Discovering Northern Lights of Greenland

Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norwegian settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning 'Smoky Bay') after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made a profound impression. The surroundings offer fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths that many of our guests explore via one of our pre-programmes before embarking the ship for adventure! Take your time on the first day to settle in in the new city and exploring the surroundings. With an overnight hotel stay here, you can feel free to explore a little before the adventure begins next day in the afternoon, when we board the ship. Once on board, explore the interiors and familiarise yourself with the various spots which promise you great sightings for the coming days! With a welcome briefing, event, safety drills and dinner, we set sailing, with our first chances to spot whales around Faxaflói bay.

We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Denmark Strait to reach Greenland. The Denmark Strait connects the Greenland Sea to the Irminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to South Greenland some 1,000 years ago. They calculated their distance to land by tracking the direction of flight of sea birds. This and many such details are shared by the expedition team via lectures to keep the guests engaged. For those seeking more of the sea, feel free to step out on the decks some friendly dolphins and other sea life accompanying us. Once darkness sets, our chances to spot the northern lights will already begin!

For the next few days, we focus on exploring one of the most pristine areas on earth, that is seldom visited - Scorsby Sund. As we enter the region expect stunning scenery of fjords, coastlines and islands, unlike no other. Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountainsides. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”. While in this region, we will also explore a part of Northeast Greenland National park, the world's largest national park.This vast Arctic landscape is a paradise for hikers who appreciate astounding views of untouched tundra wilderness. Across hillsides emblazoned with autumnal red and yellow, a flash of white reveals the flight of a snowy owl or a startled mountain hare. Tufts of the finest fleece ensnared in polar willows underfoot point the way to a nearby herd of shaggy musk oxen. You may hear the crack of horns colliding as bulls engage in fearsome battles of strength. All throughout the waterways of Scoresby Sund, we are on constant watch for polar bears and other marine mammals, including a variety of seals, walrus and narwhal, which can be spotted at any time. Like any expedition, elements of ice, wind and weather will determine our exact schedule and route. The captain of the ship and expedition leader will continuously adjust the plans, as the conditions and opportunities arise. THE LIGHTS DANCING TO THEIR BEST In September, near the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience. During our exploration from dawn to dusk and beyond, your days will be filled with incredible shore excursions, small boat cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers will live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers will be rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.

After spending some enthralling days in the Scoresby region, we make our way back to Iceland. Day at sea will give you chance to gather around the expedition team as they offer lectures on various interesting topics and organise fun workshops to keep you all engaged. While some people engage themselves in activities, others choose to gather around the lounges for socialising and sharing their most memorable moments. For those who cant get enough of sea, head to the panoramic decks outside to continue spotting some sea birds or even whales!

On this last day of expedition we try to spend some time exploring the the beautiful Vestfirðir (Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors, thus making you among the very few who get to experience the region. As we sail by, you will be amazed to realise that stunning sceneries are yet to be seen! Bird cliffs, jaw dropping coastal fjords, immense mountains, tiny fishing villages, surprise us with their beauty. The Deep fjords that we sail by are home to whales while the estuaries are abound with seals and birdlife.

This is where our explorer voyage comes to an end, and it's time to bid bye to the wonderful crew and friends made during the journey. For those planning to stay back, The stylish capital of Iceland offers visitors a rich urban life, after days of uncivilsation .if you don't feel like heading home just yet, head to the outskirts of city , where you will find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains, with the city hosting fine restaurants, museums and shops for you to explore. We offer drop offs to the city centre for those continuing their journey here, or to the airport for those heading back home.