3. Grand Greenland: Disko Bay & Ice Giants

Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík.

A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.

Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja

Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.

If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.

Welcome to the capital of Greenland

You’ll have an early start today as we depart Reykjavík and fly to Nuuk.

Nuuk is Greenland’s colorful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue.

Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.

Getting ready for adventure

Sailing toward the Arctic Circle, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these mandatory presentations if you want to join planned landings as we head north.

You will also have time to settle on board, enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on Greenland related topics, including the Citizen Science projects run on board the ship.

At some point during the sailing, we will cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworks

Today we’ll reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you’ll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden path to the breathtaking ice fjord.

Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, gray and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Center to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to take in the incredible views.

Deep dive into Arctic life

Greenland’s Far North begins beyond the Nuussuaq Peninsula. Here, life moves at the rhythm of the Arctic –unhurried and guided by the elements.

This rugged, beautiful land has drawn people for over 4,000 years. Early settlers navigated its coastline and carved out a life in conditions few could endure. Today, archaeological sites stand as quiet markers of their resilience, including the famous Qilakitsoq mummies discovered in this very region.

Potential landings may include visits to small, remote communities like Uummannaq, watched over by its striking heart-shaped mountain, or Ukkusissat. Weather and ice permitting, we’ll explore the Qilakitsoq site, cruise into secluded fjords, or step ashore to take in Greenland’s raw Arctic landscapes – always ready to adapt, as nature allows.

Get closer to the awesome power of nature

Grandeur in the key word here. Disko Bay is one of those places that people dream about. And with good reason – the deep blue waters here are scattered with icebergs in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are truly immense, weighing up to seven million tons, and the ice fjord pumps out more water in the form of glacial ice in a day than New York City uses in a year.

Traditional communities, massive glaciers, and seemingly endless stretches of wilderness await us during our exploration of the region. Over the next days, we aim to show you the wonders of the bay, including Vaigat Sound, Disko Island, and the eastern fjords. Of course, Mother Nature has the upper hand, so we’ll always be ready to adjust our plans to the local weather and ice conditions.

Get ready for nature landings in our expedition boats, cruising in between ice floes and icebergs, whale spotting from deck and more talks by the Expedition Team. On landings, keep your eyes open and maybe you’ll catch sight of a reindeer herd, a fast-moving Arctic fox, or a powerfully built gyrfalcon.

Visit modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a sprinkling of settlements, including the second-largest town on the island. However, the vastness of the land makes this stretch of the coast a sparsely-populated region, where huge distances are the norm, and the sense of remoteness and isolation is just a part of daily life.

As we sail south, we’ll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. Possible calls include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq – a small fishing and hunting village perched just north of the Arctic Circle.

Further along the coast lies Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town. Though modern in appearance, its roots run deep, with archaeological remains dating back over 4,000 years. Visit the local museum to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, or browse for qiviut scarves, hats, and mittens – crafted from the soft inner wool of musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

Whether hiking ashore, meeting Greenlanders, or scanning the horizon for wildlife, these final days offer a fitting epilogue to your Arctic expedition.

A small capital in a grandiose setting

Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, her crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a metropolis compared to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window onto modern Greenland.

From here, you’ll catch a flight back to Reykjavík, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.

See more of Reykjavík

Your adventure concludes in Reykjavík, giving you another chance to explore Iceland’s stylish capital.

If you want to discover more, you can join our optional Post-Program before heading home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.