Bizarre ice, rare animals and nautical challenges – one of the world’s most famous sea routes combines fascinating history and thrilling natural experiences. When you trace your finger along the map of the Canadian Arctic, you are tracing the lifelines of numerous pioneers who have lent their names to many of the straits of water and islands in this region. To this day, various thrilling legends abound about this region, and you will follow in their path on this expedition. The sense of discovery from times gone by comes to life on the HANSEATIC nature. The captain and crew will constantly adapt the route to suit the weather and ice conditions, bringing you a great adventure. Your expedition begins in Sisimiut on the western coast of Greenland with an open-air museum of Inuit culture. Disko Bay is an impressive precursor to the many natural spectacles on this cruise: ride in the Zodiacs between the drifting icebergs and watch the fascinating formations.

The history of exploration in the Northwest Passage comes to life in Baffin Bay, named after the English seafarer who came here in the 17th century on the search for a possible passage. Once you have visited Pond Inlet on Baffin Island and got to know a small, hidden Inuit village, the HANSEATIC nature will travel to the Lancaster Sound, and the excitement will grow: the time has come to write your own story of discovery. In the wake of great pioneers, you will head to the heart of the legendary Northwest Passage.

Expedition territory perfect for the HANSEATIC nature and its Zodiacs. Explorations and hikes in this region – for example, on Devon Island – are only possible with the robust motorised rubber boats. Spectacular glaciers and striking cliffs line the coast, where you will see musk oxen, Arctic hares and maybe even your first polar bears. The further the HANSEATIC nature goes into the labyrinth of islands and ice, the closer you will feel to the first explorers all those years ago. Follow in their footsteps on Somerset Island, for example. James Clark Ross landed here in 1848 in pursuit of the missing ships from John Franklin’s expedition. For decades, the wrecks were thought to be in the Victoria Strait but were found further south in 2014 and 2016. The fascinating history of exploration gives way to the beauty of nature as you approach Jenny Lind Island. Keep an eye out for Arctic foxes and reindeer as you hike through the tundra landscape. Victoria Island is also ideal for wildlife sightings. For centuries, the area around Cambridge Bay was the summer meeting point for the “Copper Eskimos” – famous for the copper tools produced here. Your experts will tell you all about the background and about the phenomenon of the spherical geodes on Prince of Wales Island. The island was discovered in 1851 during the search for Franklin’s expedition. Will polar bears put in an appearance here again? Keep a lookout from the deck or at a respectful distance in the Zodiacs. Depending on the ice conditions, you will start by cruising in Peel Sound for Zodiac rides in the home of orcas and seals. Find out the price paid by some explorers in the 19th century who went in search of the Northwest Passage when you visit Beechey Island, where three graves of crew members from the Franklin expedition stand on the desolate stony beach.

Your expedition will be crowned with a scenic highlight when the HANSEATIC nature reaches Baffin Island. Enjoy the mountainous, icy beauty on grand fjord trips, where you might catch glimpses of whales. Active adventures such as hikes and Zodiac tours provide the atmospheric closing chapter to your very own epic tale of exploration.