East and South Greenland Explorer, Incl. flight from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen

21 days
Jan 1970
Included: flights, transfers
Birding

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East Greenland is among the most remote and least populated areas of the Arctic, a wild place of dramatic fjords, small Inuit settlements, and ancient remains from Viking and Thule cultures. Sail and explore the coastlines of this ruggedly beautiful region, enjoying its impressive rock formations and colossal icebergs while keeping an eye open for Arctic wildlife.

Highlights


Itinerary

Day 1 | Largest town, biggest island

The adventure begins in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded here. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of the voyage.


Day 2-3 | Onward to East Greenland

We may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds.


Day 4 | Tundra, mountains, and icebergs

As we approach Greenland, we may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut where Norwegian trappers once hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox, there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen as well as geese floating the small lakes. From here we sail through Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.


Day 5 | The islands of Antarctic Sound

We arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon we head into Antarctic Sound, where we find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.


Day 6 | Sights of the Arctic autumn

The first half of the day we spend in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you can spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.


Day 7 | Arriving at Earth’s largest fjord

Today we reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. We continue along the east coast of Milne deeper into the fjord.


Day 8 | Enormous bergs, Arctic hares

In the morning we encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). We then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares. Later we will land at Satakajik and see the remains of Thule dwellings.


Day 9 | Settlement at Scoresby Sund

Today we make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund at about three hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon we sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.


Day 10 | Thule huts and hiking spots

Our next stop is Stewart Island, an important hunting area for the people of Scoresby Sund. There are beautiful remains of Thule houses to be seen here. Rømer Fjord and Turner Sound, meanwhile, give us the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at their head and are not clogged with ice. This also provides us good hiking opportunities.


Day 11-13 | All the pretty fjords

Sailing south along the East Greenland coast, we enter several fjords competing in beauty: d’Aunay, Nansen, and possibly either Ikersuaq or Kangertitsivaqmiit. Most of these fjords have glacier front at the head, but any of them can offer us a chance to see polar bears.


Day 14 | Smalltown Greenland

Tasiilaq, once known as Angmagssalik (about 2,000 inhabitants) is our next port of call. This charming town is the center of East Greenland, boasting a museum where you can learn about the colorful local history of this incredibly remote area.


Day 15 | In the steps of Nansen

We next sail south to land at Umivik, where the explorer Fridtjof Nansen ascended the Greenland ice sheet. Here you may even be able to walk a short distance in his steps.


Day 16 | The valley of Mariedal

Today we circumnavigate Skjoldungen through one of the most spectacular fjords of southeast Greenland, then land at Qornoq to see houses from the Thule culture. We will then visit Mariedal and a beautiful valley where Greenlanders used to collect berries in autumn.


Day 17 | Abandoned Greenland settlement

Moving on to Timmiarmiut, we see an abandoned Greenlandic settlement and will possibly sail into the fjord. Polar bears have sometimes been spotted here in the past. As an alternative, we may visit Igutsait to the south.


Day 18 | Prins Christian Sund mountains

Our westward passing of the Prins Christian Sund is surrounded by mountains of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) and is one of the highlights of the voyage. We may make a landing at Svaerdfiskens Havn or in the evening at Ikigait, once known as Herjolfsnes, a former Norse settlement.


Day 19 | Uunartoq hot spring

Today we reach Lichtenau, a lovely though nearly deserted Greenlandic village, where the Herrnhuters had a mission in the 18th century and where some of their large German-style buildings still remain. We will then try to get to Uunartoq, where we can bathe in a large hot spring surrounded by icebergs. Across at Vagar, we find the remains of a Norse homestead.


Day 20 | Erik the Red’s base

In Eriksfjord we land at Ittileq, in a bay from which we can walk 4 km (2.5 miles) down a road to Igaliku (Gardar). In this small Greenlandic village, we can see the remains of a 13th-century Norse church, along with other ruins. Then in the afternoon, we plan to visit Bratthalid, the base of Erik the Red. This is a sub-Arctic area with birch trees, agriculture, and cattle. Later that evening, we arrive at Narssarsuaq for the final night of our voyage.


