Deep Greenland Expedition: Glaciers, Fjords, and the Disko Bay Circuit

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided. Specific hotel and location to be announced

Before embarkation, travel from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq on a Swan Hellenic–arranged charter flight, providing a convenient transfer to the start of your expedition.

Board your expedition ship in Kangerlussuaq and begin your voyage through the remote landscapes of Antarctica.

Kangerlussuaq, located at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, was once a WWII airbase. The airport museum presents the area's history and displays Inuit artefacts. The surrounding landscape includes glaciers and tundra, providing habitat for reindeer, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, gyrfalcons, and an estimated 10,000 muskoxen.

The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colorful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland.

Activities:
Open Town Qeqertarsuaq - 1.5 hrs
Embark on a captivating journey to Qeqertarsuaq, nestled on the enchanting Disko Island in Greenland. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of towering mountains and pristine waters. Your adventure continues as you step into the rich tapestry of local culture at the town's museum, where you explore its exhibits and uncover the fascinating history and heritage of this remote island community.

Next, venture towards the historic local church, a beacon of faith amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Admire its architectural splendor and delve into the stories etched within its walls, offering a glimpse into the spiritual essence of the island. As your exploration unfolds, meander through the charming streets adorned with colorful houses and feel the pulse of daily life in this remote outpost as you encounter friendly locals and discover hidden gems around every corner.

Before returning, don't forget to visit the wonderfully charming hotel for a coffee or tea and a slice of local cake. The visit concludes with a traditional polka dance. Enjoy!

Note: The town has paved roads and is quite flat, with few stairs to climb. Walking during this visit covers up to 2–3 km

The word Uummannaq means ‘heart-shaped’ in Greenlandic and refers to the twin-peaked granite mountain shaped like a heart, which covers narly the whole northern half of the island. Folklore has it that a piece of your heart remains on the island forever, calling you back. Sheltered by glaciated mountains, this charming fjord region is referred to as the sunniest spot in Greenland and has been a refuge for Inuit migrations for over 4,500 years
 

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable experts

Once home to one of the world's most strategically significant air bases, Thule sits at the edge of the habitable world — a place where Arctic wilderness and 20th-century history collide. Surrounded by vast frozen landscapes and dramatic coastal scenery, this remote corner of northwest Greenland offers a rare glimpse into a land shaped by ice, wind, and extraordinary human endurance. The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot seabirds, Arctic foxes and marine mammals against a backdrop of glaciers and open sea

One of the northernmost permanently inhabited settlements on Earth, Siorapaluk is home to a small community of Polar Inuit who have called this remote Arctic outpost their home for centuries. Life here revolves around the rhythms of the sea and seasons — dog sledding, hunting and fishing remain central to daily existence. A visit to Siorapaluk offers a rare and humbling encounter with a culture that has thrived at the very edge of the world, maintaining traditions largely unchanged despite the passage of time

The main hub of northwest Greenland, Qaanaaq is the heart of Polar Inuit culture — a small but vibrant community perched above a stunning fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and sea ice. Known as one of the most isolated towns on the planet, it offers an extraordinary window into Arctic life, where dog sleds remain a primary mode of transport and the hunting traditions of the Inuit have been preserved for generations. The landscape around Qaanaaq is breathtaking in scale and silence, with icebergs drifting through the fjord and the possibility of wildlife encounters in every direction

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable experts

Colorful homes dot the hillside of this harbor town. Upernavik's history unfolds at the open-air Upernavik Museum with a church, grocers and original colonial buildings, alongside whale hunting, sea kayaking and Viking and Norse history with the Kingittorsuaq Runestone. To the north, the Upernavik Icefjord is dotted with icebergs. Nearby Apparsuit Island hosts the world's largest seabird cliffs, teeming with black-legged kittiwakes

Eqi Glacier, or Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic, is one of Greenland's largest and most active calving glaciers, spanning nearly 4 km wide and towering over 200 m. Visitors can almost always witness calving, where pieces of ice break off the glacier's face, creating deafening bangs and giant splashes that send waves across the bay. The contrast between thunderous calving and the ensuing silence provides a glimpse of Greenland's dynamic icy landscape
 

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs.

Activities:
Museums of Ilulissat - 3 hrs
Enhance your Arctic adventure with the exclusive museum package in Ilulissat, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and nature. Gain free entrance to the Icefjord Center, where cutting-edge exhibitions unveil the mysteries of the glacier-carved fjord. Visit the Art Museum, showcasing stunning Greenlandic artwork that captures the spirit of the Arctic. Step into the History Museum of Ilulissat, where the legacy of famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen comes to life. Born in Ilulissat, Rasmussen played a crucial role in documenting Inuit culture and exploring the Arctic. His pioneering expeditions shaped the understanding of Greenland and beyond, making his contributions an essential part of the museum’s exhibits. Finally, experience the Sermermiut area, where the UNESCO-protected boardwalks lead you through historic Inuit settlement sites to awe-inspiring fjord panoramas.

A complimentary shuttle bus conveniently connects all locations, ensuring seamless exploration.

Note: Shoes must be removed upon entering the museums. Complimentary slippers are available for your convenience

The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.

Activities:
Local cultural event incl. entrance to the Old Museum area - 1 hr
Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture through a tasting tent offering a selection of local specialties, a singing tent showcasing Greenlandic melodies, and a Greenland Dog presentation highlighting the sled dogs and their cultural significance. Experience the rich heritage, camaraderie, and traditions of Greenland in this unforgettable event.

Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen