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Northwest Greenland: the Ice-Covered World of the Inuit

Northwest Greenland: the Ice-Covered World of the Inuit

From EUR €11,040

Description

Expedition to the far north: the world’s largest island has so far kept many secrets to itself between the icy coast and tundra. Be inspired by the wildlife, Inuit culture and history of the region on this polar adventure.

Trip Name
Northwest Greenland: the Ice-Covered World of the Inuit
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 138 m Passenger Capacity: 230 Built: 2021 The expedition class combines the thrill of true exploration with the comfort of luxury cruising. Aboard the small yet ultra-modern expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit, a maximum of 230 guests can venture deep into some of the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from icy polar landscapes to tropical islands. These vessels are purpose-built for discovery, featuring advanced technology, the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6), and an expert team of scientists and expedition leaders who turn every journey into an enriching experience. Whether gliding through ice fields, landing by Zodiac in untouched bays, or learning from onboard experts, guests are immersed in nature and culture at their purest. With over 30 years of expedition expertise, these voyages redefine adventure travel by blending knowledge, comfort, and sustainability. Guests enjoy world-class dining, elegant suites, and warm, attentive service while exploring regions inaccessible to larger ships. Every itinerary is designed to uncover hidden corners of the planet safely and respectfully — leaving only traces of curiosity behind. From close-up wildlife encounters to champagne toasts beside icebergs, each journey promises rare experiences and unforgettable memories, guided by a crew whose passion for discovery is matched only by their dedication to comfort and care.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Charter flight from Germany to Kangerlussuaq Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, departure 22.00 hrs
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Day 2 - Day 2 Relaxation at sea
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Day 3 - Days 3 - 5 West coast of Greenland  (Eqip Sermia Glacier, Uummannaq, Storoen, Kangersuatsiaq)
Along the west coast of Greenland, every day brings you new Arctic adventures in the realm of the Inuit. When your expedition ship glides through the icy worlds of pack ice, whales and seals can appear at any time to put on a special natural show.Greenland’s character is shaped by majestic high mountains and breathtaking glaciers. As you cruise off the Eqip Sermia Glacier, you can already see its impressive ridge that is approximately 7 km (4.3 mi.) long. If the weather permits, you can get close to it in the Zodiac or go ashore on the opposite bank – for special perspectives to marvel at the sheer white wall of ice.Uummannaq welcomes you with colourful houses and an astonishing creativity of nature. The heart-shaped mountain above the town glows in countless shades of red in the sunlight. In the small settlement, a museum recalls the ice expeditions of Alfred Wegener, a German who conducted research in Greenland. A hike with your experts will take you to “Santa’s summer house”, the setting of a popular Danish TV series.A Zodiac landing on the so-called desert island of Storoen gives the impression of being from another world. A unique play of colours from ochre to red pervades this geological treasure of Greenland and its landscape reminiscent of Mars. It’s the ideal terrain for a hike in the tundra and an excursion with your experts on how garnet crystals and glacial striations develop.Life in Greenland is shaped by fishing and hunting – and the same goes for Kangersuatsiaq, situated on a small island in the Upernavik archipelago. Far away from modern urban life, you can immerse yourself in the Nordic traditions found in the colourful houses and natural harbour. It’s a wild, raw beauty ­– typical for west Greenland.
Day 4 - Days 6 - 8 North-west coast of Greenland  (Qaanaaq, Siorapaluk, Old Thule/North Star Bay, Cape York)
Breathe in the fresh air. Let your gaze wander over the icy landscape. Experience profound moments of silence. On the north-west coast of Greenland, you will leave the urban world far behind you as the Zodiacs take you to the remote settlements.Early Inuit groups settled in the Qaanaaq region over 4,000 years ago. The present-day town was established in 1953, when the Danish government forcibly relocated the residents of the original settlement here to make way for a US airbase. Your walk will be accompanied by the barking of the huskies, which are just as much a part of life here as the kayaks.Life in the village of Siorapaluk is almost unbelievably isolated. The country’s most northerly settlement lies on a narrow beach at the foot of some gently rolling mountains. The approximately 80 inhabitants earn their living from hunting and fishing. With luck, your travel diary will include encounters with seals, musk oxen and reindeer.Knud Rasmussen founded a missionary station in North Star Bay in 1909 and later Old Thule, the world’s most northerly trading post. He used the profits to finance his Thule expeditions to research the Inuit culture. Walk in his footsteps as you visit the old turf houses. Your experts will not only show you history but also the present: they use the example of the US American Pituffik Space Base to shed light on the influence of the world powers in the Arctic.Cruising off Cape York brings breathtaking views of bizarre ice formations. A rocky crest bears a memorial to the American explorer Robert Edwin Peary, who set out on his North Pole expedition from here at the end of the 19th century. There is hardly a more beautiful panorama from the deck: large icebergs from the mighty outlet glaciers of west Greenland accumulate here in the “iceberg graveyard” after their 900 km (559 mi.) journey. Also keep an eye out for little auks, black guillemots and glaucous gulls, which nest on the cliffs.
Day 5 - Day 9 Relaxation at sea
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Day 6 - Days 10 - 12 West coast of Greenland  (Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Bay/Ilulissat Icefjord, Sisimiut)
In the magical Arctic light, the wonders of the west coast of Greenland will be illuminated north of the Arctic Circle. A vast and silent landscape, home to relics of a 4,500-year-old culture – seemingly almost forgotten by the world.Qeqertarsuaq, which was founded on Disko Island in 1773, is particularly full of character – enter the small town through the whalebone gateway. Explore Godhavn – the “good harbour”, Qeqertarsuaq’s translation – with your experts or wander through the Arctic tundra to the Windy Valley. The chances of seeing whales are also very good in these waters.Disko Bay will provide even more memorable moments: ice sculptures in all manner of forms drift slowly through the vast area. Enjoy this natural spectacle from your front-row seat on deck – or take a Zodiac ride to the centre of the action. Illuminated by the sunlight, the ice gleams in a fascinating play of colours from white to azure blue. Depending on the local conditions, we will also visit the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord. Here you can witness one of the most active glaciers in the world releasing majestic icebergs into the vastness of the fjord – an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.In Sisimiut, where the remarkable old town seems like a museum village, the oldest settlement traces date back over 4,000 years, deep into the Saqqaq culture. Join your experts to hike over rocks and through tundra – to relics from the whaling era. A hike to Tele Island will also take you back thousands of years to see ancient ruins and graves, crowned by magnificent views of Sisimiut and the coast.
Day 7 - Day 13 Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, arrival 06.00 hrs Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Germany
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Day 8 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-07-202829-07-2028EUR €0Outside Cabin. From
17-07-202829-07-2028EUR €0Panoramic Cabin. From
17-07-202829-07-2028EUR €0French Balcony Cabin. From
17-07-202829-07-2028EUR €0Balcony Cabin. From
17-07-202829-07-2028EUR €0Junior Suite. From
17-07-202829-07-2028EUR €0Grand Suite. From

Inclusions

    • A wealth of contrasts with mighty glaciers, vast tundra and vibrant Inuit culture
    • Excellent opportunities to observe seals, whales and musk oxen
    • A wide range of hikes and visits to historic settlements
    • Off to remote shores and amidst ice sculptures with the Zodiacs
    • Steeped in history: on the trail of legendary polar expeditions

Map