Compare The Vinland Saga Adventure by Hurtigruten

Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

The Vikings were the first people to permanently settle in Iceland. According to 'The Book of Settlements (Landnámabók)', Ingólfur Arnason was the first to settle here around 870 A.D. He named the settlement Reykjarvík (bay of smoke), after the steam from the hot springs in the area:. Today, Iceland's modern capital is the starting point of this expedition.

Day 2: Snæfellsjökull National Park

The Snæfellsjökull National Park has many famous sites, and the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier is one of the highlights. Other attractions include basalt cliffs and the many fascinating lava formations. At Djupalonssandur, you can also test your 'Viking strength' on the four 'lifting stones': Amlodi (Useless), Halfdraettingur (Weakling), Halfsterkur (Half Strength) and Fullsterkur (Full Strength).

Day 3: At sea

Rather than rowing a longship across the Denmark Strait to reach Greenland, we'll sail in the modern and very comfortable MS Spitsbergen. Join our Expedition Team’s fascinating on board lectures to learn about Norse Greenland before our arrival.

Day 4: At sea

Greenland’s southern shores contain some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions of this massive island. Conditions permitting, we will try to sail through the narrow, 70-mile-long channel Prins Christian Sund, which crosses the southernmost point of Greenland, to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will instead sail around Nunap Isua (Kap Farvel).

Day 5: South Greenland

Qassiarsuk is the site where Erik the Red built his Brattahlíð estate in 982 A.D. He had been exiled from Iceland and escaped to the land he called Greenland. He chose to settle in Qassiarsuk believing it to be the richest and best site in on the island. Join the settlement walk to explore the reconstruction of Erik the Red's longhouse and the church that his wife Tjodhildur made him build.

Day 6: South Greenland

Igaliku is home to the well-known ruins of Garðar, once the religious heart of Norse Greenland. In Hvalsey, you'll find some of the best-preserved ruins from the Norse period in the former town of Austurbygd. Erik the Red's relatives established the farmstead in the late 10th century. In 1408, 500 years after the town was established, all the inhabitants suddenly left. Amongst the ruins, you'll find the remains of the church where the last known Viking wedding took place.

Day 7: At sea

As we cross the ocean again, you will have plenty of time to imagine how it must have felt to cross an ocean more than 1,000 years ago. According to The Saga of the Greenlanders, Leif Erikson (son of Erik the Red) set out in the year 1002 or 1003 A.D and the first land he found to the west was covered with flat rocks, so he called it Helluland, the land of flat stones (From Old Norse: hella).

Day 8: 'Markland'/Labrador, Canada

After Helluland, Leif Erikson arrived at a land that was flat and wooded, with white sandy beaches, which he called Markland (“Forest Land”). Today, this area is known as Labrador.

Day 9: 'Markland'/Labrador

'Markland'/LabradorWe will explore Labrador, making several explorer-style landings to discover more of the area's astonishing nature and wildlife.

Day 10: 'Markland'/Labrador

While we are here, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking along the trails and the countless miles of wilderness to explore, whilst others will appreciate learning more about the history, cultures and traditions of the area at the numerous historic sites we will visit.

Day 11: At sea

Enjoy a day at sea. There will be lectures on various topics or you can spend some time on deck enjoying the wildlife we'll see on our journey.

Day 12: L'anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland

In L'Anse aux Meadows, you'll see the first known evidence of the Vikings settling in America. This is probably where Thorfinn Karlsefni and several others settled in 1010. In 1960, two Norwegian archaeologists started excavating in this area and discovered the fascinating remains of the Viking camp. In 1979, L´Anse aux Meadows became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the recreated camp, you can see original artefacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.

Day 13: 'Vinland'/Newfoundland

According to the sagas, the Viking settlement Hóp was considered to be the 'land of grapes and wheat'. When Leif Erikson discovered it, he called the place Vinland (wineland). This is where the Norse settlers first encountered 'Skrælings', the indigenous people. They started trading with the Skrælings, but after a brutal attack, the frightened Norse abandoned this lush land to go back north. We can promise, however, that the welcome we will receive while visiting the small settlements in this area will be anything but hostile!

Day 14: 'Vinland'/Newfoundland

With its tiny seaside communities, encompassing forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands, and striking cliffs and shorelines, this area is world-renowned for its complex geology. The wildlife is amazing with large seabird colonies, huge moose and caribou populations, and a rich marine life including several species of whales. With some 10,000 humpback whales visiting the area every year, don’t be surprised if you inadvertently capture a whale in a photograph you take on deck!

Day 15: St. Johns, Newfoundland

St. John's is the oldest and most easterly city in North America, and is where our Vinland Saga Adventure ends. We recommend that you explore this historic town, with its striking twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist and its excellent shopping before you fly home.