Grand Greenland – Mythical Lands of the North Cruise

Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík 

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík.  

A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.  

Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja  

Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.   

If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Welcome to the capital of Greenland 

You'll have an early start today as we depart Reykjavík and fly to Nuuk.  

Nuuk is Greenland’s colorful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue 

Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworks 

Today we’ll reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you'll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden path to the breathtaking ice fjord.  

Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue water as they take on different hues of white, gray and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to take in the incredible views.

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Entering through the gateway to the north 

Greenland’s Far North begins beyond the Nuussuaq Peninsula. Here, life moves at the rhythm of the Arctic – unhurried and guided by the elements.

This rugged, beautiful land has drawn people for over 4,000 years. Early settlers navigated its coastline and carved out a life in conditions few could endure. Today, archaeological sites stand as quiet markers of their resilience, including the famous Qilakitsoq mummies discovered in this very region. 

Potential landings may include visits to small, remote communities like Uummannaq, watched over by its striking heart-shaped mountain, or Ukkusissat. Weather and ice permitting, we’ll explore the Qilakitsoq site, cruise into secluded fjords, or step ashore to take in Greenland’s raw Arctic landscapes – always ready to adapt, as nature allows.

In the iceberg-laden waters surrounding the remote community of Uummannaq it is common to see whales. This area of Greenland is also known for its huge basalt mountains, and the small hunting and fishing village of Uummannaq rests at the foot of the heart-shaped Uummannaq Mountain, a name that translates to mean “in the shape of a seal’s heart”. The town of over 1200 people has a granite church and the country’s most northerly ferry terminal. The economy of Uummannaq revolves largely around the halibut/fish-processing factory.

Explore life at the edge of the world 

“Ultima Thule” was the term used in the 4th century BC by the Greek explorer Pytheas to describe a mythical land in the far north. Nobody knows for sure which land Pytheas had in mind when he coined this name, but for some it has come to refer to the far north in Greenland. 

As we explore here, expect wild beauty at the edge of the inhabitable world. Extreme climatic conditions year-round guarantee isolation and tough living conditions for the inhabitants, and even by Arctic standards the Thule region is harsh and remote. And yet, this was the first region in Greenland ever to be populated by the forerunners of the Inuit, somewhere around 4,500 years ago. How they managed to survive and thrive in that environment still puzzles Arctic archaeologists. 

The abundant bird and animal life provides sustenance, and the traditional hunting culture has survived better here than elsewhere in Greenland. The polar travel know-how of the locals has been highly sought after on European and American expeditions, either as guides or saviors. In fact, thanks to its position, the region has been the natural starting point for many travelers heading toward the North Pole.  

Always adapting our program to the changing weather and ice conditions, we will spend the next few days exploring the region. We aim to visit some of the local communities, land with expedition boats and marvel at the power of nature, sail through icy channels and – with a bit of luck – spot some of the giants of the Arctic, including walruses, orcas and perhaps even polar bears.

In AD 850, the Vikings established their parliament in Tórshavn, a name which translates as "Thor's harbor." It was named after Thor, the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. The town became a center of trade for the island, and in fact was designated as the only legal place for the islanders to sell and buy products. This trade monopoly was abolished in 1856. Today it is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands, with fish-processing plants, a shipyard, and woolen products making up. It is considered to be one of the oldest capitals in Northern Europe.

Visit modern towns on the edge of the wilderness 

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a sprinkling of settlements, including the second-largest town on the island. However, the vastness of the land makes this stretch of the coast a sparsely-populated region, where huge distances are the norm, and the sense of remoteness and isolation is just a part of daily life.    

As we sail south, we’ll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. Possible calls include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq – a small fishing and hunting village perched just north of the Arctic Circle. 

Further along the coast lies Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town. Though modern in appearance, its roots run deep, with archaeological remains dating back over 4,000 years. Visit the local museum to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, or browse for qiviut scarves, hats, and mittens – crafted from the soft inner wool of musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool. 

Whether hiking ashore, meeting Greenlanders, or scanning the horizon for wildlife, these final days offer a fitting epilogue to your Arctic expedition.

Itilleq is an idyllic little village located on a small island about ahalf a mile off the west coast of Greenland, and only about a mile north of theArctic Circle. It is one of the most picturesque villages in Greenland with itsquaint colorful houses surrounded by stunning rugged mountains and glaciers.Originally, the village of Itilleq was founded on another island in 1847, butwas later moved to its present location. The 100 people living here todaysurvive mainly on hunting and fishing, with a fish factory being the mainemployer.

A small capital in a grandiose setting 

Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, her crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a metropolis compared to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window onto modern Greenland.  

From here, you'll catch a flight back to Reykjavík, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

See more of Iceland’s capital 

Your adventure concludes in Reykjavík, giving you another chance to explore Iceland's stylish capital.  

If you want to discover more, you can join our optional Post-Program before heading home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.