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May 19, 2025

Greenland, land of eternal ice and Viking legends, is one of the last frontiers of adventure for lovers of nature and culture. The itinerary Greenland Explorer – From Iceland to Greenland offered by Albatros Expeditions provides a unique experience, following the routes of the first Norse explorers and immersing travelers in the extraordinary beauty of the Arctic. 

This 12-day expedition begins in Reykjavík, a capital city that enchants with its balance of Nordic modernity and ancient Icelandic roots. After boarding the Ocean Albatros, guests are welcomed into a warm and professional atmosphere. 

Departing from the Icelandic coast, the ship sails toward the Denmark Strait, tracing the ancient routes once navigated by the Vikings. During this crossing, time aboard can be spent relaxing—perhaps with a visit to the spa or a walk on deck to watch seabirds and the Arctic sky—or engaging in cultural enrichment through lectures held by the expedition team, focusing on the history, geology, and wildlife of the area about to be explored. 

Next comes the east coast of Greenland, with the first encounter being the town of Tasiilaq, the largest settlement in the region. Located on Ammassalik Island, Tasiilaq presents itself as a community nestled in a landscape dominated by jagged mountains and shimmering glaciers. 

Visitors here have the opportunity to discover the culture of the Tunumiit, the eastern branch of the Inuit people. The experience includes a visit to the ethnographic museum, showcasing traditional artifacts and performances of local dances. Nature enthusiasts can take part in an excursion to the Valley of Flowers, a lush area crisscrossed by glacial streams. 

Continuing along the eastern coast, the next day is dedicated to exploring Ikateq and Kuummiut. Now uninhabited, Ikateq tells a forgotten story: during World War II, it hosted an American airbase, the remains of which are still visible today—weathered and silent. Walking among these remnants feels like stepping into a suspended chapter of 20th-century history, in a landscape that enhances the sense of isolation and mystery. 

After this evocative stop, the expedition heads to Kuummiut, a small fishing village. Here, guests can observe how fish is prepared and preserved using traditional methods, and learn about the daily lives of the residents, guardians of a culture that has adapted over the centuries to an environment as harsh as it is fascinating. 

The journey continues into the Sermilik Fjord, one of the most majestic in eastern Greenland. The landscape here is almost surreal: hundreds of icebergs drift through pristine waters. Zodiac excursions allow for safe, up-close encounters with these icy giants, offering breathtaking views and the chance to photograph mesmerizing reflections and transparencies. 

During the voyage, it’s not uncommon to spot seals resting on floating ice or, with a bit of luck, a whale surfacing for air. The vastness of the landscape and its wildlife offers guests a profound experience of wonder and respect. 

Heading south, the Ocean Albatros reaches Skjoldungen, an uninhabited peninsula with one of the most distinctive landscapes of the expedition. Towering mountains rise straight from the sea, and glaciers slide toward the water. Onshore excursions here are true explorations, with trails winding through glacial valleys, polished rocks, and ancient settlement traces left by Inuit people long ago. 

The journey continues through the spectacular Prins Christian Sund, a narrow passage that cuts across Greenland’s southern tip. The ship sails slowly through towering rock walls and massive glaciers, unveiling a dreamlike panorama. 

At the end of the Sund lies the village of Aappilattoq, a small, colorful settlement where daily life unfolds with simplicity and pride. Visitors can walk among wooden houses, interact with the locals, and discover a uniquely authentic side of Greenland. 

Further west is Qassiarsuk, one of Greenland’s most historically significant sites. Here, at the end of the 10th century, Erik the Red founded the Viking settlement of Brattahlíð, marking the beginning of Norse colonization on the island. Today, visitors can explore reconstructions of Viking houses and the church of Þjóðhildur. 

The tour continues to Itilleq Kujalleq, a farming village where sheep herding is the main activity. The landscape—surprisingly green for Greenland—reveals another side of the island, with cultivated fields, rolling hills, and a lifestyle closely tied to the land. 

As the ship travels north along the coast, it reaches Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. The city is a meeting point between past and future: modern buildings stand alongside traditional wooden homes, and Inuit culture coexists with Danish influence. Here, visitors can explore the Greenland National Museum, home to archaeological artifacts and the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, or wander between cafés, art galleries, and local markets offering unique handicrafts. 

The second-to-last stop is the village of Kangaamiut, nestled among steep cliffs and deep fjords. Guests can witness traditional leatherworking or the crafting of kayaks. Not far away is the Evighedsfjorden—the “Fjord of Eternity”—named for its grandeur and the timeless feeling it evokes while sailing through it. The sheer rock faces, glaciers that touch the water, and absolute stillness make it a perfect conclusion to a journey filled with emotion. 

The expedition ends in Kangerlussuaq, where guests disembark and are transferred to the airport for the charter flight back to Copenhagen, via Keflavik. With this voyage, Albatros Expeditions succeeds in combining comfort and adventure, knowledge and wonder, offering an Arctic cruise that is also an inner journey. 

Those who choose this itinerary return home not only with beautiful photos, but with new awareness: the fragility of nature, the strength of tradition, the allure of the remote. In a fast-paced world, this expedition grants the rare privilege of slowing down and truly feeling the planet breathe. 

Don’t miss more updates, offers, and voyages from Albatros Expedition on our website: Cruising Journal. 

Mara Di Dio

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