South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic

Welcome to Iceland! Your Arctic adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you may arrive at any time. You’ll have the day to explore this vibrant city – and there’s plenty on offer. You might sample the delicacies of the world-class dining scene, visit one of the many engaging museums or pop into your choice of boutique.

This morning, meet up with the rest of your group, transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Nuuk – the capital of Greenland. This picturesque city of 17,000 is situated on a fjord with the Sermitsiaq mountain in the background. Hop aboard the Ultramarine – your ride through the Arctic. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team and go through some of what’s to be expected/

Head south along the spectacular west coast of Greenland on your way to the The Westlands. Following in the footsteps of the Greenlandic Norse into the Western fjords, it’s easy to appreciate why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name – every direction you look rewards visitors with vistas of blue, ice-strewn waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush valleys and pastures bursting with blooms.

Also in the west, you'll find the perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet. Over these two days, explore the Ice Sheet – becoming one of the very few people to set foot on this incredible body of ice. You’ll hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the ice-filled waters and engage with locals. Reaching the Ice Sheet by helicopter will give you incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere.

You might also visit charming Qassiarsuk – a small sheep farming settlement across the fjord from Narsarsuaq, where you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insight into the fascinating lives of sheep farmers living at the edge of the Ice Sheet. The Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site will also give a living history lesson in Viking farming, as will the remains and replicas of Brattahlio, Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicenter of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement.

Continue your voyage to the stunning maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua), Greenland’s most southern tip, before reaching the 100-km-long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq). Stunning views will be around every corner – expect dramatic mountains and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to down to the sea.

In southern Greenland, you might visit the village of Aappilattoq. Listen to the locals’ stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer.

You’ll find the most iconic peaks of South Greenland at Tasermiut Fjord, in the heart of what’s called ‘Arctic Patagonia’. Here, you can sign up for overnight camping (with local hosts) along the 70 km fjord. Marvel at the impressive Sermeq glacier at its head, with rivers of ice tumbling almost down to sea level, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline.

Set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast. Marine mammals frequent these fjords – Humpback whales are often sighted entering as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. Sightings of polar bears are possible too, but rare. Along with spotting wildlife, there’ll be the chance to explore the magnificent alpine terrain by land, sea and air.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to your expedition crew and your ship and take one more Zodiac ride to shore in Nuuk. Then, have time to wander the streets of historic Old Nuuk, visit the Greenland National Museum & Archives or even see famous 500-year-old Greenlandic mummies. In the afternoon, a transfer will take you to the airport for a charter flight to Reyjavik. Tonight is free to explore Reyjavik’s nightlife or a great spot for dinner.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring this artistic city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Reyjavik speak to your booking agent ahead of time.