The HANSEATIC nature is one of the few ships that can travel not only to Greenland’s spectacular west, but also to virtually untouched East Greenland, where the icy shield opens up in the early autumn, setting the stage for unique Nordic views. As you start your cruise, Sisimiut presents the history of polar settlements in its picturesque old town, which resembles a museum village. On an island hike, your experts will explain fascinating historical details. The imposing mountainous landscape of Ilulissat also offers stunning views on a hike along the ice fjord. A breathtaking natural spectacle will draw everyone’s attention in Disko Bay: while cruising and riding in the Zodiacs, watch the mighty ice formations that drift through the bay.

Cast your gaze over the vast tundra in the Arsukfjord – with luck, musk oxen will grace the backdrop. Prince Christian Sound glistens in beautiful turquoise: enjoy extraordinary and unique views of waterfalls and glaciers.

Greenland’s rarely visited east coast will captivate you with its remoteness, enormous mountains and an almost endless fjord world. The flexible expedition route includes the warm colours of the landscape in East Greenland’s Skjoldungen Sound, which form a charming contrast to the icy blue of the west coast, and the small settlement of Tasiilaq. The Zodiacs will take you up-close to nature – and offer a good chance of spotting whales, among other creatures. Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland’s smallest communities where around 355 people live in complete isolation, is like an Arctic haven of peace. A small museum will take you back in time and bring Inuit history to life. Continue north on a geological journey through the millennia to Scoresbysund, where ice age glaciers have clearly left their mark. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, the HANSEATIC nature will take its time over intensive explorations of the world’s largest fjord system. A world of superlatives awaits you: Greenland’s highest mountains, impressive glacier landscapes and icebergs glittering like sapphires shape the region. Awe-inspiring rock faces rise up steeply before you, forming a rugged backdrop to fascinating white ice sculptures reflected in the water. Against this backdrop, you will have lots of opportunities to enjoy walks through the autumnal tundra – and with a little luck, you just might spot some musk oxen. One particular highlight of your expedition awaits you further north in Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park on the planet, covering an area of around 970,000 km² (375,000 mi.²) – deserted and only accessible with a true expedition ship. Enjoy a series of overwhelming views from the Zodiacs and on deck, such as when the mountain flanks of the Alpefjord tower up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) above you. Equally majestic, the King Oscar Fjord will complete your unforgettable impressions of Greenland’s pristine beauty – perhaps even with a polar bear sighting.

Your farewell to Greenland will be accompanied by picturesque mountain landscapes when the HANSEATIC nature sets course for Seydisfjordur in Iceland. The small town between rocky massifs on the shore of a majestic fjord opens the doors for insights into Nordic life. Traditional, colourful wooden houses are a reminder of the riches brought by the herring boom.

The legendary Scottish Orkney Islands await you with rugged cliffs and mystical light. Explore the early history of the islands, starting in Kirkwall with the historical treasures of Orkney*. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the sensational Skara Brae is the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. The Ring of Brodgar, which dates back to around 2700 BC, is another stone reminder of times gone by.