Exploring the Garden of Greenland (Eastbound)

Gateway to the Greenlandic Arctic

Arrive in Nuuk, Greenland’s compact capital, set along a deep fjord system framed by rugged mountains. Despite its small scale, the city is a vibrant centre of modern Greenlandic life.   

If time allows, we’ll explore this fascinating city. Nuuk is also where you start to feel the essence of the Arctic: ice, sea, and the mountainous peaks of Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat.    

Once on board, meet the Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and enjoy your first dinner on board.

Fjords, glaciers, and ghostly mining towns

The stretch of coast between the fjord systems of southern Greenland and Nuuk is as wild as can be. Long distances separate the few scattered settlements. Although the climate is still mild by Arctic standards, the topography is rough, segmented by high mountain ranges half covered by ice and cut through by deep turquoise fjords. With very few inside passages, travelling here has been a challenge since ancient times. And it still is. Mother Nature is in charge here, meaning it's the perfect adventure playground for modern explorers. 

On our way north, and always adapted to the local conditions, we’ll get to know the landscapes of the so-called Mellembygden: the Middle Settlement of the Norse settlers.  

We'll also look for the ghostly mining town of Ivittuut, where cryolite, once vital to aluminium production, was mined for over a century. And we'll sail into great fjords carved out over millennia by massive glaciers cascading down from the ice cap.

Discover ice-carved landscapes, Norse heritage, and remote communities

Over the next four days we fully embrace expedition mode, navigating South Greenland's maze of channels and scenic fjords. Local weather and ice conditions will determine where and when we land, but the Captain and Expedition Team know these waters well and will seek out the best the region has to offer. 

Southern Greenland's rugged mountain ranges tower above scattered green meadows and fjords, a landscape sculpted by ice over billions of years. The Norsemen settled here over a thousand years ago, drawn by the same beauty, though harsh conditions eventually drove them away after just four centuries. Today this vast, mostly unpopulated wilderness offers a rare sense of tranquillity. We may visit Norse ruins at Brattahlíð, step ashore in colourful Qaqortoq with its beautiful lake, or simply gaze in wonder at the spectacular mountainous scenery unfolding around us.

In the wake of Vikings

We leave Greenland behind and sail to Iceland across the Denmark Strait. These days at sea offer a time to relax and reflect on the memories you’ve made along the way. Perhaps keep watch for whales and seabirds from the deck, share stories with fellow travellers in the Explorer lounge, or enjoy the wellness facilities.  

The Expedition Team will also give final talks and presentations to wrap up the voyage.

Disembark in Reykjavík

Your expedition ends in Reykjavik, a city that rewards a longer look. Stroll Laugavegur for independent shops and coffee, take in the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, or lose an afternoon in the city's galleries and museums. If you can, we highly recommend staying an extra night.  

This marks the end of your time with us for now, but we hope it won't be the last.