Natural Wonders of Greenland

Arrival in Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Transfer to the harbor and embarkation on SH VEGA.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean.

On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests ending with the Thrym Glacier. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You might also have the opportunity to see whales.

Prins Christian Sund stretches for 100 km through southern Greenland, winding between granite cliffs, glaciers, and drifting icebergs. This dramatic waterway separates the mainland from the Cape Farewell Archipelago. Along its shores lies Aappilattoq, a remote Inuit village framed by steep mountains and colorful houses. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, it is home to about 100 residents who rely on fishing and hunting.

Kangilinnguit (formerly Grønnedal) is a historic site in southwest Greenland, set within the scenic Arsuk Fjord. Once a strategic U.S. naval base during World War II, it lies near the former mining town of Ivittuut. The fjord passage leads past the Kajartalik lighthouse, Arsuk village, and Kungnat Bay, framed by the towering Mount Kungnait and the Arsuk Glacier. Nearby Ivittuut, once home to the world’s largest cryolite mine essential for wartime aluminium production, now stands abandoned. Ruins, the vast mine pit, and scattered cryolite fragments remain, while muskoxen are the area’s only inhabitants today.

Nigerdlikasik, at the end of Kvanefjord, is a remote and relatively untouched wilderness offering solitude and stunning views of steep cliffs, mountains and the Nigerdlikasik Brae, a small glacier ice field. The glacial ice creates dramatic scenery with ice formations, meltwater streams, steep cliffs and valleys. Carved by ancient ice, the fjord's volcanic geology and rare-earth mineral deposits make it visually and geologically significant.

Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Greenland has a thriving cultural scene including the Greenland National Museum, home to the world-renowned Qilakitsoq mummies. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), Nuuk's bustling harbour features Nuuk Cathedral and colourful wooden houses, alongside modern architecture. Nuuk also serves as a gateway to Inuit experiences and adventures in the surrounding fjords and mountains.

The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colourful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland.

Eqi Glacier, or Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic, is one of Greenland's largest and most active calving glaciers, spanning nearly 4 km wide and towering over 200 m. Visitors can almost always witness calving, where pieces of ice break off the glacier's face, creating deafening bangs and giant splashes that send waves across the bay. The contrast between thunderous calving and the ensuing silence provides a glimpse of Greenland's dynamic icy landscape.

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs.

The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.

Disembarkation and transfer to the airport. Flight to Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Today you will visit the sights of the Golden Circle. This eclectic journey takes visitors to the world famous Geysir area with its active geysers and Gullfoss waterfall, which plunges 230 feet (70 meters) in three stages into a narrow rock chasm. The journey continues into Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s ancient parliament convened, and the hot spring of Nesjavellir. On the way back to the capital, we briefly stop at the former bishopric of Skalholt and visit the greenhouses of Fridheimar. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Individual departure or optional trip extension. Extensions are available on request—please contact us for a personalized offer.