Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Situated on Ammassalik Island and facing the beautiful King Oscar Fjord, Tasiilaq is East Greenland’s main town and one of the most isolated inhabited places in the world. Its brightly coloured buildings lie beautifully by a bay, surrounded by pointed mountains that reach towards the sky.

In summer, the green meadows are an amazing contrast to the millions of icebergs you find in the Sermilik Fjord just a few miles away. It is a hiker's paradise where you will find green valleys, icebergs in many shades, whales, beautiful views, and high mountain peaks.

Prince Christian Sound or Prins Christian Sund is a dramatically picturesque fjord in the south of Greenland with gorgeous glaciers, steep mountains reaching over 2,200 metres, crystal-clear waterfalls fed by the ice sheet and untouched wildlife.

Here, whales swim along the iceberg-dotted shores and bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.

Bright blue and purple flowers come out during the summer and visitors may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night.

Hvalsey, located in southern Greenland, is home to the best-preserved Norse ruins in the country, offering a fascinating glimpse into Greenland’s Viking history. The Hvalsey Church, built in the 14th century, stands as a remarkable testament to medieval Norse architecture and is the site of the last recorded Norse wedding in Greenland in 1408.

Hvalsey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kujataa farming complex, which highlights the unique agricultural practices of both Norse and Inuit cultures in the subarctic region. The surrounding area is characterised by stunning natural beauty, with rugged landscapes, fjords, and lush valleys that contrast with the ancient stone structures. Visitors can explore the ruins and the serene Greenlandic countryside, gaining insight into the life of the Norse settlers who once inhabited this remote part of the world.

Igaliku is a versatile, family-oriented, open-air destination with Norse ruins, modern agriculture, sheep farms, and many hiking opportunities.

It is the oldest sheep farming settlement in Greenland and boasts tall mountains with peaks covered by snow, rolling valleys lush with flowers, tall grass and sheep.

The town has a collection of sandstone houses, so different from the very distinctive wooden houses in Greenland, which hint at the settlements norse history.

The Narsarsuaq region is a veritable Arctic jewel, famous for its majestic landscapes and its historic and cultural treasures. Fall under the spell of the untamed power of this region’s deep fjords, between sheer cliffs and impressive summits, during a Zodiac cruise on the Bredefjord.

You will navigate among the icebergs with their fascinating shapes and blue tones, or set off to explore the neighbouring island for a total immersion in this grandiose nature. You will also discover the local history and culture by visiting the remarkably well-preserved Viking vestiges - evidence of a rich past and a reminder that they were the first to discover Greenland in 942 (Erik the Red) - or the charming village of Qassiarsuk, where you will learn more about the way of life of local communities.

Paamiut, formerly known as Fredrikshaab, is a serene town nestled on the southwest coast of Greenland. Known for its stark beauty and maritime history, Paamiut is surrounded by rugged landscapes that are characteristic of Greenland’s dramatic natural scenery. The town itself is celebrated for its historical architecture, particularly the well-preserved church built in 1909, which stands as a testament to its rich past.

The surrounding area of Paamiut offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from sea kayaking to hiking, exploring the vast nearby sea and mountainous terrains. Additionally, the region is a notable habitat for white-tailed eagles, enhancing its natural allure. Paamiut seamlessly blends its cultural heritage with the breathtaking natural environment, embodying the tranquil yet vibrant spirit of Greenland.

Your ship glides slowly along the water towards the west coast of Greenland, to enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few kilometres south of Kangerlussuaq. Evighedsfjorden means “the fjord of Eternity”, and for good reason: just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 100 kilometres in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it. The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Disko Bay is scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales.

Visitors can choose to explore the bay by small boat, to head ashore to stroll through the town of Ilulissat or to enjoy a walk to the idyllic Sermermiut valley. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Located a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, the Nooralaq peninsula features raw and untamed beauty. Nature reigns supreme here, with the tundra stretching as far as the eye can see, decked out in various forms of flora and inhabited by Greenland’s emblematic fauna — snow buntings, common ravens, reindeer, musk oxen, and the discreet Arctic fox. The heights of Nooralaq afford sublime panoramas over the Itteleq fjord, whose water reflects the moving skies of the Far North.

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travellers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometres from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere.

From Kangerlussuaq, admire also the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.