Day 1
Reykjavik
Embark at the capital of Iceland amidst natural beauty
Our expedition begins in Iceland, giving you a chance to spend an entire day in Reykjavik to visit geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths. This northernmost capital is characterised by its natural beauty and breath-taking springs. Why not book a Pre-Programme with us and spend some extra days discovering Iceland’s famed Golden Circle, a circuit of natural highlights including waterfalls, national parks and geysers. Later in the evening board your ship MS Fridtjof Nansen for the next part of your journey, where we welcome you with briefings and a dinner!
Day 2-3
At sea
As we sail the Irminger sea, enjoy beautiful sunset or dolphins bouncing by, from deck
We leave Iceland behind and set sail for the Irminger Sea. You will get a chance to see the scenic views of the Denmark Strait which was used by the Vikings to cross the sea. Enjoy the beautiful sunset or the dolphins bouncing with the waves as MS Fridtjof Nansen takes you to the next part of the journey. You’ll have time to relax, get to know your Expedition Team, and check out the onboard facilities of MS Fridtjof Nansen – your state-of-the-art hybrid-powered cruise ship. In the Science Center there will be lectures on a range of topics, preparing you for the adventure ahead. While you’re there, check out the library and the scientific equipment that’s there for you to make use of throughout the voyage.
They’ll also take you through important guidelines from AECO, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. You'll learn how you can help protect wildlife habitats, and the best ways to keep a safe distance from animals and birds so as not to disturb them. Furthermore, they’ll fill you in on the protocol for visiting indigenous Arctic communities in a dignified and respectful way.
Mingle with your fellow travelers during activities or simply relax at the explorer lounge, watching for wildlife outside.
Day 4
Qaqortoq
We arrive at the first town of Greenland, and explore on foot
Today we arrive to the town of Qaqortoq which is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colourful houses. It is also the biggest town in South Greenland and easy to explore on foot. Enjoy the beautiful lush green scenery on a walk to a nearby lake. You’ll experience the warmth of the local people first-hand as we are invited into a home for a traditional kaffemik social celebration. Kaffemik is a Greenlandic tradition where you’ll hear stories about the lives of the folks living here, accompanied by lots of cakes, local dishes and pots of coffee. You won’t want to say goodbye!
For a potted look at the history of Qaqortoq, drop into the town’s museum. Inside, you’ll find local Inuit artifacts, as well as natural curiosities such as seal skins and stuffed polar bears, as well as artworks. Before you leave, walk up to one of the bluffs overlooking town where you’ll be treated to an incredible view over the bay.
Feel free to explore this town on your own as the ship docks here whole day, or join one of the excursions to get even more insight into the local culture of this quaint and beautiful town.
Included Activity : Qaqortoq Community Visit
Remote communities seldom visited by travellers don’t have the typical tourist-related infrastructure common in bigger ports.
Off the beaten track don’t expect professional guides, tour buses, or fancy souvenir shops, but this is precisely the charm of these isolated settlements. In these places, we will likely land in small expedition boats, meet the representatives of the community at the landing site, and be guided by locals eager to show us the best of their villages.
We may get the chance to enjoy a singing or dance performance, a taste of local food, or a craft demonstration, visit a small museum, enter a church, see the social centre, or stroll through the local market. Whatever they prepare for us, be sure that it will be a unique experience prepared from the bottom of their hearts.
Practical information:
Remarks/requirements: Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers according to weather.
Walking information: At guests' discretion, walking over paved surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes.
Included: Food tastings.
Language: English.
Difficulty : Moderate - some mobility needed
Duration : 1 - 2 hours
Day 5
Kvanefjord Area - Exploration Dat
Visit local communities, go on walks, kayak or sight for wildlife as we cruise the west coast to discover new sites
The journey gets more exciting as we take the opportunity to explore Kvanefjord area near Paamiut by sailing deep into the fjord. We’ll spend the day exploring this amazing waterway, and the Captain together with the Expedition Team will seek out places where it might be possible to head ashore or set out in the expedition boats to take a closer look at the sculpted glacier ice and landscapes. There will be opportunities for scouting out wildlife, either from the boats or on land, or perhaps we’ll be able to stretch our legs and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a nature walk, depending on the weather and ice conditions.
