Reasons to Cruise to Greenland
With 27,000 miles of coastline, and fewer than 60,000...
Reasons to Cruise to Greenland
With 27,000 miles of coastline, and fewer than 60,000 residents, Greenland is truly one of the most remote and pristine places on the planet. From immense glaciers and deep fjords to glittering icebergs and iconic wildlife, our expedition ships bring you on an adventure to the world’s largest island. Greenland’s rugged west coast features colourful towns and is riven by deep fjords and glaciers all the way up to Disko Bay where uninhabited islands stud the blue Arctic waters. The east coast is practically uninhabited and boasts the largest national park in the world, as well as its most extensive system of fjords.
A Warm, Inviting Culture
The island of Greenland is a self-ruling state and part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Resourceful Inuit peoples have lived here for thousands of years, managing to exist in often harsh conditions. Their culture and customs can still be clearly observed, and the tradition of the kaffemik – a homely social gathering to celebrate an event – remains popular today.
Greenlanders love their beautiful country and are proud to show it to visitors. You might see rock carvings and cultural memorabilia in artsy Qoqortoq, while clothing in Sisimiut is still made in the time-honoured way from musk ox fur, called quiviut. In Nuuk, stylish contemporary architecture sits alongside traditional painted wooden houses against a backdrop of mountain peaks – surely one of the most photogenic capitals you’ll ever see.
Land of Magic and Ice
Rivers of slow-moving ice pour forth from the immense ice cap that smothers the land, breaking off into floating chunks that shimmer and sparkle as they move slowly down the fjords and out to sea. These natural works of art are some of nature’s most beautiful and ephemeral creations, subtly changing colour as the sun moves across the sky.
The dreamy atmosphere of the Eternal Fjord, the deafening silence of the Northeast Greenland National Park and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the UNESCO Ilulissat Ice Fjord will make you feel like you’re witnessing an epic natural saga. As one of the few people who get to experience such sights, you’ll feel alive to the thrill of raw nature in these untouched places.
Wildlife of the Land & Sea
The coastal area and seas surrounding Greenland are where the greatest concentrations of wildlife can be seen. Musk oxen and Arctic foxes are found in areas devoid of humans, while birds such as Little Auks, Snowy Owls and Greenland Gyrfalcons are some of the species to seek out. The mighty – yet elusive – polar bear can occasionally be seen roaming the Northeast National Park region.
The seas and shores will also fascinate you, with humpback whales often spotted at the mouths of fjords or in the open ocean, while seals can be seen lounging on ice floes or swimming in the water.