With the highest ice class for passenger ships and a crew with polar experience, the HANSEATIC inspiration sets a flexible course for unique terrain for explorers: Spitsbergen. Exhilarating expedition moments await you in the home of Arctic foxes and whales. The polar bear reigns here as the king of the Arctic and, with a little luck, you’ll be able to spot these creatures from the deck at a respectful distance. Watch sparkling ice formations as they drift past the ship, and not only on the mighty Liefdefjord. They are evidence of the active Monacobreen, which calves into the inlet. A reverent silence will accompany your visit to the Magdalenefjord with its historic whalers’ graves framed by an awesome backdrop. Marvel at the tongue of ice against dark mountains as you reach the 14th July Glacier – another of the destinations on this explorer route determined by the ice conditions. In the small town of Ny-Alesund, you can feel the history of past adventures in the air – and questions of what the future will bring, as scientists are researching the consequences of climate change here. The Alkhornet rises 617 m (2,024 ft) above the entrance to the Isfjord on its northern side and marks the entrance to the bay of Trygghamna. High up on the steep cliffs, kittiwakes and thick-billed murres breed in their thousands. Overwhelming wildlife encounters might also await you on the small island of Prins Karls Forland, where imposing walruses often gather in herds.

Leaving Reykjavik, experience the power of nature with some active exploration. The adventure on the Langjokull* is a fascinating insight into Iceland’s second-largest ice cap and the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. Take a flight over the island of fire and ice* with glaciers and volcanoes at your feet or explore the surreal lava fields and hilly green landscape while riding Icelandic horses*.

You have never seen the world like this: it’s as if the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC inspiration were made especially for the breathtaking natural backdrops of Greenland. As you follow the call of the Arctic, you’ll start by heading to the remote east. Endemic vegetation and magnificent panoramic scenery welcome you to the shores of Skjoldungen Sound as you gaze out from the Zodiac. The experts will draw your attention away from the scenery of impressive mountain ranges to point out special features in the blossoming tundra.

As you cruise through the ice-covered Prince Christian Sound, colourful fishing huts will be reflected in the waters fed by the glaciers – signs of the Inuit people’s life of simplicity. It’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open during the expedition. A cry of “whale up ahead!” could sound from the bridge at any time and the many open deck areas provide the best opportunities for sightings.

With its colourful buildings from Danish colonial times and its characteristic red-and-green church, the settlement of Paamiut is also famous among zoologists: the waters remain free of ice even in the winter, and with a little luck you will see one of the largest local populations of humpback and fin whales. In the 18th century, Dutch whalers were surprised to discover the alpine mountain peaks of Maniitsoq, which is why they named it “Sukkertoppen”, or “Sugarloaf”. The town’s 193 m (633 ft) high mountain offers expansive views of the fjords and the breathtaking landscape. Back in the polar expanse, one of your Zodiac rides will present what is perhaps Greenland’s greatest natural spectacle in icy Disko Bay. The remarkable old town of Sisimiut provides a variety of insights. A “museum village” with Inuit culture and whaling history from the 17th century, which a hike on Tele Island also traces. Your Arctic adventure on the HANSEATIC inspiration will leave you with unforgettable memories.