taseralik cultural center, the city museum, and local art workshops, along with opportunities to sample local food.

Qeqertarsuaq is a picturesque town nestled beneath Disko Island’s towering basalt mountains. Once the heart of North Greenland’s whaling economy, the town shifted focus to hunting, fishing, and growing tourism after the industry declined. Qeqertarsuaq’s rich volcanic soil and mild microclimate create uncommonly lush greenery, attracting locals and visitors to its rugged beauty, colorful houses and excellent hiking. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the dramatic coastline of nearby Kuannit by Zodiac, famed for lush tundra, caves, waterfalls, and stunning icebergs, before heading deeper into the heart of Disko Bay.

Eqip Sermia (a descriptive Greenlandic name meaning ‘the Glacier at the End of the Fjord’) is a relatively small glacier for Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river of ice, flowing directly from the Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active, and ice constantly tumbles off the vast glacier-front. If conditions allow, the launch of the fleet of Zodiacs to approach this vast river of ice, and hopefully experience the roar of the glacier’s frequent calvings at sea level (from a safe distance of course)!

Ilulissat—meaning “icebergs” in Kalaallisut—is the stunning Iceberg Capital of the World, home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, accessible on a gentle walk from the harbor. This 70 km fjord leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier outside Antarctica, which drains 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet and produces 10% of the Northern Hemisphere’s icebergs—more than the entire U.S. annual water supply! Founded 280 years ago and the birthplace of legendary Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, rich in culture and adventure. Enjoy fresh local seafood, vibrant markets, and elegant art galleries. The hiking trails around the Icefjord are a must-do for visitors, who may also choose thrilling optional boat or flightseeing tours to witness the raw power of the ice up close.

Itilleq – meaning “the Crossing Place from the Sea” – is a picturesque village nestled among mountains and fjords just north of the Arctic Circle. Located at the edge of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves a rich Inuit hunting heritage dating back thousands of years. Modern colorful houses have replaced turf huts, but locals still rely on Arctic char, reindeer, and muskox, blending tradition with modern life. Warm Greenlandic hospitality welcomes visitors eager to explore this wonderfully homely hamlet.

As your journey concludes, you sail up the 160 km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and disembark by Zodiac after a fond farewell to the Expedition Team and Crew of Ocean Albatros. Though Kangerlussuaq is more known for its Cold War-era military roots and role as a transport hub than its cultural heritage, its surrounding wilderness offers striking natural beauty. Originally built by the U.S. military in the 1950s, the town retains a utilitarian charm. The Arctic adventure ends at the modern airport, with lasting memories of Greenland’s wild landscapes.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.