Day 21 | Saying goodbye to Greenland

From the WW2-era airport of Narssarsuaq, we fly back to Copenhagen. Though our adventure has come to an end, we take home memories that will accompany us wherever the next adventure lies.


What's included

Included in this voyage

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary

  • Scheduled flight from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen

  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

  • Free use of waterproof neoprene boots.

  • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to Longyearbyen.

  • Transfers and baggage handling between the ship and the airport Narsarsuaq for passengers on the scheduled flight to Copenhagen.

  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.

  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.

  • Comprehensive pre-departure material sent per email.

Excluded from this voyage

  • Airfares, except those mentioned as included in this voyage

  • Pre- and post- land arrangements.

  • Passport and visa expenses.

  • Government arrival and departure taxes.

  • Meals ashore.

  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).


Practical information

The best time to visit Greenland on a cruise is between June and September, when the ice has melted enough to allow ship access.

  • June – Early Summer: Midnight Sun, calving glaciers, and Arctic wildflowers in bloom.

  • July & August – Peak Season: Warmer temperatures, best time for whale watching, and access to remote fjords.

  • September – Late Season: Stunning autumn colors, fewer visitors, and increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Greenland is home to incredible Arctic wildlife, including:

  • Whales – Humpback, Fin, Minke, and even Narwhals.

  • Musk Oxen – Large, woolly mammals roaming the tundra.

  • Arctic Foxes & Arctic Hares – Well-adapted to the cold.

  • Seals – Bearded, Harp, and Ringed Seals.

  • Seabirds – Puffins, Kittiwakes, Gannets, and Gyrfalcons.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has a separate immigration policy.

  • Most travelers do NOT need a visa if they have a valid Schengen visa or a passport from a visa-exempt country.

  • Schengen residents must carry a valid passport, as national ID cards are not sufficient for entry.

  • Swan Hellenic will provide necessary permits for landing in protected areas.

Always check entry requirements before departure.

Greenland’s climate is Arctic but varies by region and season. During the cruise season, expect:

  • June - July: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)

  • August - September: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)

Coastal areas are milder than inland. Weather can change rapidly, so layering is key.

acking properly for your Greenland expedition is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable while exploring the Arctic. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Clothing & Footwear

  • Layering is essential – choose wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics over cotton for better insulation.

  • Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear – a warm winter jacket and wind/water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and Zodiac excursions).

  • Thermal Base Layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials.

  • Warm Mid-Layers – wool jumpers and fleece jackets for insulation.

  • Gloves & Mittens – fleece and wool gloves provide warmth in cold and windy conditions.

  • Warm Hat or Headband – protects against Arctic winds.

  • Scarf or Fleece Tube – extra warmth for your neck and face.

  • Warm Socks – wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.

  • Regular Indoor Shoes – for comfort while onboard.

  • Sturdy Hiking Shoes – essential for shore excursions and exploring Greenland’s rugged terrain.

  • Sunglasses with UV Protection – Arctic sunlight reflects off ice and water, making this a must-have.

  • Sleeping Mask – helpful for sleeping under the Midnight Sun in summer.

Expedition Gear & Accessories

  • Small Waterproof Backpack – useful for Zodiac excursions and landings.

  • A Good Pair of Binoculars – ideal for spotting whales, seabirds, and distant icebergs (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin).

  • Camera & Extra Memory Cards – Greenland’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife provide stunning photo opportunities.

  • Extra Batteries & Power Banks – cold temperatures reduce battery life quickly.

  • Chargers, Electrical Adapters & Converters – check your travel documents for ship-specific power requirements.

  • Sea Sickness MedicationGreenland’s waters can be unpredictable, especially in the Denmark Strait.

Personal Care & Essentials

  • Your Passport & a Copy of It

  • Cash in the Applicable Currency – check your travel documents for onboard payment details.

  • Sun Protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm to protect against Arctic sun exposure.

  • Moisturizer – the cold, dry Arctic air can dry out your skin quickly.

  • Enough Medication & Essentials – bring extra in case of unexpected delays.

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