Disko Bay – The Heart of Greenland

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. The name means 'Smokey Bay', so called because of the columns of steam that rise from the many hot springs in the area. It is well worth booking a Pre-Programme to explore the surrounding geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths before embarking MS Fridtjof Nansen.

We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This is the same crossing that was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago.
Enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology for insights into the upcoming destinations.

Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colourful houses and photogenic setting. It is the biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3,000 inhabitants, but still easy to explore on foot. You can also join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture.

We discover the beautiful region of Paamiut by sailing deep into Kvanefjord. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day. This could be a hike ashore for a scenic view of the area, or possibly small-boat cruising or kayaking.

Maniitsoq was founded in 1755 and its name means `The Uneven Place´, referring to the rocky hills and mountains shaping the layout of the town. It is also known as the `Venice of Greenland´ as it is situated in an archipelago, intersected by natural canals. The local museum charts the town´s rich history and culture.

Sisimiut is situated 40 km north of the Arctic Circle. The name means `The People Living in a Place of Fox Dens´. This is the second largest town in Greenland, a modern, picturesque settlement that maintains ancient traditions. We offer a variety of exciting excursions to discover the many things to do in Sisimiut.

Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the mouth of the fjord you can see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These ice masses originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. Join one of our many excursions here.

We now arrive at the northernmost point in our itinerary. There are several excellent landing sites in Vaigat Sound offering breathtaking landscape and Arctic flora. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day.

On one side of the meandering Evighed Fjord is an ice cap that often crashes massive chunks of ice into the water. Around us are the highest mountains in West Greenland with peaks, up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft.) in height, sometimes swirling with mist. Conditions on the day will determine the final programme and the range of activities on offer by the Expedition Team.

Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world. The capital city is where old and new traditions meet, from historic buildings in `Kolonihavnen´ to the modern Centre for Greenland Self Rule. Another feature is the National Museum - home to the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.

According to archaeologists, Vikings settled in this area more than a thousand years ago but didn’t remain. Ivittuut is believed to be the last Norse settlement in Greenland, but first to be abandoned. Nowadays, the only inhabitants that might appear in the town are wandering muskoxen which normally graze in the nearby plains.

This long fjord is surrounded by mountains that reach over 1,200 metres (3,900 ft), and up to 2,220 metres (7,280 ft) high. Many glaciers go straight into its waters where they calve icebergs of all shapes, shades, and sizes. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell) instead.

After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe even spotting whales.

You arrive back in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. If you want to explore more of the country, add one of our Post-Programmes before you head home, or simply extend your stay to enjoy the trendy city and its surrounding geothermal features.