Few people venture into this remote fjord, and we can expect the unexpected on this expedition day as we head into the heart of what is still a relatively unexplored region. Trust the Expedition Team to find the best spots, and let them guide you on a true adventure!
As we cruise into the fjord, you’ll see the fascinating bergs and semi-submerged pieces of glacier ice – pure white with undertones of cool crystalline blue. These floating works of art are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations, and yet they seem so ephemeral and delicate as they glide gracefully past. Get your camera out and capture some of the exquisite beauty – this is but our first taste of Greenland’s sublime west coast fjords.
As possible, we will also try to launch kayaks for better exploration of the water and even look for wildlife. We also will visit some communities for better understanding of the culture of the local place.
Included Activity : Kvanefjord Exploration Day
Explorers have no certainties, but the ability to adapt and the will to discover. Dealing with uncertainty and learning to take advantage of it is the very essence of any expedition.
Sailing off the beaten track in waters seldom visited, even modern expedition ships have to face challenges that ancient explorers had faced for centuries. Coasts without natural harbours, anchorages exposed to wind and swell, beaches washed by surf, or sudden changes on the weather conditions, determined in the past and still determine the course today, the landings and achievements of the expedition.
Included Activity : Kvanefjord Exploration Day
On our Exploration Days, flexibility and adaptation to the ever-changing circumstances of the environment are the order of the day. That’s when explorers get the best out of themselves, when Hurtigruten’s years of experience in remote waters combine to generate extraordinary plans at the pace imposed by nature.
Trust us, enjoy the feeling of uncertainty, and experience a day of pioneer-style exploration!
Day 6
Maniitsoq - Half Day
Explore the "Venice of Greenland", with rocky hills and unique shaped mountains
We arrive today in Maniitsoq, the Venice of Greenland, which gets this name because of the natural canals flowing through the town. Unlike Venice, Italy, you won’t see any gondolas here, but you might spot pods of humpback whales from the shore. Founded in 1755, this town is also known as ‘The Uneven Place’ as it has rocky hills and mountains shaping its unique layout. You will get an opportunity to explore the beauty of this hilly town with beautiful seafront views. Visit the town’s museum to get an insight of the history of this town.
Nowadays, Maniitsoq is the sixth largest town in Greenland and welcomes travellers from around the world. It’s a friendly place, and locals will be more than happy to chat and welcome you to their peaceful town. There’s also a couple of restaurants here, if you fancy a local bite to eat. Situated beside a bay, the town stands at the mouth of a fjord and attracts anglers, skiers and adventurers from afar. What’s more, there are awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains from any vantage point you care to look out from.
Included Activity: Maniitsoq Community Visit
Remote communities seldom visited by travellers don’t have the typical tourist-related infrastructure common in bigger ports.
Off the beaten track don’t expect professional guides, tour buses, or fancy souvenir shops, but this is precisely the charm of these isolated settlements. In these places, we will likely land in small expedition boats, meet the representatives of the community at the landing site, and be guided by locals eager to show us the best of their villages.
We may get the chance to enjoy a singing or dance performance, a taste of local food, or a craft demonstration, visit a small museum, enter a church, see the social centre, or stroll through the local market. Whatever they prepare for us, be sure that it will be a unique experience prepared from the bottom of their hearts.
Practical information:
Remarks/requirements: Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers according to weather.
Walking information: At guests' discretion, walking over paved surfaces.
Language: English.
Duration : 1-2 hours
Day 7
Sisimiut - Full Day
Visit the second largest town of Greenland comprising of just 5600 people
Sisimiut, the second largest town in Greenland, with a population of only 5,600 stands just 40 km from the Arctic Circle. The town name in Greenlandic means "the people living in a place where there are fox dens” in reference to the many Arctic fox burrows that can be found just outside town. Another animal local to the area is the musk ox whose fur is used to make a local fabric called qiviut – said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool. You might like to pick up a qiviut scarf, hat, or mittens while you’re here.
