The town of Kangerlussuaq is more or less only the airport, though the Greenland ice cap “knocking at the door” of the town and colorful houses make it a special place. In the afternoon be welcomed aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Arctic dreams coming true as you slip your moorings and sail out of the picturesque fjord.

Though settlements abound in this part of Greenland, unpredictable weather and dearth of docking facilities nevertheless make this a real expedition. As such, the route and exploration opportunities along this coast are heavily dependent on the weather and ice conditions you encounter. The experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage is taken of the circumstances presented by Nature in this wild and remote region. Possible sites of exploration include:

Qeqertarsuaq – Located on volcanic Disko Island, the small town of Qeqertarsuaq enjoys views of basaltic mountains and the huge icebergs of Disko Bay. Founded in 1773 as a whaling station, Qeqertarsuaq is one of the oldest towns in Greenland. Cultural attractions include a distinctive octagonal church called the “Lord’s Ink Pot”.

Ilulissat – Formerly called Jakobshavn, the town of Ilulissat is best known for unbelievable quantities of icebergs issuing from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, into which one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers calves 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually. Attractions in town include the Inuit Art Museum, which contains a large collection of paintings by Greenlandic, Faroese, and Danish artists.

Sisimiut – Located north of the Arctic Circle, the second largest town in Greenland boasts a youthful, urban vibe and is also is known for adventure sports, especially dog sledding. The Sisimiut Museum offers insight into the local culture and a history of human habitation dating back 4,500 years.

Nuuk – Also known as Godthåb, Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland. It has a population of over 16,000, making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world by population. It is also the world’s northernmost capital, located only a few kilometers further north than Reykjavík. The famous Qilakitsoq mummies can be seen at the Greenlandic National Museum.

Paamiut – The picturesque town of Paamuit has one of Greenland’s finest churches, built in 1909 from wood in the Norwegian style. The area is also known for an abundance of white-tailed eagles.

Narsaq – The colonial sealing and trading port of Narsaq was built in an area formerly inhabited by Vikings. Some of Greenland’s oldest Norse ruins are located nearby. Today the town’s inhabitants farm sheep in the surrounding fertile plains. Narsaq is also home to the Greenland Brewhouse.

Qaqortoq – Formerly called Julianehåb, the town of Qaqortoq is the most populous town in southern Greenland. Colorful historical buildings, such as the former blacksmith shop that now houses the Qaqortoq Museum, reflect the town’s Danish colonial past. Greenland’s oldest fountain and numerous stone sculptures can be found around town.

Hvalsey – The island of Hvalsey is the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. According to the Icelandic Book of Settlements, the farmstead was established in the late 10th century by Erik the Red’s uncle, Thorkell Farserkur. Most impressive among the remains are the walls of an exceptionally well-built stone church.

After your amazing time in West Greenland, head toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by the expert staff, as well as your range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

After breakfast say farewell in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and ending point of your expedition. Be transferred to the international airport or to the city center if you wish to spend another day or more in Iceland before flying home. From Reykjavík the entire country is accessible through day tours or longer journeys by rental car. The options for additional adventures are endless!