Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights

Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital and check into your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring. Begin with a visit to Hallgrimskirkja, the massive white Lutheran cathedral. Take the elevator to the top of the steeple and soak in splendid views across Reykjavik. Then, stroll along the commercial thoroughfare of Laugavegur and make your way to the Saga Museum. See displays that offer insight into Iceland’s stirring past. After, you could spend some time at the domed Reykjavik Art Museum, set in the former studio of sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. To unwind, make your way to Sky Lagoon, a scenic geothermal spa, just minutes away from the city center. Enjoy a meal at Apotek Restaurant, which is known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine, to round out your day.

In the morning, you could continue exploring Reykjavik. Stroll along the waterfront to see the iconic Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture that resembles a Viking longship. Nearby, is the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, which changes color throughout the day. Visit The Culture House, home to ‘Points of View’, a permanent exhibition that offers insight into the country’s cultural history. Meander by the water’s edge of the picturesque Lake Tjornin, in the heart of the city. Close by, you’ll find the Parliament House, Reykjavik City Hall and Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat. Check out the Viking souvenir stores along Skolavordustigur and Laugavegur, the city’s two main streets. Both avenues have a mix of clothing stores, cafés and bars. You could also sample a variety of local specialties such as lobster soup, fish stew and the Icelandic hot dogs. Later, head to the cruise terminal and board your expedition ship.

Spend a leisurely day at sea as the ship navigates across the Denmark Strait. This channel is partially within the Arctic Circle, between Iceland and Greenland. Beneath the Denmark Strait is the world’s largest waterfall. Caused by powerful currents and glaciers, it is a series of cataracts that begin 2,000 feet under the strait’s surface and plunge to a two-mile drop. Onboard, the expedition team will make interesting presentations on the area’s geology, ecology and climate. Glide past gigantic icebergs, which drift with the ocean currents and spot black-legged kittiwakes line its peaks and valleys. Soak in dramatic views from the observation deck, and learn about the history and politics of the Denmark Strait, which was also a WWII battleground. As the vessel advances steadily, the naturalists on the ship will be watching for humpback, killer and minke whales that frequent these waters.

Journey through the icy realm of Northeast Greenland’s remote, untamed wilderness, over the next five days. Take Zodiac cruises amid icebergs and explore the majestic landscapes dominated by fjords and massive glaciers. In the vast tundra, search for Arctic wildlife such as the musk ox, reindeer, seals and whales. Travel along the scenic coastline that is home to the world’s largest fjord system and enjoy shore excursions to multiple isolated sites. Visit secluded Inuit settlements along secret anchorages to experience Greenland’s eskimo culture. At the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, among the icebergs of Scoresby Sound, spend time interacting with the locals and learn about their lifestyle. Stop at Sydkap, a ruggedly beautiful landing area. On a walk along its low-lying terrain, see the grounded iceberg of Hall Bredning and encounter Arctic hares, and Arctic foxes. Also, view the remains of an ancient Thule settlement. Weave your way through Alpefjord, within the Northeast Greenland National Park and pass by the impressive Selstroms Glacier. If the skies are clear, you’ll chance upon the aurora borealis or Northern Lights, one of the great surprises of the Arctic night. Venture further inland to Rode Fjord, in King Christian X Land. Then, weather permitting, land near the mighty Kong Oscar Fjord, Ella Island and Botanikerbugt on Ymer Island.

After a wonderful time in the expansive fjord system of Scoresby Sound, voyage toward Iceland. Sailing south, follow the same maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago to travel to Greenland. Cross the Arctic Circle and the historically-significant Denmark Strait once more. As your adventure winds down, spend the last days at sea with leisurely activities onboard. Attend workshops and presentations conducted by members of the expedition team. You can soak up the sea views and watch massive icebergs that extend hundreds of feet below the water. Spot wildlife and seabirds from the panoramic open deck or from your cabin. In your free time, watch a movie or sip a cocktail at the bar with your fellow travelers. On your way back to Reykjavik, glide past the rugged Icelandic coastline dotted with cascades, fjords and wildlife-rich estuaries.

Your journey concludes when the ship docks in Reykjavik. Enjoy a last drink with your fellow adventurers, before saying goodbye. Disembark and transfer to a central downtown location or to your post-expedition accommodation in Iceland’s capital city.