FROM LONGYEARBYEN TO KANGERLUSSUAQ

Welcome to a spectacular explorer’s terrain. On a flexible course, your small expedition ship heads to dream Arctic destinations, which you can discover on active hikes and various other tours. Does Spitsbergen already awaken your pioneering spirit? Then follow us to the home of Arctic foxes, whales, walruses and polar bears. Willem Barents discovered the archipelago around 430 years ago, establishing its legend. Check it out yourself – for example, in Liefdefjord in front of the ice formations of the Monacobreen. The Smeerenburgfjord is not the only place where you have a chance of seeing whales. In the small settlement Ny-Alesund, you can sense 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. Named after the French national day, 14th July Glacier reveals the bizarre beauty of nature with its tongue of ice against dark mountains. The mighty wildlife is also impressive – on the small island of Prins Karls Forland, walruses often gather in herds – their males weighing up to a tonne. With a bit of luck, your dream of observing polar bears, the kings of the Arctic, from a respectful distance as you stand on the ship’s deck will also come true.

Your explorations in Iceland take place amidst majestic scenery and abundant birdlife. Gain insights into the typical life in the middle of the northern fjords in the remote and rarely visited Saudarkrokur. Common murres and kittiwakes have found a protected home here: birdwatching on the island of Drangey¹ will take you to a tuff stone cliff towering almost 200 m (656 ft). The fishing town of Isafjordhur transports you into the harshly beautiful Westfjords with deeply carved coasts and steep table mountains. Marvel at the Dynjandi waterfall¹ – alternatively, embark on a hike to the Troll’s Seat¹, the striking ridge above the town. Cruising off Latrabjarg will be accompanied by thousands of puffins and guillemots that live on the cliffs brimming with birdlife.

Leave Reykjavik and again experience the power of nature with some active exploration. The adventure on the Langjokull¹ is a fascinating insight into Iceland’s second-largest ice cap. Take a flight over the island of fire and ice¹ with glaciers and volcanoes at your feet. As a contrast, ride Icelandic horses¹ across the surreal lava fields and hilly green landscapes.

Your exhilarating days in Greenland are characterised by ice, amazement and the spirit of discovery – and your agile expedition ship is simply made for this. It takes you deep into a fantastic fjord landscape, and the Zodiacs will be put to regular use – offering many exciting rides and landings. Each photo motif seems to surpass the previous one, as in Skjoldungensund Sound. On both sides, mountains rise up steeply several hundred metres into the sky.

On the passage through Prince Christian Sound (subject to ice conditions), colourful fishermen’s huts line the shores, reflected in the icy waters that are fed by the glaciers. 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.

The small mining settlement has long been abandoned in the Arsukfjord – but musk oxen feel very much at home here. The capital Nuuk, with its modern centre, historic colonial harbour and national museum about the history of the Inuit, builds a bridge from the traditions of the past to the present. One of Greenland’s most spectacular natural wonders is the icy Disko Bay. It’s an unforgettable experience to ride in a Zodiac between countless icebergs. In the old town of Sisimiut, which is very much worth seeing, and during a last hike, you will slowly say goodbye to Greenland. The far north will have moved you deeply on this cruise.