Hurtigruten Expeditions The Heart of Greenland - Disko Bay

16-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 in the city’s harbour.

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 Ms Fridtjof Nansen will set sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait, which happens to be the route taken by the famous Erik the Red, recognised by many as the first European to have settled here. As you enter full expedition mode, don’t forget to take some time to take advantage of the excellent onboard facilities, with the variety of gyms, pools, restaurants and more, providing passengers with many areas to relax and de-stress ahead of the adventure.

Your expedition team will take you through the protocols for respectfully visiting the fragile wildlife habitats and indigenous communities, while the onboard science centre is open to travellers who wish to learn more about Greenland’s history and geology.

Day 4: Qaqortoq’s culture and history

Your Greenland expedition cruise begins in one of the region’s most beautiful towns. Qaqortoq is a small town where settlers have been since the prehistoric times, with its colourful houses and idyllic scenery providing a stunning setting in which to discover its cultural importance.

Join an optional excursion where you’ll meet and speak with the locals at a traditional kaffemik social gathering, immersing yourself in the unique culture. Alternatively, take a trip to the local museum and see the rare Inuit artifacts, or take in more of the beautiful, natural scenery by walking to one of the nearby lakes.

Day 5: Kvanefjord exploration

Witness the glacial beauty of the west coast fjord’s as the expedition reaches Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, which directly translates to ‘Place of Much Ice’.

Make the most of the professional onboard photographer to gain insights not capturing the sheer beauty in all its glory.  Be ready to capture some of Arctic nature’s finest creations including the glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice – pure white with undertones of deep, striking blue.

This remote fjord is rarely visited, making it even more of a privilege for travellers to spend the day here. The Expedition Team will continually monitor conditions to select the best places to venture ashore and enjoy the unique scenery on a nature walk, or head out on boats to scan for wildlife.

Day 6: Captivating Maniitsoq

Nicknamed the ‘Venice of Greenland’, Maniitsoq will be the next destination on your journey. With its array of canals and awe-inspiring views from the dramatic mountains, the town’s rugged landscape has been home to human life for over 4,000 years.

Visit the local museum to soak up more of the region’s culture, with figurines carved from walrus ivory, traditional Greenlandic costumes, as well as many works of art for travellers to see.

Maniitsoq is also a prime area for hiking expeditions with a variation of different viewpoints to discover, and be sure to take the opportunities to chat to the locals when you can, to draw more interesting insights into the region’s history.

Day 7: Spectacular Sisimiut

Enjoy a warm welcome to the Arctic Greenland as your expedition reaches Sisimiut, located 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. With its location making it an ideal place to witness the unique Midnight Sun at the height of Summer, Sisimiut is a must-see destination while on this journey.

Old traditions are still alive and well here, and you can visit the local museum to gain further insights into the ancient Saqqaq culture.  If you’re looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

Day 8: UNESCO recognised Ilulissat Icefjord

A modern-day utopia for a wide variety of wildlife, Disko Bay will be the next stop on your adventure. With the waters scattered by icebergs in many shapes and sizes after coming from the Ilulissat Icefjord, this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see destination on this cruise. Immerse yourself in the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway towards the eye-catching icefjord.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to capture stunning images of the pristine landscape, while marvelling at the giant icebergs floating in the serene blue waters. Once back in Ilulissat, visit the icefjord Centre to learn more about the history of the ice is in this otherworldly area, whilst also taking a hike to Sermermiut to revel in some more of the fascinating views.

Day 9: Rugged Vaigat Sound

The remote region of Vaigat Sound will be the most northernly point of your journey, with its untamed landscapes being firmly in Mother Nature’s control. As ever, the Expedition Team will identify the best possible sites for landings, and where possible, you’ll be taking expedition boats out on shore landings, or go on optional kayaking trips between the floating icebergs.

The team may also take you on treks across tundra, wildlife sightings, and close to glaciers so you can monitor their movement. Utilise your newly improved photography skills to capture the abundant wildlife in the area, including orcas, bowhead whales, and a variety of different species of seal.

Day 10: Enchanting Evighedsfjord

After reaching the northernmost point, the expedition will begin to head south on the tenth day towards Evighedsfjord, sometimes referred to as the ‘fjord of eternity’. Fed by an ice-cap that plunges titanic icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep waters, Evighedsfjord is surrounded by eye-catching mountains with stunning white ridges, accompanied by crystal blue ice caves beckoning you in.

Within this area, nature continues to reign supreme, with the only sigs of human life being the isolated fishing hamlets which cling to the shores. The Captain and Expedition Team will navigate the conditions as efficiently as they can, while on the lookout for Artic flora and wildlife such as whales and seabirds.

Day 11: Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital

Despite its population of less than 20,000 residents, Greenland’s capital is an enticing mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re a fan of the former, take a leisurely stroll down to the old part of town, where you’ll be able to see the picturesque Nuuk Cathedral, as well as the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill.

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. Alternatively,  join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene as part of an optional excursion.

Day 12: The forgotten town of Ivittuut

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.

The town also had a huge significance during WW2, with the aforementioned cryolite being crucial in the UK’s manufacturing of aircraft prior to the Battle of Britain. The US troops at the time understood the dangers of allowing this material to fall into enemy hands, and so stationed troops in the region specifically to stop this from happening.

Walk amongst the abandoned ruins and reflect on what the area would have looked like during these times.

Day 13: Prince Christian Sound

The next aim of the expedition will be to explore the incredible waters of the 60-mile-long Prince Christian Sound on the 13^th day. The sheer contrast between the looming mountain ranges and the bright white glaciers provides an excellent backdrop, while the abundance of wildlife continuously patrols the region’s rugged landscapes.

Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice, with Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soaring across the skies above.

Due to conditions being interchangeable, the expedition may not be able to enter Sound because of the unsafe sea ice. If this is the case, the expedition will instead head to the scenic Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland.

Day 14-15: Reflect on your Greenland experiences

After a full exploration of the ethereal, rugged beauty of western Greenland, the course will set sail back towards Iceland. Reaffirm your newly acquired knowledge and insight into the ecology and history of Greenland with the Expedition Team, whilst also recapping your personal highlights of the trip.

The onboard photographer will again be on hand to help you capture the best tips to capture images of whales and seabirds who often enjoy following the cruise ship. Alternatively, enjoy your final days at sea by indulging in a relaxing spa treatment, savouring the sun in the panoramic sauna and hot-tubs, or even congregate in the explorer lounge and bar with your fellow travellers over a refreshing drink.

Day 16: 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.

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Centre, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected

What’s not included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

MS Fridtjof Nansen