Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and Westfjords (Ocean Explorer)

Welcome to Iceland! When you arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, make your way to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening. You can arrive at any time, as you have the full day at leisure to settle in and explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free morning in Reykjavik before your transfer to the ship this afternoon. When you arrive at the port, you’ll embark and be introduced to your Expedition Team. Then, set sail for the Westfjords.

Often referred to as ‘Iceland’s best-kept secret,’ the seldom-visited Westfjords is where the land meets the sea. This rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, and mountains and today you’ll explore the cliffs, waterfalls, beaches and rolling hills of the area, looking out for the Icelandic sheep or pony grazing in the distance. See the small fishing communities along the fjords and shores of the Denmark Strait and visit Vigur – a private island where you can learn about Icelandic culture from as early as the 11th century. When you arrive by Zodiac, you’ll be welcomed by the people who own the 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 7000 breeding ducks, 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of black Guillemot and huge flocks of Arctic terns. You’ll also taste local food and visit the island café. Today’s adventure options include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddle excursions and 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 your onboard lunch.

Over the next few days, expect glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords. Transiting the 100-km long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), one of the world’s most scenic fjords, will reveal incredible views of dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea. 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. Visit Aappilattoq on the shores of Ikerasassuaq and listen to the locals’ stories, hear their music, taste local food, learn about the fishing and hunting heritage and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer.

Reach Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what’s known as ‘Arctic Patagonia.’ You’ll go on Zodiac excursions and guided onshore hikes to the jagged peaks, tumbling glaciers and ice-laden landscapes, looking out for wildlife. Tasermiut Fjord is ideal for sea kayaking and paddling. Explore 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. 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.

The southern coast of Greenland is also steeped in Norse history, and you might visit 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.

Maybe see Qassiarsuk – one of the five sites that make up the Kujataa World Heritage Site. A small sheep farming settlement, you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insight into the lives of sheep farmers living at the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Take time to explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlio – Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicentre of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement. During your time in Qassiarsuk, you can sample local food, hike and take a Zodiac cruise to the icebergs.

As your 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.

Head north and embark on daily Zodiac excursions to explore local bays, channels and select landing sites of West Greenland. Maybe visit Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital, and wander the streets of the Old Nuuk neighbourhood to see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, 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.

See Eternity Fjord, home to the tallest mountains in West Greenland. This a favourite spot for many to launch the Zodiacs into the water and explore in-depth, where larger vessels can’t navigate. There are few settlements in this long fjord, but you’ll quickly appreciate nature in its rawest form as you hike among the towering mountains and photograph the colourful tundra and other dramatic landscapes.

Today you’ll explore 50 km above the Arctic Circle in Kangerlussuaq (The Long Fjord). At the end of this 180-km long 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 natural beauty and for being the home of the largest airport in Greenland.

You’ll be ferried from ship to shore on one last Zodiac ride, then transferred to the airport where you’ll board your charter flight to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, transfer independently to the Keflavik International Airport for your onward journey home. If you’d like to extend your time here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.