Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories North Atlantic Islands Adventure & Eco Travel Cruises

Northwest Greenland is the land of the Midnight Sun and dog sleds. Enjoy amazing Arctic experiences in the Disko Bay area, and the rarely visited settlement of Upernavik, with giant icebergs, fjords, wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Our landings, excursions, kayaking, hikes or other activities give you an authentic experience of Greenland and the people living here.

Itinerary

Welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat – “Land of the people.” This Arctic adventure starts in Kangerlussuaq, the main gateway to Greenland. We will explore this area before joining MS Fram. The informal atmosphere on board always encourages conversations and the sharing of expectations for the coming journey.

When we reach Sisimiut we recommend a visit to the Sisimiut Museum, a local institution specializing on Greenlandic trade, industry and shipping. You can also join a variety of optional excursions, like hikes for various abilities, a boat trip to Assaqutaq, a sightseeing tour by bus and a meal with Greenlandic specialties in a local restaurant. Experience the true Greenland.

Once we reach the old volcanic island of Disko, you will see the town of Qeqertarsuaq with its colourful houses. The town is set in wonderful surroundings at the foot of impressive basalt mountains. A walk through Qeqertarsuaq gives a vivid impression of the hunters’ society. Fram’s Expedition Team will also take you on a guided walk to Blæsedalen. If you want to learn more about life in Greenland you can join our optional excursion which includes a town walk with a local guide, or if conditions allow it, go kayaking with our Expedition Team or take the optional ice cruising boat tour.

Qasigiannguit, “Pearl of the Disko Bay”, is the second oldest town in Greenland and was founded in 1734. The oldest house is still in use, and archaeology- and history buffs should definitely pay a visit to the local museum. Explore the settlement on your own, or join the excursion, which includes a settlement walk, entrance to museums and a visit to the church.

Uummannaq / Ukkusissat

As we sail further north, you will get an introduction to the charming town of Uummannaq. The town itself is situated in scenic surroundings at the foot of the 1,170m heart-shaped mountain from which the town takes its name. The displays in the town museum include replicas of the famous Qilakitsoq mummies and collections of traditional arts and crafts.

If you are feeling fit, you can join the Expedition Team on a hike along the mountain to “Santa’s Hut” or meet one of the locals and hear about everyday life in Greenland. Another alternative is to take our boat excursion that includes a landing at Qilakitsoq where the mummies from the Thule era were found. When we arrive in Ukkusissat, the locals will come aboard to entertain us with traditional songs and dances before proudly welcoming us to their village. Once ashore you may stroll around on your own.

Illorsuit lies at the mouth of the Uummannaq Fjord. There are only 90 people living in this settlement. It is a traditional hunting and fishing community, and you are likely to see whale meat and fish drying on the front porch right next to the laundry on several of the houses. It is a place rarely visited by tourists, so we are probably as much an attraction to the locals as their village is to us. Later we will use our Polarcirkel boats to land in Illorsuit to visit this settlement.

Upernavik is where the locals migrate to in spring to take advantage of the rich hunting grounds for centuries. The settlement lies at N72° 47 and W 56° 10 in Melville Bay in northwest Greenland. The world’s northernmost open-air museum is well worth a visit.

Many of the locals still go hunting and fishing, so keep your eyes open for a polar bear skin or sealskin when walking through town.

Arriving in Qullissat we use our Polarcirkel boats to go ashore. Enjoy a walk through the settlement on your own. Icebergs and Kaffemik This journey offers numerous highlights and if the ice conditions allow it, one of them is enjoying the views of the Eqip Sermia glacier. Here you will have an outstanding opportunity to experience glaciers first-hand and sense the greatness of their nature.

Ilulissat means ‘icebergs’ in Greenlandic and the Ilulissat Icefjord was inscribed to the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2004. The floating icebergs are like massive individual sculptures with colours varying depending on the light. Our shore excursions include hikes and a boat tour to the ice fjord.

The next morning we head towards the Oqaatsut area where we hope to do some landings and activities before we start the scenic voyage south to the Itilleq. Oqaatsut is a charming settlement, with its own school, church and a small grocery store. Locals also call the settlement “Rødebugt”, or “Red Bay” referring to the whaling the area was known for. Enjoy an introduction to this small Greenlandic settlement, where modern amenities like the internet go hand in hand with old traditions

When we reach the small settlement of Itilleq you will be invited for a “kaffemik” by the locals in their home. Afterwards you can enjoy the traditional soccer game between MS Fram’s crew and guests, and the locals of Itilleq.

When we reach Kangerlussuaq again, we see the end of this magnificent journey. After disembarkation you fly back to Reykjavik.

Notes