Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. The name means 'Smokey Bay', so called because of the columns of steam that rise from the many hot springs in the area. It is well worth booking a Pre-programme to explore the surrounding geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths before embarking MS Fram.

Learn how to protect the great wilderness, both during our expedition and in the future, as part of the mandatory safety and sustainability briefing. Check out the onboard Science Center to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of the Arctic.

Located on a stunning peninsula that is encased by sea ice for nine months of the year, Ittoqqortoormiit is the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere. Less than 500 hardy souls call this home and they’ll be proud to show you around the community, including a museum, church and even a photo exhibition.

We begin our exploration of the largest national park in the world, which is also the least visited national park in the world. Only a small number of expeditions are permitted to visit the park over its very short summer season. Thanks to our expertise and experience here, we are always one of them.Apart from trapper huts, some science research stations, and two military outposts, there are no traces of human life here. The only others we might be lucky to meet are the Sirius Patrol park rangers who supervise the area on dogsleds.Once inside the park, there are large fjords, giant icebergs, alpine landscapes, hanging glaciers, and vertical granite cliffs reaching as far as the eye can see. The likes of hares, muskoxen and Arctic foxes roam the coasts and tundra in the summertime. They are usually spread out across this enormous region, making it a real highlight if we do manage to spot one or more of them.The captain and Expedition Leader will assess the ice conditions and choose the best locations for landings accordingly. You can also participate in exciting optional activities such as kayaking and long guided hikes.

Heading south, we will attempt a landing at the entrance to the Scoresbysund fjord. This is the world’s largest fjord system which extends 350 km inland and 600 m deep. The fjord’s steep basalt mountains provide a haven for an unusual abundance of Greenlandic wildlife including various species of seabird, seal, and whale.

Take some time just relaxing on board and allowing the experiences of the past few days to sink in. Lectures by the Expedition Team will also prepare you for the next days to come, including a bit of history about Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen’s crossing over the Greenland Ice Cap.

The gentle bay at Umivik is fringed by many glaciers which calve their icebergs into the sea. This is the place where Fridtjof Nansen launched his legendary journey across the Greenland Ice Cap in August 1888. Once ashore yourself, you’ll see the remains of the small Inuit community that welcomed Nansen way back then.

Skjoldungen is a large coastal island in southeastern Greenland and located between two deep fjords. Danish Arctic explorer W.A Graah described the area as “paradise on earth” when he came here in 1829 to look for a lost Norse settlement. Humpback whales are also known to visit the area in the summertime.

This long fjord is surrounded by mountains that reach over 1,200 metres (3,900 ft), and up to 2,220 metres (7,280 ft) high. Many glaciers go straight into its waters where they calve icebergs of all shapes, shades, and sizes. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell) instead.

After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course for Canada. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing out on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe even engaging in some whale-spotting.

Preserved in the ice-cold waters, the remains of several 17th century Basque whaling ships have led to the town being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the local museum that documents this interesting history or take the trail up to Tracey Hill for scenic views, and where, legends say, pirate captain Kidd buried treasure.

Located at the mouth of the Bay of Islands and Humber River, Corner Brook is the second largest city in the province and local to the core. Explore the city centre or enjoy its many walking trails along the Humber River, decorated at this time of year with vibrant autumn leaves.

Spend a tranquil day at sea, sharing experiences and exchanging stories with your fellow adventurers. Enjoy the amenities of our innovative expedition ship and look out for wildlife from the outer decks. In the Science Center, observe the tiniest creatures and samples taken during this voyage up close with our state-of-the-art microscopes.

Our incredible journey beginning in Iceland, exploring the extremes of Greenland, across to the coasts and culture of Canada, comes to an end in Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia. If you can, we definitely recommend spending an extra day or two here on one of our Post-Programmes before you head home.

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.