Though settlements abound in this part of Greenland, unpredictable weather and dearth of docking facilities nevertheless make this a real expedition. As such, our route and exploration opportunities along this coast are heavily dependent on the weather and ice conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote region. Possible sites of exploration include:
Qeqertarsuaq – Located on volcanic Disko Island, the small town of Qeqertarsuaq enjoys views of basaltic mountains and the huge icebergs of Disko Bay. Founded in 1773 as a whaling station, Qeqertarsuaq is one of the oldest towns in Greenland. Cultural attractions include a distinctive octagonal church called the “Lord’s Ink Pot”.
Ilulissat – Formerly called Jakobshavn, the town of Ilulissat is best known for unbelievable quantities of icebergs issuing from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, into which one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers calves 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually. Attractions in town include the Inuit Art Museum, which contains a large collection of paintings by Greenlandic, Faroese, and Danish artists.
Sisimiut – Located north of the Arctic Circle, the second-largest town in Greenland boasts a youthful, urban vibe and is also is known for adventure sports, especially dog sledding. The Sisimiut Museum offers insight into the local culture and a history of human habitation dating back 4,500 years.
Nuuk – Also known as Godthåb, Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland. It has a population of over 16,000, making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world by population. It is also the world’s northernmost capital, located only a few kilometers further north than Reykjavík. The famous Qilakitsoq mummies can be seen at the Greenlandic National Museum.
Paamiut – The picturesque town of Paamuit has one of Greenland’s finest churches, built in 1909 from wood in the Norwegian style. The area is also known for an abundance of white-tailed eagles.
Narsaq – The colonial sealing and trading port of Narsaq was built in an area formerly inhabited by Vikings. Some of Greenland’s oldest Norse ruins are located nearby. Today the town’s inhabitants farm sheep in the surrounding fertile plains. Narsaq is also home to the Greenland Brewhouse.
Qaqortoq – Formerly called Julianehåb, the town of Qaqortoq is the most populous town in southern Greenland. Colorful historical buildings, such as the former blacksmith shop that now houses the Qaqortoq Museum, reflect the town’s Danish colonial past. Greenland’s oldest fountain and numerous stone sculptures can be found around town.
Hvalsey – The island of Hvalsey is the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. According to the Icelandic Book of Settlements, the farmstead was established in the late 10th century by Erik the Red’s uncle, Thorkell Farserkur. Most impressive among the remains are the walls of an exceptionally well-built stone church.