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Peregrine Travel Centre

Discovering Greenland – Expedition From Reykjavík to Nuuk

Discovering Greenland – Expedition From Reykjavík to Nuuk

From AUD $13,470

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Description

Wild nature and traditional communities 
Sailing from Reykjavík, we cross the Denmark Strait and explore remote areas that few get to visit. There, you’ll discover Norse ruins, visit traditional communities, explore UNESCO-listed historical sites, and learn about the culture of the Arctic peoples. 
Wildlife and ice sculpted landscapes 
Witness the majestic landscapes of Greenland as we explore deep fjords cut into breathtaking mountain landscapes, cruise to cascading tidewater glaciers, delight in the otherworldly beauty of crystalline icebergs, and spot aquatic mammals along the way.
Please check for adjusted prices based on the option to fly from Copenhagen instead of Reykjavik.

Trip Name
Discovering Greenland - Expedition From Reykjavík to Nuuk
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Reykjavík
 Explore the world’s northernmost capital Your adventure begins 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-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Day 2 - DAY 2-3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
 In the wake of Vikings We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. This is the route taken by the Viking Erik the Red, who is credited as being the first European to have settled there. Sometimes we spot whales along the way, so keep a lookout. During the two-day crossing, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the ship and all its onboard facilities. At the same time the Expedition Team will give presentations about the protocols of respectfully visiting the fragile natural areas and Indigenous Arctic communities. Now is the time to book excursions and maybe learn a few words of Greenlandic. Primarily, however, this is a time of adjustment and enjoyment. You’ll relish delicious meals in the onboard restaurants, listen to some amazing talks and simply get to relax and unwind on this comfortable ship. As we get closer to Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat as it is known you’ll feel the anticipation and excitement building … your adventure is about to begin!
Day 3 - DAY 4-7 Expedition days in south Greenland
 Get straight into adventure mode Over the next four days we’ll be going full-on expedition style as we explore the maze of fjords, channels and islands in this spectacular and wild region. Local weather and ice conditions will determine where and when we land, but the Captain and Expedition Team are used to these conditions and know the best places to go.  On our landings, excursions, and activities we’ll aim to visit Norse ruins, sail into majestic fjords where beautifully sculpted icebergs glisten in the sun, and go on community visits to picturesque towns. You might land at the colourful and tranquil settlement of Qaqortoq with its beautiful lake, drop by Erik the Red’s farm at Brattahlíð, and simply gaze in wonder at the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the scenic southern fjords.  As you’ll discover, southern Greenland’s rugged mountain ranges tower above scattered green meadows and fjords. It’s a landscape sculpted by ice and weather over billions of years. The Norsemen settled here over a thousand years ago, but the harsh living conditions eventually saw them leave after only four centuries. Now, in this vast and mostly unpopulated wilderness, you’ll enjoy a sense of tranquillity not often found in the modern world, so just relax, enjoy the nature, and learn all about what makes this region so special.
Day 4 - DAY 8-10 On expedition in southwest Greenland
 Fjords, glaciers, and ghostly mining towns  The stretch of coast between the fjord systems of southern Greenland and Nuuk is as wild as can be. Long distances separate the few scattered settlements. And although the climate is still mild by Arctic standards the topography is rough, segmented by high mountain ranges half covered by ice and cut through by deep turquoise fjords. With very few inside passages, travelling here has been a challenge since ancient times. And it still is. Mother Nature is in charge here, meaning it’s the perfect adventure playground for modern explorers. On our way north, and always adapted to the local conditions, we’ll get to know the landscapes of the so-called Mellembygden – the Middle Settlement of the Norse settlers. We’ll also look for the ghostly mining town of Ivittuut, where the historically important mineral cryolite was mined, but where today the only inhabitants are shy musk oxen. And we’ll sail into great fjords carved out over millennia by massive glaciers cascading down from the icecap.  Wildlife thrives in this isolated region. Join our Expedition Team on their wildlife watches either on board or on land, and keep your camera and binoculars ready for seabirds, nesting colonies, and whales feeding at sea. If we’re lucky, we may even see one of the few musk ox herds living on the west Greenland coast.
Day 5 - DAY 11-12 Into the depth of Nuuk Fjord
 Be on the lookout for wildlife and history Get ready to explore a grand fjord system. Locally known as the Nuup Kangerlua, the fjords around Nuuk fan out in a somehow parallel network of interconnected waterways. They’re topped by the Kangiussap Nunaa peninsula and the ice cap, most notably in the so-called Nuuk Isfjord. These are the lands of the ancient Norse Western Settlement, the northernmost area they managed to colonise in the Middle Ages. It was probably in Nuup Kangerlua where the descendants of the Vikings met the Thule people for the first time.  The fjords are dotted here and there by old Norse ruins and small Inuit settlements. Some are abandoned, like picturesque Qornoq, while others are thriving, such as Kapisillit and its 88 inhabitants. Relative proximity to Nuuk somehow disguises the fact that communities along Nuup Kangerlua were until very recently as isolated as any other in Greenland. Weather and ice permitting, during the next two days we will explore the fjord system and enjoy the ever-changing mountain landscapes. We’ll also try to reach the icy headwaters of Nuup Kangerlua and visit one of the Inuit villages, while always looking for hiking, ice cruising and wildlife watching opportunities.
Day 6 - DAY 13 Nuuk – the end of our expedition
 Get acquainted with a small capital in a grand setting We say a fond farewell to the ship, crew and Expedition Team as we end our voyage of discovery in Nuuk. The lively and compact capital is positively bustling compared to other places you will have visited – but at less than 20,000 residents, it’s hardly a metropolis.  Visit the national museum to get an insight into life here 500 years ago and see the fascinating Qilakitsoq mummies. Otherwise, there are plentiful shopping opportunities – by Greenland standards – and a mix of cafes and restaurants to drop in on. If you have time before flying back home, Nuuk offers 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 stay with you forever.
Day 7 - DAY 14 Return to Reykjavík
 See more of Reykjavík Today you’ll wake up in Reykjavík, where your adventure concludes. However, this means you have another chance to explore Iceland's stylish capital, if time allows. If you want to discover more, you can join our optional Post-Programme before heading home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.
Day 8 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-202513-06-2025AUD $13,470Polar Outside. From
31-05-202513-06-2025AUD $14,747Arctic Superior. From
31-05-202513-06-2025AUD $18,346Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Sail from Reykjavík to southwest Greenland and witness spectacular glaciers and icebergs as we probe deep into little-visited fjords.
    • See awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife, visit colourful local communities, and delve into Norse history at ancient sites.
    • With an onboard science focus, learn about the geology that shaped the world’s largest island, as well as its biodiversity and mineral deposits.

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