Iceland and Greenland Adventure

Located in southwest Iceland along Faxafloi Bay, Reykjavik is the capital and largest city. Walk through streets lined with brightly colored houses set against the coastal backdrop. Explore Harpa Concert Hall, known for its modern glass design and bold architecture. Head to Perlan, once a geothermal water tank, now a museum with exhibits, a planetarium, a restaurant, and a viewing deck on Oskjuhlid hill.

Visit the small town of Grundarfjordur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where fewer than 1,000 people live. See Kirkjufell, a distinct mountain whose name means Church Mountain. Nearby, Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall flows in multiple streams, forming a popular photo spot. Walk through town to find a life-size orca sculpture modeled after Thunderstorm, a whale known to appear during local whale watching tours.

Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Isafjordur, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. The 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 a leisurely day 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.

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 you a taste of freshly caught Arctic char and other local delicacies. For the adventurous, there may be opportunities for hiking 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. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Arctic fox, stealthily moving through the rugged terrain. 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 the 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 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 our 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.

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.

Spend a leisurely day 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.

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..