Greenland

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.

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.

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.

A Greenland wildlife favourite is the Arctic fox. Their pure white winter fur, small ears and short muzzles make these hardy omnivores seem endearing. Arctic foxes build maze-like dens and will just as soon scavenge for food rather than find prey themselves, sometimes following polar bears to get free pickings. Their coats change colour with the season, taking on a more brown or grey hue in summer to aid camouflage.

The Greenland Gyrfalcon features a mostly white plumage compared to other varieties, helping it to blend in as it stalks its quarry. Although rare, Gyrfalcons are more often seen in the western fjord regions of the country and are the largest of the falcon species, with the biggest males standing up to two-feet tall. A fearsome hunter, the Gyrfalcon preys upon small mammals and seabirds.

There are five different types of seal in Greenland, namely harp, hooded, ringed, harbour and bearded. These pinnipeds, as they are known, have formed the basis for human settlement in Greenland for millennia, and are still hunted for their meat, blubber and skins. Nevertheless, according to the WWF, the populations of most seal species in Greenland are thriving, and the variety you’re most likely to spot is the big-eyed harp seal.

Discover a pristine natural environment, photogenic wildlife and the unique culture of Greenland as we set out on a voyage of adventure. Along the way, you’ll get close to nature as we take you on shore landings aboard our expedition boats, on guided nature walks across Arctic tundra, and on wildlife-spotting expeditions deep within the fjords.

You’ll visit some of the remotest areas imaginable, where there is no infrastructure for ships to dock. This is where our small expedition boats come in. Whether it’s a pebbly beach, a rocky fjord inlet, or an uninhabited island, our small boats are a comfortable and convenient way of getting you to the heart of Greenland.

Join us for walks to viewpoints and sites of interest, such as Paradise Valley near Nuuk or the old Inuit settlement at Sermermiut. Wherever you go, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic surroundings and ask questions of the knowledgeable guides.

* Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost

The urban centres on the west coast of Greenland take the form of coastal settlements which are spread out along the shore, usually small enough to easily explore on foot. These towns are always colourful and interesting with fascinating things to uncover, be it rock carvings at Qaqortoq, colonial era buildings at Maniitsoq or contemporary architecture in Nuuk.

Whether we’re exploring coastal ecosystems, sailing among the islands of Disko Bay, or venturing deep into the channels of the Scoresbysund fjord system, there’s a variety of wildlife to look out for. Spot whales and porpoises from the observation deck while at sea, look out for Arctic foxes and musk oxen in the National Parks, and scan the skies and shores for the numerous bird species who call Greenland home.

Optional excursions offer special experiences that bring you closer to the places we explore. This might be a visit to a local person’s house for a kaffemik social gathering in Qaqortoq, a guided walk in Nuuk, or something else altogether.

* Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost

This included programme is designed for photographers of any ability, giving you tips that will help you better capture the spectacular photo opportunities around Greenland. You may also have a chance to join a more intensive one to two-hour Photo Adventures* session.

* Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost

The microscopes and other high-tech equipment in our onboard Science Center allow for hands-on demonstrations and workshops, deepening your knowledge of the places you visit. With interesting lectures, talks and interactive displays, the Science Center also hosts Citizen Science projects, which in turn contribute to important research.

Onboard and ashore, members of our Expedition Team give in-depth lectures on a variety of topics to enhance your voyage. The subjects chosen are specific to your destination and might cover the unique history, culture and wildlife of Greenland.