Exploring the Old Norse heritage

Day 1: Reykjavik

Take time to acquaint yourself with this charming city or its surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes before departure.

Day 2: Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður is situated in the western part of Iceland on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Several national sights are found in this area, including the Snæfellsjökull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland.

Day 3: Denmark Strait

While crossing the Denmark Strait we sail in the wake of the great Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland more than 900 years ago. We start our lectures to prepare you for your time in Greenland. You will get introduction briefings on how to explore Greenland with utmost respect for the vulnerable and exotic nature. In addition we offer a variety of lectures on topics like history, biology and geology.

Day 4: Nunap Isua

Greenland’s southern shores contain some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions of this giant island. We will try to sail through the narrow, often ice-choked 70-mile-long channel Prins Christian Sund that cross the southernmost point of Greenland and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If the channel is blocked we will sail around Nunap Isua (Kap Farvel).

Day 5: South Greenland

Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland due to the colourful houses. The excursions we offer here include an interesting visit to the only tannery in Greenland, a city walk with guide and a kaffemik - the typical Greenland-style social gathering - to meet the locals. In Hvalsey you find some of the best-preserved ruins from the Norse period; the former ‘Austurbygd’. 500 years after it was established all the inhabitants suddenly left in 1408. Here you find the remains of the church where the last known Viking wedding took place.

Day 6: South Greenland

Igaliku is home to the well-known ruins of Garðar, once the religious heart of Norse Greenland. Enjoy a guided settlement walk that is included in our programme or an optional hike along to Itilleq, a small settlement with less than 20 inhabitants. Qassiarsuk is the site where Eric the Red built his Brattahlíð estate in 982 A.D. He was banished from Iceland and escaped to the land he called Greenland. Eric the Red settled in Qassiarsuk because the area was according to him the richest and best site in Greenland. Join the optional boat trip or the settlement walk to explore more.

Day 7: South Greenland

Narsaq is located at the beautiful shores of the Tunulliarfik Fjord. This part of South Greenland has been inhabited for thousands of years. It is a great area for optional activities like kayaking, hiking or exploring the town by foot.

Day 8: Nuuk

Nuuk is the oldest town in Greenland and is situated at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world. Today this is where old and new traditions meet, from picturesque old buildings in ”Kolonihaven” to the building of the Greenland Home Rule. Being the capital, Nuuk also houses a university, a teachers training college, churches and the Greenland National Museum - home to the mummies from Qilakilsoq. City tours, hikes and possibly a flight are amongst the optional excursions.

Day 9: Northwest Greenland

In Sisimiut you can watch the artists make jewellery and crafts from bone, leather and metal or join a sightseeing tour and a taste of Greenlandic specialties in a local restaurant.

Day 10: Northwest Greenland

The Disko Bay area offers fantastic sailings with wildlife and spectacular nature. Colourful villages cling to rough, rocky hills at the feet of the mountains surrounding the inland ice. Join excursions like kayaking, hikes or other activities. In Ilulissat we offer a guided hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut and other optional shore excursions.

Day 11: Northwest Greenland

In the early afternoon we reach the small settlement Itilleq. Around 130 people live here, and they are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing. Visit one of the families that live here, buy some arts and crafts of the area or have fun playing soccer with the locals.

Day 12: Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is situated at the bottom of the Kangerlussuaq fjord.  An excursion that includes a farewell barbecue marks the end of our adventure. Late in the evening you fly to Copenhagen.

Day 13: Copenhagen

You arrive in Copenhagen early in the morning.