The community subsists on fishing, with a large fleet of trawlers, a shipyard and a fish factory prominent in the town. Set in lovely, rolling countryside at the foot of a steep hill, Sisimiut offers exciting excursion that require a reasonable level of fitness. Our visit will focus largely on sites around the harbour. Our Expedition team will be at your disposal at different locations in the settlement to guide you along as you explore. Watch local artists sculpt jewelry and crafts from bone, leather and metal, or taste Greenlandic specialities in a local restaurant. The popular Restaurant Nasaasaaq in Hotel Sisimiut does takeaways – it’s probably the only place you’re ever likely to find a musk ox and reindeer pizza!
Included Activity : Sisimiut Community Visit
Enjoy a visit to Sisimiut, the second largest town in Greenland. Visit the old town center, now Sisimiut museum, walk through the whalebone gates and learn about the local history and culture. We also recommend that you stop by the local Arts & Craft workshop, the pieces you find her are unique. There will be local guides stationed around the town to provide insight into the traditional and modern way of life in Sisimiut.
Practical information:
Remarks/requirements: Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers according to weather.
Walking information: At guests' discretion, walking over paved surfaces.
Language: English.
Level : Moderate - some mobility needed
Day 8
Ilulissat - Full Day
Join a guided walk to the Icefjords and wonder at the amazing hues of midnight sun
Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. Just outside the town, at the mouth of the fjord, you can often see enormous icebergs that have run aground. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere. These mighty icebergs are unique and no two are alike. Marvel at how they change from white and blue to shades of orange and red when the iceberg surface is struck by the midnight sun. They really are a photographer's dream. Hear the icebergs’ soundtrack of cracking and rumbling, as the sounds echo from one end of Ilulissat to the other. The expedition team will guide you on a walk to the icefjords.
For those feeling more energetic to explore the rest of the town on their own, other Expedition team members will be at your disposal at points of interest. A short but beautiful hike will take you to the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut on the northern shore. People lived here from around 4,000 years ago, and the hamlet was excavated as recently as 1983. Walk there along a route that runs partly along a road and partly upon a wooden boardwalk. The view across the ice fjord from Sermermiut is stunning, making this short trek a real must.
Included Activity : Walk to the Icefjords
Experience the breath-taking view of the icefjord.
- Enjoy hiking in spectacular surroundings.
- Great views of the Jakobshavn Glacier and Ilulissat Icefjord with its many icebergs.
- See the remains of the old settlement of Sermermiut
- See abundant colorful local flora.
When you're in Ilulissat you won't forget that you have a dynamic and gigantic ice sculpture gallery waiting for you just outside the town since, even though you might not be able to see, you can almost always hear the ice cracking in the distance. So why not have a closer look at these beautiful ice giants waiting for us in the icefjord? Even though most of the icebergs come from the fasted moving glaciers in the world getting a close-up view of the icefjord will slow the world down for you and leave you humbled. Walk with us to enjoy this World Heritage natural site. The hike takes you by the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut and old Inuit graves, now overgrown by the lush flora.
Practical information:
Walking information: The last 1,5 km is on a wooden boardwalk. Short steepish rock sections toward the end.
Wheelchair accessible: Not suitable for wheelchair users after the end of the boardwalk – until then possible.
Language: English.
Level : Active - good mobility needed
Duration : 2-3 hours
Day 9
Vaigat Sound - Exploration Day
Enjoy another day of exciting discoveries as we reach northernmost point of the journey
We now arrive at the northernmost point in our journey. There are several excellent landing sites in the Vaigat Sound, all of them offering access to untamed landscapes and the chance to get down on your knees and inspect the Arctic flora up close. Our experienced Captain and Expedition Team will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify the best landing sites and plan our day activity.
The Vaigat Sound is a remote, beautiful and sometimes misty strait connecting Disko Bay and Baffin Bay. When you land on the shore, it’ll feel like you’re one of the first people to ever walk in that part of the world. Perhaps you will be. At Camp Freida, for example, you can trek across the tundra and get a closer look at the way a glacier moves down the saddle between two mountains.
Just as elsewhere around Disko Bay, there’s a chance of wildlife sightings. Several species of whale inhabit in the waters here, including orcas and bowheads, as well as four types of seal: harp, hooded, bearded and ringed.
