SW-Greenland - Following the traces of the Vikings 12 days
This trip to Greenland allows the traveller to discover some raw and remote diamonds of the north. In addition to fascinating natural spectacles, you will get to know the history and culture of the places you visit - the Inuit traditions and medieval Norse sites of the Vikings.
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Day 1-Arrival in Reykjavik (or Kangerlussuaq). We arrive from Copenhagen and go on board in the afternoon
Enjoy the first Zodiacvruise. Presentation of the expedition team
Enjoy the first Zodiacvruise. Presentation of the expedition team
Days 2-9 Disco Bay and South West Greenland
Even though there are apparently many settlements in this part of Greenland, the extremely changing weather, the ice and the often only moderately well-developed infrastructure (port facilities) of Greenland this journey will become a pure expedition!
Our route is strongly dependent on the weather and especially on the conditions. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will reschedule the route on the spot every day and plan according to the local conditions in order to offer the best expedition experience.
Even though there are apparently many settlements in this part of Greenland, the extremely changing weather, the ice and the often only moderately well-developed infrastructure (port facilities) of Greenland this journey will become a pure expedition!
Our route is strongly dependent on the weather and especially on the conditions. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will reschedule the route on the spot every day and plan according to the local conditions in order to offer the best expedition experience.
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Saqqaq & EQIP Sermia Glacier
Saqqaq is a very small, picturesque settlement. During our visit we will learn from the locals about their culture and their way of life. There may even be some beaded embroidery for sale as a souvenir. Before departure we enjoy a zodiac tour along the rugged coastline, past many icebergs that are stranded here.
In the course of the afternoon we cross the Arve Prinsen Island and reach one of the glaciers north of Ilulissat This is the area where Paul-Emile Victor entered the ice in 1948. The glacial front has a length of almost 4 kilometers and calves several times a day. We hope to become a witness from a safe distance.
Saqqaq is a very small, picturesque settlement. During our visit we will learn from the locals about their culture and their way of life. There may even be some beaded embroidery for sale as a souvenir. Before departure we enjoy a zodiac tour along the rugged coastline, past many icebergs that are stranded here.
In the course of the afternoon we cross the Arve Prinsen Island and reach one of the glaciers north of Ilulissat This is the area where Paul-Emile Victor entered the ice in 1948. The glacial front has a length of almost 4 kilometers and calves several times a day. We hope to become a witness from a safe distance.
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Ilulissat - Shortly after sunrise we will ask you on deck to see the most active glaciers in the northern hemisphere – the Jakobshavn Glacier. Known as the birthplace of the largest icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces several million tons of ice every day. The fjord entrance is often surrounded by icebergs in all shapes and sizes and in different shades of white and turquoise.
The city of Ilulissat is known for its balanced weather, but the temperatures are a bit colder due to its proximity to the fjord. Here we have (perhaps) the opportunity to see a demonstration of old fishing methods and enjoy some locally caught fish. During our tour of Ilulissat we visit the Museum, the house of the famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. South of the city are several hiking trails to the ice fjord.
Our guests have the opportunity to take an exciting helicopter excursion to the Jakobshavn Icefjord or to fly over the glacier with a small airplane.
The city of Ilulissat is known for its balanced weather, but the temperatures are a bit colder due to its proximity to the fjord. Here we have (perhaps) the opportunity to see a demonstration of old fishing methods and enjoy some locally caught fish. During our tour of Ilulissat we visit the Museum, the house of the famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. South of the city are several hiking trails to the ice fjord.
Our guests have the opportunity to take an exciting helicopter excursion to the Jakobshavn Icefjord or to fly over the glacier with a small airplane.
The village of Sisimiut has been inhabited for almost 4500 years by different cultures and groups. Ruins of the early settlements can still be seen west of the city. In the museum is a collection of Greenland's former cultures, near the oldest preserved church as well as a peat house. If you want to try some of the local delicacies, the museum will give you the opportunity. Greenland soup, shrimp and dried fish are prepared!
Although most Greenland hunters or fishermen use modern boats, many still have a kayak. We hope to see a kayak demonstration in Sisimiuts Harbour.
Although most Greenland hunters or fishermen use modern boats, many still have a kayak. We hope to see a kayak demonstration in Sisimiuts Harbour.
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Nuuk – The capital of Greenland, with 16,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in Greenland, even if it is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. As it lies a few kilometres north than Reykjavik, it is the northernmost capital of the world. Here old traditions meet modern change. In the National Museum, the mummies of Qilakitsoq are to be admired-testimonies of a past culture.
Paamiut – The picturesque settlement of Paamiut is located on the Kuannersooq fjord. One of the most beautiful churches in Greenland is the pride of the village. The church was built in 1909 from wood and in Norwegian style. In front of the coast there are good opportunities to meet on moguls and fin as well as eagles.
Narsaq – In the area of Narsaq, the Vikings settled down and some of the oldest ruins of this period are still to be seen with a practised eye. The inhabitants live mainly from sheep breeding and surrounding land is very fertile.
Narsaq – In the area of Narsaq, the Vikings settled down and some of the oldest ruins of this period are still to be seen with a practised eye. The inhabitants live mainly from sheep breeding and surrounding land is very fertile.
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Hvalsey - in the area around Qaqortoq is the well preserved ruins of the Church of Hvalsey. Old records indicate that the farm was founded in the 10th century by an uncle of Erik of the Red, Torkle Farserkur. Today the thick stone walls of the fantastically built church are still to be admired.
Day 9-10 At sea
Our fantastic time in Greenland is now over and it goes back towards Iceland. Lectures by the accompanying lecturers and workshops of the expedition team and the comfortable stay on board let the days of the day pass quickly. Watch seabirds and with happiness whales from the outer decks.
Our fantastic time in Greenland is now over and it goes back towards Iceland. Lectures by the accompanying lecturers and workshops of the expedition team and the comfortable stay on board let the days of the day pass quickly. Watch seabirds and with happiness whales from the outer decks.
Day 11 – Our last morning we leave the ship after breakfast and fly to our hometown