East and South Greenland In Depth

Day 1: Embark on your ship in Longyearbyen

Your journey launches in Longyearbyen, the main settlement on Spitsbergen. Take some time to explore this former mining town – its charming parish church and the Svalbard Museum offer plenty of insight into local history and culture.

Despite the rugged landscape, over a hundred plant species thrive in the surrounding area.

By early evening, the ship departs through Isfjorde. Keep an eye out for minke whales as you begin your voyage.

Days 2 & 3: Onward to East Greenland

If conditions allow, you may catch a glimpse of the jagged edge of East Greenland’s sea ice shimmering into view.

Stay alert – you might even spot whales surfacing or seabirds on their migratory paths.

Day 4: Approaching Greenland

As your ship nears Greenland, the aim is to navigate through sea ice into Foster Bay, landing at Myggebugten.

 Just beyond an old hunter cabin – once used by Norwegian trappers in search of polar bears and Arctic foxes – stretches a vast tundra, home to musk oxen and dotted with lakes where geese drift lazily.

From there, you’ll continue through the dramatic Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, flanked by towering peaks and dotted with gleaming interior icebergs.

Alternatively, you may sail through Sofia Sound, a narrower but equally striking passage. 

Day 5: Antarctic Sound’s islands

Today, you’ll arrive at Teufelschloss, or Devil’s Castle, a striking mountain known for its layered rock formations. Across the fjord lies Blomsterbugt, where the expedition team plans to make a landing.

Later in the day, sail into Antarctic Sound, where the islands of Ruth, Maria and Ella come into view. Of these, Maria offers the best opportunity for going ashore.

Day 6: Sights of the Arctic autumn

You’ll spend the morning exploring Antarctic Haven, a wide valley where herds of musk oxen are often seen grazing.

In autumn, the sparse Arctic vegetation transforms into a tapestry of fiery reds and golds – a stunning contrast against the stark landscape.

Day 7: Arriving at the world’s biggest fjord

Today, you arrive in Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glacier-carved Volquart Boons Kyst. 

A zodiac cruise may take you past one of the glacier fronts, with the chance to admire the dramatic basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. 

You then continue along the east coast of Milne, venturing deeper into the vast fjord system.

Day 8: Enormous bergs & Arctic hares

This morning, you’ll encounter towering icebergs – some rising over 100 m (328 ft) high and stretching more than a kilometre long. Most of these giants are grounded, resting on the fjord floor about 400 m (1,312 ft) deep.

Later, you land near Sydkap, where you'll enjoy sweeping views across Hall Bredning and a good chance of spotting Arctic hares.

You’ll also stop at Satakajik to explore the remains of ancient Thule dwellings.

Day 9: Life in Scoresby Sund

This morning, you’ll make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in the sheltered waters of Hurry Inlet.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund, and home to around 300 residents. At the local post office, you can pick up stamps for postcards, or simply wander the village to see sledge dogs and the skins of seals and musk oxen drying in the Arctic air.

Later, sail south along the scenic Blosseville Coast, with its striking, rugged landscapes.

Day 10: Thule huts and hiking spots

Your next stop is Stewart Island, once an important hunting ground for the people of Scoresby Sund. Here, you’ll find well-preserved remains of traditional Thule houses.

You‘ll then continue into Rømer Fjord and Turner Sound – ice-free waterways with no glacier fronts – allowing you to sail deep inland. These areas also offer excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring on foot.

Days 11 to 13: Exploring incredible fjords

As you sail south along Greenland’s east coast, you enter a string of fjords that seem to compete in beauty: d’Aunay, Nansen and possibly Ikersuaq or Kangertitsivaqmiit.

Most of these are crowned by glacier fronts, and all offer the thrilling possibility of spotting polar bears along the shores or ice edges.

Day 14: Small-town Greenland

Your next stop is Tasiilaq, formerly known as Angmagssalik and home to around 2,000 people.

This colourful town is the cultural heart of East Greenland. Don’t miss the local museum, where you can dive into the rich history and traditions of a remote Arctic community.

Day 15: In the steps of Nansen

Today, you’ll continue south to land at Umivik, where legendary explorer Fridtjof Nansen began his historic crossing of the Greenland ice sheet.

You may even have the chance to walk a short stretch in his footsteps.

Day 16: The valley of Mariedal

You’ll circumnavigate Skjoldungen through one of the southeast’s most breathtaking fjords before landing at Qornoq, where you’ll see remnants of houses from the Thule culture.

Later, you visit Mariedal, a stunning valley where Greenlanders once gathered berries during the autumn season.

Day 17: Abandoned Greenland settlement

Today, you’ll head to Timmiarmiut, where you’ll see the remains of an abandoned Greenlandic settlement. Conditions permitting, you may sail into the fjord itself.

This area has been known for occasional polar bear sightings, adding a sense of wilderness to the visit.

Alternatively, you might explore Igutsait, located further south.

Day 18: Prins Christian Sund mountains

As you journey westward through Prins Christian Sund, you’re surrounded by dramatic mountains soaring over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) – a true highlight of the voyage.

There may be a landing at Svaerdfiskens Havn, or later in the day at Ikigait, formerly Herjolfsnes, a historic Norse settlement.

Day 19: Uunartoq hot spring

Arrive in Lichtenau today, a nearly deserted but scenic village where 18th Century Herrnhuter missionaries left behind striking German-style buildings.

After exploring, you’ll try to reach Uunartoq, where you can soak in a natural hot spring, steaming water surrounded by drifting icebergs.

Across the water at Vagar, you’ll also find the intriguing ruins of a Norse homestead.

Day 20: Erik the Red’s base

In Eriksfjord, you land at Ittileq and take a 4 km (2.5-mile) walk along a quiet road to Igaliku (Gardar). This peaceful village holds the ruins of a 13th Century Norse church and other remnants of early Norse life.

Later, you visit Bratthalid, once home to Erik the Red. Here, the sub-Arctic landscape supports birch trees, farmland, and cattle, offering a rare glimpse of Greenland’s more temperate side.

That evening, you arrive in Narssarsuaq for your final night in Greenland.

Day 21: Saying goodbye to Greenland

From the World War II–era airport in Narssarsuaq, you’ll board your flight back to Copenhagen, carrying memories of ice, history and wild Arctic beauty.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.