Perhaps we will take our expedition boats and explore some of the more inaccessible parts of the shore, or maybe – if the waters are favourable – we can venture out in kayaks between the growlers and the icebergs. Otherwise, we’ll head ashore at one of our other locations to photograph the scenery, collect samples for the Science Center, or something else entirely.
It will be local conditions that determine the final programme and the range of activities offered by the Expedition Team, but you can be sure whatever you do will be fun, interesting and adventurous. At the end of today the Captain will turn MS Fridtjof Nansen around and we will commence our southward journey.
Included Activity : Vaigat Sound Exploration Day
- A day of adventure
- Chances of observing wildlife
Exploration Activity, there is no certainty of what you will see, but whatever you discover will be a surprise
Day 10
Evighed Fjord (Eternal Fjord)
An exploration day where the conditions of the area would determine activities
Today will be a raw exploration with the team in Evighed Fjord which is also known as the eternal fjord and its sheer beauty really will inspire the feeling that you’ve voyaged into a dreamlike realm that could go on forever. Feeding this magnificent fjord is an ice cap that spews colossal white chunks of ice into the cold waters, which then emerge as bergs. Around us are some of the highest mountains in West Greenland with peaks reaching up to 6,600 ft.
Sometimes the mountains are cloaked with mist and only their black skirts are showing, lending an even more ethereal feel to this magical place. The glacier meets the water as a series of crenelated white ridges, punctuated by enchanting crystal blue ice caves. Seen from above, deep fissures harbour tinted blue lakes that look like coloured glass beads. It’s the kind of glacier and fjord combo that should be set to classical music.
This fjord is surrounded by mountains which are as high as 2000 meters (6000ft). Depending on the conditions of the area, activities will be considered and offered after determining safety factors. Of course, we’ll remain on the lookout for wildlife, whether in the form of whales, seabirds or land mammals, and aim to set out on foot on a nature walk. On exploration days like this, our guests often do or see things that many other haven't before!
Included Activity: Evighet Fjord Exploration Day
- Stunning scenery
- Icebergs
- A day of adventure
Exploration Activity, there is no certainty of what you will see, but whatever you discover will be a surprise
Day 11
Nuuk - Full Day
Wander around the capital of Greenland located in a fjord
Today we invite you to explore Nuuk, the vibrant capital of Greenland which is located in one of the most prominent fjords of the world. This city is a mix of old and new traditions with historic buildings in `Kolonihavnen´ to the modern centre for Greenland Self Rule. You can also visit the National museum which features many famous mummies of Qilakitsoq. The expedition team will take you on a visit to the National Museum to see some special artefacts.
We’ll also be offering a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene as part of an optional excursion. As you follow a path formed by old reindeer tracks, you’ll be treated to splendid views of the Greenlandic coast and will pass by a small lake and some natural springs.
There’s a range of eateries in Nuuk to satisfy all tastes, some of them featuring local delicacies such as musk ox, seal soup and snow crab. If you’d rather just have a coffee, there are several excellent cafés that serve hot drinks and snacks such as burgers and Danish pastries.
The rest of the town is yours to explore, and our team of experts will guide you to points of interests.
Included Activity : Nuuk Grand Experience
We welcome you to Greenlandic Mask Dance, choir and tasting at the beautiful Cultural House Katuaq in Nuuk.
- Cultural experience – Greenlandic mask dance
- Local choir with Greenlandic songs
- Delicious local tasting and locally brewed beer
- Beautiful architecture
Nuuk welcomes you to a different Greenlandic experience. We have gathered the best all in one place - near the city center and Colonial harbor. So within walking distance to the most important sights in Nuuk. During this event you will be able to experience a Greenlandic mask Dance (10min) with a explanation and story behind the dance after (total 20 min). After the show you will be able to enjoy a tasting with locally caught food and locally brewed beer, all while the local choir sings 3 songs. All this will be happening in Katuaq - Nuuks cultural center, which was opened in 1997. The architecture was inspirered by the wavy Nothern lights, icebergs and the play of light on ice and snow.
