Disko Bay: In the Heart of Greenland

Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norse settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning 'Smoky Bay') after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area. The surroundings offer fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths that are well worth exploring before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen.

We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago.
Enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology and get to know with our innovative expedition ship.

Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colourful houses and lovely setting. The biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3.000 inhabitants, Qaqortoq is easy to explore on foot, or you can join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture.

We discover the beautiful region of Kvanefjord near Paamiut by sailing deep into the fjord on this exploration day. Our experienced captain will take advantage of the conditions to identify landing sites for onshore walks, locate places to launch our kayaks, scout ideal communities to visit, or find the best spots to scan for wildlife.

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 provides an introduction to 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 where there are 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 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 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.

The abandoned town of Ivittuut is a stronghold for musk oxen. More than a thousand years ago, Vikings settled the area, but left no written records behind. Archaeologists believe this was the last Norse settlement in Greenland to be established, and the first to be abandoned.

Prince Christian Sound separates mainland Greenland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago. If conditions allow, we will sail through this narrow channel and enjoy the spectacular scenery here. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).

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 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 stay longer to enjoy the city and its surroundings.