Compare Reykjavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq by Silversea vs Arctic Sights and Northern Lights: East Greenland by Poseidon Expeditions

 Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting 9-day Silversea Expedition — “Expedition Greenland”. After settling into your suite and having attended a mandatory safety briefing Silver Explorer will be setting sail. Meet the members of your Expedition Team in The Theatre and attend the first of many memorable dinners in The Restaurant.

Day 2: At Sea Crossing the Denmark Strait

Spend the day crossing the Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers, attend a Zodiac briefing, and become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board Silver Explorer. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party where at the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Day 3: Skoldungen Fjord (Thrym Glacier)

Cruising along Greenland’s rugged eastern coast, the Silver Explorer explores the Skoldungen Fjord. We will spend much of the day out on deck to take in the enchanting scenery: towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. Upon arriving at the top of the fjord where we can easily see the retreating state of the Thrym Glacier Here we will have our first Zodiac-cruise of the journey, allowing us to explore this picturesque setting from a unique, up-close perspective. On our return journey, exiting this U-shaped fjord, join your Expedition Team out on deck to marvel at the spectacular scenery.

Day 4: Cruise & Explore Prince Christian Sound, Greenland

Our plan for today is to explore one of South Greenland’s most dramatic natural features: Prince Christian Sound. The water is placid and the crisp scent of ice fills the air. On either side of us, waterfalls stream down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as we navigate the sound through a sea of icebergs that glitter in the sun. Born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge, each iceberg is different from the next. Time and weather conditions permitting, we plan to set out via the Zodiacs to explore even more. In the afternoon we will arrive to the first settlement (and one of the southernmost) of Greenland —Aappilattoq. This small village of 130 inhabitants, hidden behind a prominent rock, offers a good insight into the life of Greenlandic Inuit. There is a small school and a church, where the local choir has performed heart-rending Greenlandic songs. A stroll through the village will most probably reveal some Polar Bear skin drying in the wind, while a strenuous hike up the mountain-slope to the west will permit spectacular views of the area and Prince Christian Sound. While the sun sets we will be exiting the channels to make our way up the west coast of Greenland.

Day 5: Nanortalik, Greenland

Nanortalik lies in a scenic area surrounded by steep mountainsides and is Greenland’s most southerly town. The town’s name means the “place of Polar Bears”, which refers to the Polar Bears that used to be seen floating offshore on summer’s ice floes. Nanortalik has an excellent open-air museum that gives a broad picture of the region from Inuit times to today. At the summer hunting camp, Inuit in traditional clothing will describe aspects of their ancestor’s customs and lifestyle including an impressive kayak demonstration. Time permitting, we will enjoy the tradition of kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) and a folk dancing presentation at the Cultural Centre. In the afternoon, Silver Explorer will drop anchor at Uunartoq. Since the days of the Norse, the hot springs here have been renown for their healing effects. Take this opportunity to relax and unwind in steaming waters, watching iceberg floating by. Remember to pack swimwear! If conditions permit, we will have a Zodiac-cruise around the icebergs stranded found near Uunartoq Island.

Day 6: Qaqortoq, Greenland

This morning we arrive at the picturesque harbour town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok). The town’s name translates to ‘white place’, but today, instead of snow, we will admire the hillsides of colourful houses painted in bright primary shades. Our local guide will take us to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork. Qaqortoq is also famous for its street art: the Stone and Man open air gallery has more than 40 sculptures and designs carved into or out of local rock. During the town walk you will see quite a number of these objects. In the afternoon Silver Explorer anchors off Hvalsey. Once ashore, we will learn how Christianity spread its influence throughout Europe and eventually reached remote Greenland, where it established itself in the country in 1000 AD. Hvalsey Church was built in the 14th century and is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period. Together we will visit these historical ruins from the time of the Vikings.

Days 7: At Sea

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields and their informative topics will prepare you for the many adventures that lie ahead. Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for marine mammals and to identify the seabirds that will follow our passage.

