Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík.

Reykjavík is a laid-back city of art, culture and history. Exploring this delightful place is well worth your time.

Stroll past the boutiques and outdoor shops along Laugavegur, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja

Church and drop into the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.

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

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 has a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If historical buildings pique your interest, 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. You’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue standing in juxtaposition to the water below.

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 on board.

Sailing to Disko Bay and getting ready for adventure

Sailing towards the Arctic Circle, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these mandatory presentations if you want to join planned landings as we head north.

You will also have time to settle in, enjoy the ship’s state-of-the-art facilities and join the first lectures on Greenland-related topics, including the Citizen Science projects run on board the ship.

At some point during the sailing, we will cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworks

Today, we reach Disko Bay, a haven for whales and other wildlife. The water here is dotted 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. Today, you’ll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway 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 enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn about the ice in this fascinating area. You can also go on a hike to Sermermiut to take in incredible views.

Entering through the gateway to the north

Beyond the Nuussuaq peninsula, distances start to mean everything, because it’s here that Greenland’s ‘Far North’ begins. At this latitude, life proceeds at a slower pace. Weather and ice conditions run the show, and any successful landing that we attempt depends on the ability of the Captain to safely navigate waterways – especially when a summer fog descends. All in all, it’s the perfect setting for our expedition.

The beauty of the land and the relative productivity of the environment here have attracted people since the first settlers came down the coast more than 4,000 years ago. Intriguing archaeological sites are silent witnesses to the ability of Arctic people to thrive in such a harsh environment. It is in this area that the famed Qilakitsoq mummies were discovered.

Potential activities around here include stops at small communities such as Uummannaq – a beautiful island town with a heart-shaped mountain – or Ukkusissat. We may visit the archaeological site of Qilakitsoq, go on nature landings or attempt ice-cruising in the inner fjords with our small boats (RIBs).

Relax and learn at sea

We’ll spend the day on the open seas crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ‘The Great Dog Sledding Place’, the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville in the mid-19th century.

Enjoy your day as we sail well beyond 70 degrees north. Relax on board, join the Expedition Team out on deck as they watch for wildlife and learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures on topics such as nature, geology and mythology.

Explore life at the edge of the world

‘Ultima Thule’ was the term used in the 4th century BCE 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 colonized by the predecessors 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.

While 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 small boats (RIBs) 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, narwhals, belugas and perhaps even polar bears.

Crossing Baffin Bay

We are now sailing south again, as our adventures in the north are complete. Days at sea are the perfect time to relax on board, chatting with new friends in the Expedition Lounge & Bar, catching up on any lectures you may have missed and enjoying leisurely lunches. If you haven’t tried out the hot tubs yet, now is your chance. There’s something magical about bathing in warm water as icebergs drift past!

Out on deck, the Expedition Team will keep up their wildlife watch every day, and guest lecturers will continue to reveal new and interesting information about Greenland, the Arctic and other topics related to our cruise. Feel free to join in any of the Citizen Science projects that are running – they’re engaging and fun, and you’ll be contributing something useful to global research.

Visit modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts. It’s 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.

On our journey south, we’ll visit communities where traditions are still alive, including Sisimiut, which lies 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This modern town has grown up alongside very ancient remains that date back more than 4,000 years. If you want to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, make sure to visit the interesting local museum. If you’re looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

On our journey south, we’ll visit some communities where traditions are still alive. Potential stops include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq, a small fishing and hunting village on a tiny island just over a mile north of the Arctic Circle. Whether hiking on land, meeting the friendly Greenlanders, or scanning the waters for wildlife, these last days on board are the perfect epilogue for our cruise.

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 you have visited in the country 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 last a lifetime.

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 to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.