Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights

Velkominn! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in the country, backdropped by the Esjan mountain range. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and then enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe visit the National or Saga Museum and learn about Iceland’s Viking history, or stroll around the colourful homes searching for the perfect bar or brewery. If you have time, why not visit the famous Blue Lagoon spa near Grindavik village and snap a photo in the striking blue waters.  

You have some free time this morning – maybe try a typical Icelandic breakfast of hafragrautur (thick oatmeal), skyr (yoghurt) with jam and bread with butter and cod liver oil. This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition aboard the Ocean Explorer. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team on the ship and go through what to expect for your upcoming adventure.  

Cruise north across the Denmark Strait, enjoying the views of Greenland in the distance. Your expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await with a few short lectures and a safety briefing. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, as well as its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate from your onboard experts. They will also highlight some of the incredible sights you’ll soon explore. The team will always be on hand and in search for the seabirds who fly around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters.

During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast over the next few days, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 per cent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park! At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Magnificent vistas await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella – renowned for its rugged cliffs and flower-rich Botanikerbugt on Ymer.

As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by your onboard experts and share your photos while you sip on icy cocktails in the bar. With the many activities available during your time at sea, you can also head to the theatre-style auditorium and watch a movie or get cosy in the spa. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, where your journey comes to an end. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll take a transfer to central downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay in Iceland, just make sure to speak to your booking agent ahead of time.