Reykjavik to Nuuk (Godthab)

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.

Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the south coast of Iceland.

The largest of the islands, Heimaey, is the only inhabited island of the group and is known for its steep Edfell volcano, grey sand beaches and its green prairies.

Located in the chilly and wild North Atlantic, it is common to see whales and seals in the surrounding waters. Puffins are also a common sight in summer, as the islands are considered as the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. Ships will dock in the main harbour.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

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.

Considered one of the Ten Wonders of the Arctic, Tassermiut Fjord is a 70-kilometre (44 mile) incision into the pristine wilderness of south-western Greenland. The fjord is entered near the settlement of Nanortalik (population 1200) and winds its way through scenery that is reminiscent of the dramatic mountain landscape of Patagonia.

Cruising up the fjord by ship reveals a spectacular panorama of jagged peaks perched atop steep-sided mountains, interspersed with u-shaped side valleys and moraines - all clear indications of glacial action. The lower slopes are green with lush vegetation but quickly rise to barren walls of rock. These sheer walls make Tassermiut Fjord a Mecca for rock climbers, who rate such climbs as Uiluit Qaaqa (Ketil), Ulamertorsuaq (Uli) and The Baroness as being some of the best in the world. For the less active among us, just processing and comprehending the vista itself seems challenging enough.

The Tassermiut Fjord region has always attracted people. Inuit made hunting camps around the fjord mouth to target the ringed, harp and bearded seals that are abundant when the pack ice drifts in. The Norse too, settled the area in the 10th century, drawn no doubt to the valleys that promised fertile grazing for their precious livestock. They were also perhaps drawn to the astounding natural beauty of the region, as if it was blessed by divine hand, something that is readily apparent to the eager traveller that makes it to this little-explored corner of Greenland.

The largest town in southern Greenland, colourful Qaqortoq rises steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Qaqortoq:

• hike around Lake Tasersuaq
• visit the Norse ruins at Hvalsey Church
• tour the Qaqortoq Art Walk
• bathe in the hot springs on Uunartoq Island
• visit the Qaqortoq Museum
  

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.

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.

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.

Qeqertarsuaq, located on Disko Island off the western coast of Greenland, is a destination known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. The town is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including basalt mountains, lush valleys, and striking coastal cliffs. Visitors can explore these breathtaking terrains through hiking trails that offer spectacular views and opportunities to observe local wildlife, such as Arctic foxes and various seabirds.

The town itself is home to the Arctic Station, a prominent research facility, and the Qeqertarsuaq Museum, which showcases local history and Inuit culture. Whale watching is a popular activity, with humpback and minke whales frequently seen in the surrounding waters. Qeqertarsuaq's unique environment and cultural offerings provide an unforgettable Arctic experience.

Uummannaq, located on a small island in northwestern Greenland, is renowned for its breathtaking Arctic landscapes and vibrant Inuit culture. The town is named after the heart-shaped mountain that dominates the skyline, offering a stunning backdrop to this picturesque settlement.

Visitors to Uummannaq can explore the surrounding fjords, glaciers, and icebergs, which are perfect for boat tours and kayaking. The area is also known for its rich wildlife, including seals, whales, and seabirds. The Uummannaq Museum provides insights into the local history and traditions, showcasing artefacts related to hunting, fishing, and Greenlandic culture.

Ilulissat, located on the west coast of Greenland, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique Arctic experiences. The town sits adjacent to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site where colossal icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier into the sea. This dramatic landscape offers stunning views and is a prime spot for witnessing the majesty of Greenland's ice formations.

Outdoor activities in Ilulissat include guided hikes along the icefjord, boat tours among the icebergs, and dog sledding adventures in the winter. The town also hosts the Ilulissat Museum, which provides insights into the local Inuit culture and the explorer Knud Rasmussen. With its extraordinary ice formations and rich cultural heritage, Ilulissat offers an unforgettable Arctic experience.

The small town of Sisimiut is typical of Greenland, boasting bewitching panoramas with colourful stilt houses dotting the undulating landscape. The town centre is home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft shops.

Sisimiut's vast back country offers excellent opportunities for hiking and fishing, and during the summer visitors can walk the trail used for the Polar Circle Marathon, one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Small ships will dock while large ships will anchor offshore.

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, offers a unique blend of contemporary living and traditional Arctic culture. Situated at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world, the city is a gateway to vast icebergs and remote Inuit communities. Nuuk's cultural significance is highlighted at the Greenland National Museum, which showcases artefacts from the Saqqaq culture and well-preserved mummies from Qilakitsoq.

Urban life in Nuuk is vibrant yet intimate, with local cafes and shops offering a taste of modern Greenlandic life. The city's backdrop of sharp peaks and the nearby Sermitsiaq mountain provide a constant reminder of Greenland’s rugged natural beauty. Explore the fjord and gain a direct view of ice floes and marine wildlife, while discovering both culture and adventure in this remote city.