Day 8: Nuuk, Greenland

This morning we arrive in Greenland’s first town (1728) and current capital, Nuuk, which means “the heartland”. Our leisurely walk through this picturesque harbour town allows us to take in Nuuk’s natural beauty, and also to see Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, parliament, and the Church of our Saviour. At the Greenlandic National Museum we have the fantastic opportunity to see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies.

Day 9: Maniitsoq, Greenland

Greenland’s sixth-largest town (of less than 2700 inhabitants) is our morning’s destination. Its local name (meaning ‘place of rugged terrain’) contrasts somewhat with the name given by the Danish in 1782 (‘New Sugarloaf’). During our walk we will reach the small museum and old cemetery at the northern end of town and at the community hall will have an opportunity to see some of the local beadwork — souvenirs that take a lot of patience while they are being produced. But beadwork is not just for souvenirs and visitors — the national dress of the West-Greenlandic women uses a collar made of beadwork. Before we leave a demonstration of how to use a kayak might take place in the small harbour. During the afternoon we will head north for Kangerlussuaq (formerly known as Sondresstrom). The Kangerlussuaq fjord has a length of 190 kilometres and at its end is the major airport of Greenland, which dates back to WWII and the American Air Force’s presence. While we cruise up the coast and enter the fjord, our on-board videographer will present his voyage-DVD letting you re-live the special moments and different adventures you will have had during this voyage.

Day 10: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

After breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer via Zodiac. Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík, Iceland (hotel night)

Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our Arctic expedition! The drive from the Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. After checking into your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to explore this attractive, friendly and quintessentially Nordic city.

For an excellent overview of Iceland’s history and culture, we recommend starting at the superb National Museum and Culture House. You will also want to visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík’s most famous landmark. For those interested in natural history, we recommend the Whales of Iceland museum, which houses full-sized models of the 23 species of whale found around Iceland. For dinner, Reykjavík offers countless options for an authentic Icelandic meal.

Day 2: Welcome Aboard!

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Reykjavík. Take a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden or a relaxing soak in a thermal bath. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife at Tjörnin, a placid lake in the heart of the city. You can also take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the views as we sail through Faxaflói, where it is possible to encounter our first whales.

Day 3: Across Denmark Strait

As we sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, we celebrate our crossing of the Arctic Circle. We keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, we have our first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.

Day 4-8: Scoresby Sund, East Greenland

The itinerary for this part of our voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as Kangertittivaq in the Greenlandic language. This area contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and Greenland’s best wildlife viewing. As with any true polar expedition, our exact schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice. At this late stage of the season, we expect our explorations will be minimally affected by sea ice. However, we will be alert for icebergs from surging glaciers, which can present interesting navigational challenges. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”.

Our area of exploration includes part of Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest and most northerly national park in the world. This vast Arctic landscape is a paradise for hikers who appreciate astounding views of untouched tundra wilderness. Across hillsides emblazoned with autumnal red and yellow, a flash of white reveals the flight of a snowy owl or a startled mountain hare. Tufts of the finest fleece ensnared in polar willows underfoot point the way to a nearby herd of shaggy musk oxen. You may hear the crack of horns colliding as bulls engage in fearsome battles of strength. Boreal fowl of every description are preparing to migrate south with their newly fledged chicks. All throughout the waterways of Scoresby Sund, we are on constant watch for polar bears and other marine mammals, including a variety of seals, walrus and narwhal, which can be spotted at any time.

Ancient Thule archeological sites remind us of humankind’s age-old relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a look at how this tradition has been carried forward, we plan to visit the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region and one of the most remote communities in the world. The village boasts a wonderful museum, a bookstore, handmade crafts for sale, a post office, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs.

In September, at the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience.

This itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the Arctic’s most scenic and soulful environments. From dawn to dusk and beyond, your days will be filled with incredible shore excursions, world-class Zodiac cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers will live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers will be rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.

Day 9: Back to Iceland

After our amazing time in Scoresby Sund, we head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.

Day 10: Westfjords, Iceland

Our last expedition day is spent in the beautiful Vestfirðir (Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. Deep fjords are home to whales while estuaries abound with seals and birdlife.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Reykjavík, Iceland

After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. We provide transfers to Keflavik international airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.