Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers & the Westfjords

Enjoy your complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Your transfer to the ship is scheduled for the afternoon, leaving you time to explore Reykjavik in the morning and have lunch on your own before you rendezvous back at the hotel for the bus transfer to the port. Embarkation is scheduled for 4:00pm. You’ll be notified of official welcome and safety briefings as you set sail for the Westfjords.

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature seekers, birding enthusiasts and history-lovers; the seldom-visited Westfjords, where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often referred to as “Iceland’s best-kept secret,” this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, and mountains that slope gracefully down to the sea. Spend your time exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or pony grazing in the distance. A few modest outposts of civilization, in the form small fishing communities nestled along the fjords and shores of the Denmark Strait, face out into the mighty Atlantic—keeping alive a maritime heritage that dates back to the Viking days.

One of today’s highlights is a chance to visit Vigur, a private island that provides guests with unique opportunities to delve into Icelandic culture and heritage as early as the 11th century. Vigur is widely regarded as a capsule of Icelandic heritage. Upon arriving on shore by Zodiac, be welcomed by the people who own this incredible island. One of the co-owners is polar explorer Felicity Aston, the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. You’ll learn about the Icelandic tradition of eiderdown harvesting, and the wide array of arctic birdlife and seals that are found in Vigur. It’s estimated that the island is home to over 7,000 breeding ducks, 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of black guillemot, and huge flocks of arctic terns. You’ll also have opportunities to ramble about the island, taste local food and visit the island café. Today’s adventure options include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddle excursion program and, potentially, a guided shore hike. Right across the bay is Mongufoss, one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls, which you’ll visit by ship after an onboard lunch.

As you sail southwest across the Denmark Strait toward Greenland, your expedition team will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead—both on and off-ship. Your team of polar experts will present on a wide range of topics, including the geology, wildlife, climatology and enthralling history of Greenland. The team will also search for (and identify) the seabirds soaring about the ship—and they’ll most certainly alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.

Your exploration of Greenland begins with East Greenland, one of the least-visited and most remote parts of the world’s largest island. Your journey along the coast will be influenced by weather and ice conditions, with each day—and each off-ship excursion—presenting new adventures. Expect glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords.

Transiting the 62-mile-long (100km) Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)—one of the world’s most scenic fjords—will reveal incredible views. Expect dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea, and captivating vistas stretching along the entire fjord. The South Greenlanders who live on this frontier are as unique as the region they inhabit. This is where the migrating hunting people from the east eventually settled around the European trading posts.

The handful of villages in this region are renowned for their inhabitants’ strong commitment to traditional hunting and fishing practices. Hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), to meet local partners, listen to their stories, hear their music, taste local food, learn about the fishing and hunting heritage, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer—as a player or spectator.

If you are looking for the most iconic peaks of South Greenland, you’ll be in your glory upon reaching Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what’s known as “Arctic Patagonia.”  Consider Zodiac excursions or guided on-shore hikes (tailored for different levels of ability and interest) to view the jagged peaks, tumbling glaciers, ice-laden landscapes, alpine vistas and wildlife. Tasermiut Fjord is ideal for the sea kayaking and paddling programs, as well.

Continue on your quest to explore the wild fjords of the uninhabited southeast coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuatsiaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of Paleo-Inuit hunters and fish harvesters settled in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving on food from the sea. This preceded the arrival of European explorers and the establishment of settlements which prompted one of the biggest waves of migration in Greenland.

Marine mammals frequent the many fjords in this region. Humpback whales are often observed in the shallow waters at the entrance to the fjords where nutrients are drawn up to the surface. Rare sightings of polar bears are possible as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East Greenland current. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife as you continue to explore the remote icescapes of the wild southeast, which is also ideal for hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

The southern coast of Greenland is steeped in Norse history. Anticipate a visit to Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq), the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. Exploring the remains of the church (circa 14th century) will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time, as the building appears much as it did when it was abandoned in the 15th century. The surrounding fells and fjords remain similarly untouched.

Also on your planned itinerary is charming Qassiarsuk, one of the five sites that make up the Kujataa World Heritage Site. It’s a small sheep farming settlement where you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insight into the fascinating lives of sheep farmers living at the edge of the massive Greenland Ice Sheet. Take time to explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicenter of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement. During your time in Qassiarsuk, have opportunities to sample local food, enjoy a hike and, if time and weather allow, take a Zodiac cruise amidst towering icebergs.

As the ship makes its way up the coast from South Greenland, set your sights on the endless natural wonders—and small communities— along the rugged west coast of Greenland. Use this time to attend one of the expert-led polar presentations to learn more about this region of Greenland.

The sheer beauty of West Greenland can overwhelm first-time visitors: spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes and thriving, culturally-rich communities. As you head north, hope to embark on Zodiac daily excursions to explore local bays, channels and select landing sites. Also explore some of the quaint settlements throughout the picturesque islands and fjords.

Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital, is a must-visit destination on the west coast. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the 18th-century missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will make haste to the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, which were found under a rock outcrop in 1972. The remarkably preserved mummies of six women and two children date back to the 15th century.

Pride of place for your seasoned expedition team is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland. This a favorite spot to launch Zodiacs into the water to explore in-depth—where larger vessels can’t navigate. There are few settlements in this long fjord—but you will quickly appreciate nature in its rawest form as you hike among the towering mountains and photograph the colorful tundra and other dramatic landscapes.

Today explore 31 miles (50km) above the Arctic Circle. Your destination is Kangerlussuaq, which is Greenlandic for “the long fjord.” At the end of this 111-mile-long (180km) fjord is a settlement bearing the same name. Fishing boats based in the town of Kangerlussuaq sail the full length of the fjord to access the ocean. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty—and for being the home of the largest airport in Greenland.

You will be ferried from ship to shore on one last Zodiac ride, then transferred to the airport where you will board your charter flight to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your included hotel for the night.

After breakfast in your included hotel in Reykjavik, transfer independently to the Keflavik International Airport for your onward journey.