Level : Easy
Duration : 2-3 hours
Day 12
Ivittuut - Half day
See the many musk oxen of this long time abandoned town
On this part of the journey we bring you to the abandoned town of Ivittuut which has many musk oxen. It is believed that more than a thousand years ago the Vikings settled here but left no written records. According to the local folklore, this was the last Norse settlement in Greenland and the first to be abandoned. You will get a chance to visit the many abandoned houses, the rocky landscape and wildlife of this amazing town as we explore the town for half a day. It’s an unforgettable experience visiting Ivittuut, and the abandoned buildings and lonely cemetery contrast starkly with the surrounding natural beauty. Wander around these eerie yet photogenic ruins today and you’ll see decaying structures and scattered, rusting machinery. It’s difficult to imagine how crucial this small outpost was at a key point in our history.
Included Activity : Ivittuut Landing
Explore the fascinating ghost town of Ivittuut.
- Visit a ghost town
- Photo opportunities
- Chance of observing Muskox
- Nature Landing with our Expedition boats
It’s an unforgettable experience visiting Ivittuut, and the abandoned buildings and lonely cemetery contrast starkly with the surrounding natural beauty. Wander around these eerie yet photogenic ruins today and you’ll see decaying structures and scattered, rusting machinery.
Practical information:
Remarks/requirements: Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers according to weather.
Walking information: At guests' discretion. Rocky, uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: No.
Language: English.
Duration : 1-2 hours
Level : Moderate - some mobility needed
Day 13
Prins Christian Sund Region
Another day of raw exploration where conditions of the area determine activities of the day
Today is another raw exploration day as we arrive the region of Prince Christian Sound which separates mainland Greenland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago. If the conditions are favourable, we shall sail through the narrow channel which will give you the most scenic imagery of sunsets and lofty peaks. Be prepared to witness at some of the most incredible panoramas on the planet as we cruise into Prince Christian Sound. The 60-mile waterway is surrounded by sharp-peaked granite mountains, some reaching up to 7,200 ft. in height. Marvel at the maze of geological patterns in the rock faces, from deep cracks and crevasses to lines of black lichen that seem to seep from the mountain like paint.
The muted greys and rusted greens of the mountains stand in contrast to the bright white of the glaciers. These slow-moving ice masses grind their way from the enormous Greenlandic Ice Sheet and flow straight into the sound, calving white-blue icebergs of all sizes, shades, and shapes. You’ll understand why 15th century Italian explorer John Cabot famously described Prince Christian Sound as ‘a river of melted ice’.
There are only two signs of human life here: the weather station built by the US during WWII and now used by civil aviation, and the colourful houses of the 100-strong fishing and hunting village of Aappilattoq, which when translated from Greenlandic means ‘Sea Anemone’. You may see ringed seals and bearded seals on the ice, while the likes of Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots nest in the steep cliffs. Minke and humpback whales may make an appearance too, although they tend not to swim into the narrow stretches of the sound, preferring the wider sections at the entrance.
Navigating Prince Christian Sound is only possible in summer when the sea ice is less. If the channel is blocked by ice, we will instead sail towards Nunap Isua, otherwise known as Cape Farewell, the splendid southernmost point of Greenland.
Included Activity : Prins Christian Sund Exploration Day
- Navigating the icy landscape of Prins Christian Sund
- Dramatic scenery
- Chances of observing wildlife
Exploration Activity, there is no certainty of what you will see, but whatever you discover will be a surprise
Day 14-15
Irminger sea
On our way back to Iceland, recap your memories, and listen to Viking stories that crossed the route
We spend approximately the next 2 days sailing the The Denmark Strait that connects the Greenland Sea to the Erminger 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. The Denmark Strait was also a WWII battleground, with the Royal Navy and German Kriegsmarine battling on the 24th of May 1941. The British battle ship HMS Prince of Whales fought the largest German battle ship, the Bismarck, which was attempting to reach the North Atlantic in order to attack the allied merchant marine.
These and many such historic facts will be shared by our expedition team as they organise lectures and activities at the science center to keep everyone engaged. Now that we reach last few days of our journey, share your memories with fellow travelers and step out on the deck to see the birds that accompany our way.
Day 16
Reykjavik
Our expedition ends with our arrival back to this capital
We will arrive early in the morning in the beautiful capital of Iceland. For those feeling more curious, can add one of our Post-programmes to extend their trip or explore the country more before heading home.
Greenland
