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Home » destinations » Arctic Ocean » Greenland & the Northwest Passage » Hurtigruten Expeditions Discovering Greenland From Reykjavik to Nuuk
14-day itinerary
Day 1: Starting in Reykjavik
Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik will be the first destination on your captivating expedition cruise. A city which boasts a rich variety of cultural, historical, and artistic context, Reykjavik is a place worth immersing yourself in.
Take a scenic walk along Laugavegur wits its charming boutiques and outdoor shops, or drop in at the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum – before boarding the MS Fridtjof Nansen located in the city’s harbour. Upon boarding your expedition cruise ship, take time to familiarise yourself with the excellent onboard facilities, and settle into one of the ship’s comfortable cabins.
Depending on how much time you have, there are pre-programme packages available to travellers who wish to experience the highlights of Reykjavik in greater depth.
Day 2-3: Crossing the Danish strait
The expedition will set sail towards Greenland across the Denmark strait. The famous Viking the red sailed this route and he is said to be the first European to settle there.
Over the course of the two-day crossing, be sure to keep a lookout for whales along the way, whilst taking the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the excellent onboard facilities on the MS Fridtjof Nansen. Why not check-in to one of the absorbing lectures delivered by the Expedition Team, taking you through the history and geology of the regions, whilst also going through the protocols of respectfully visiting the fragile natural areas and native Arctic communities.
However, this time at sea is mostly for relaxation and comfort before your experiences ahead. Indulge in the delicious meals served in the onboard restaurants, listen to some fascinating talks and generally get to grips with every amenity and facility available onboard. As you cruise towards Greenland, prepare yourself for the beginning of your unforgettable adventure!
Day 4-7: South Greenland expedition
Over the next four days, you will be fully immersing yourself in the wonders of Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat as it is also known. Explore the maze of fjords, channels and islands in this breathtaking region. The experienced team onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen will continually monitor conditions to ensure the safety of passengers when carrying out landings, however their wealth of expertise means they know the exact places to go to experience the most out of this adventure.
Upon carrying out the landings, excursions, and activities, the team will aim to take you to the Norse ruins, sail into majestic fjords and organise community visits to different vibrant towns. The ship may land at the idyllic settlement of Qaqortoq with its stunning lake, drop by Erik the Red’s farm at Brattahlíð, and simply gaze in wonder at the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the scenic southern fjords.
With the landscape being sculpted by ice and weather over billions of years, the natural terrain left behind is staggering. Southern Greenland’s mountain ranges loom above the green meadows and fjords, culminating in a sense of tranquillity in this vast and mostly unpopulated wilderness. Take time to disconnect from the modern world. Relax, enjoy the nature, and learn all about what makes this region so special.
Day 8-10: Southwest Greenland Expedition
The expedition continues on as you experience the wild stretch of coast between the fjord systems of southern Greenland and Nuuk, with there being a few scattered settlements separated by the long distances. Despite the climate being fairly mild for Arctic standards, the terrain is rough, with towering mountain ranges dusted in ice and cut through by deep turquoise fjords. The conditions are firmly in charge in this region. Travelling here has been difficult since the ancient times, with this therefore being a dream place to visit amongst modern explorers.
You will be familiarising yourself with the landscapes of the Mellembygden, the middle settlement of the Norse settlers, as the expedition journeys towards the north. Being continually adaptive to changing conditions, the cruise can also look out for the mysterious mining town of Ivittuut. Once a thriving mining village responsible for generating the important mineral, cryolite, the area is now solely inhabited by shy musk oxen. You’ll also sail through the vast fjords which have been carved over millennia by colossal glaciers plunging down from the icecap.
Join the Expedition Team on their wildlife watches on board or on land, scanning for the thriving wildlife in the secluded region. Practice your photography skills and capture the wondrous seabirds, nesting colonies and whales roaming the nearby waters.
Day 11-12: Delving deep into the Nuuk fjord
Recognised locally as the Nuup Kangerlua, the fjords around Nuuk map out a surreal parallel network of interconnected waterways. They’re topped by the Kangiussap Nunaa peninsula and the ice cap, most notably in the so-called Nuuk Isfjord.
These lands have important historical significance, largely because they are the northernmost area the Norse Western Settlement were able to colonise back in the Middle ages. Nuup Kangerlua is also potentially the area in which the Vikings met the Thule people for the very first time.
The large amount of fjords are scattered around the landscape by ancient Norse ruins and small Inuit settlements. While some are abandoned, like Qornoq, others continue to thrive such as Kapisillit and its 88 inhabitants, with many of the communities along the Nuup Kangerlua being isolated until very recently.
Depending on suitable weather conditions, you will then be exploring the ever-changing mountain landscapes and beautiful fjord systems over the next two days. The expedition will also attempt to reach the icy headwaters of Nuup Kangerlua and visit one of the Inuit villages, while continuously scanning for opportunities to go hiking, ice cruising and wildlife watching.
Day 13: Nuuk – the end of the expedition
The voyage of discovery will sadly conclude in Nuuk, saying a fond farewell to the ship, crew and Expedition Team. Despite its population of less than 20,000 residents, the vibrant capital is positively bustling compared to the other settlements and villages you have visited on this trip.
Gain an insight into life here from 500 years ago in the National Museum, whilst taking advantage of the many shopping opportunities and the variation of cafes and restaurants you can drop in to. From here, you will be boarding a flight back to Reykjavik, taking with you a wealth of excellent experiences and memories you will likely never forget.
Day 14: Reykjavik return
Your Greenland expedition cruise ends back in the fascinating city of Reykjavik. Miss any sights when you first arrived? This is the best opportunity to experience more of what the city has to offer.
Immerse yourself in more of the Icelandic culture by visiting a geothermal pool or a ‘heittur pottur’, translating to a ‘hot-pot’. Still feel as though you haven’t quenched your desire to fully experience Iceland’s natural beauty? If so, be sure to visit the ‘Blue Lagoon’, often regarded as one of the true natural wonders of the world with the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.
Guests will also have the option to join one of the post-programme packages to explore more of the joys of Iceland.
Flights
Transfers
Hotel
Expedition Cruise
Landing Activities
Onboard Activities
Notes
What’s not included
Until the 11th November 2024, HX Hurtigruten are offering a flight inclusive alternative to the expedition.
This will include
The itinerary remains the same
Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability
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