DAYS 7-13: EAST GREENLAND
In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The crew will ordinarily attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs and following in the trail of whales feeding in the icy cold waters.
Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Admire deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000 metres (6,562 feet), and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system.
The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.
Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.
Crew will attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, you’ll marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains.You’ll then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.
You’ll stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. You may see musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. We will see ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.
DAYS 14-15: DENMARK STRAIT AND REYKJAVIK
Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail the ship in the ever-present arctic winds.
During the early morning, you’ll cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you all continue onward journeys. Transfer to your downtown hotel or to Keflavik Airport.
The Magnetic North team can design pre and post expedition land arrangements to tailor your adventure and include flights to match your itinerary. Get in touch with our team who’ll be pleased to share the full range of Arctic cruise options and land arrangements to suit your budget and adventure level.
As with all expeditions in the Arctic region, you’ll need to approach this adventure with a degree of flexibility to allow for changes in weather, sea conditions and ice conditions. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond the crew’s control.
