Greenland Disko Bay Discovered

Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq (Greenland). Included flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, where our adventure begins.

Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s only inland town and an important aviation hub with a fascinating Cold War past. On arrival, we transfer by Zodiac to Ocean Albatros, settle into our cabins, and take part in a mandatory safety briefing. As we sail out into the magnificent Kangerlussuaq Fjord, we raise a glass of champagne and officially begin our Arctic journey.

Today we explore Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest city and home to around 5,400 residents. The area has been inhabited since 2,500 BC by Paleo-Inuit cultures, with ancient remains still visible on nearby Tele Island, reachable via a scenic hike. Founded in 1756 as Holsteinsborg, Sisimiut boasts beautifully preserved historic buildings, including the iconic Blue Church from 1775 in the atmospheric museum quarter. Modern Sisimiut is an important centre for education and industry, hosting one of Greenland’s largest fish processing plants and the supply company KNI, which supports remote settlements across the country. Here, traditional Arctic life blends seamlessly with the contemporary - highlights include the Taseralik Cultural Centre, the city museum, local art workshops, and the chance to sample Greenlandic specialities.

Qeqertarsuaq is the next stop on our Arctic adventure - a charming town set beneath the dramatic basalt mountains of Disko Island. Once a major hub of North Greenland’s whaling industry, the town later transitioned to hunting, fishing, and tourism following the industry’s decline. Thanks to its volcanic soil and mild microclimate, the area supports surprisingly lush vegetation, adding to its appeal alongside colourful houses and excellent hiking opportunities. In the afternoon, we explore the spectacular coastline of nearby Kuannit by Zodiac, where lush tundra, sea caves, waterfalls, and towering icebergs create an unforgettable landscape, before continuing deeper into Disko Bay.

Today we admire the spectacular Eqip Sermia glacier. Eqip Sermia - meaning “the Glacier at the End of the Fjord” - may be smaller than some of Greenland’s giants, but it remains an immense river of ice flowing directly from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active glaciers in the region, with frequent calving events sending ice crashing into the sea. If conditions permit, we launch our Zodiacs to approach the glacier front, where we hope to witness and hear the thunderous calving from a safe distance at sea level.

Next stop is Ilulissat, the renowned as the stunning Iceberg Capital of the World. The town sits beside the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, accessible via a gentle walk from the harbour. This 70-kilometre fjord leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier outside Antarctica, which drains 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet and produces around 10% of all icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere. Founded over 280 years ago and the birthplace of famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third-largest town and a vibrant cultural centre. Here we can enjoy fresh local seafood, bustling markets, and refined art galleries, while the surrounding Icefjord hiking trails offer unforgettable views. Optional boat trips or flightseeing excursions provide further opportunities to experience the sheer scale and power of the ice.

Our port of call today is the tiny remote settlement of Itilleq. Itilleq - meaning “the Crossing Place from the Sea” - is a welcoming village set among mountains and fjords just north of the Arctic Circle. Located on the edge of the Aassivisuit–Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, the settlement reflects a deep Inuit hunting heritage that stretches back thousands of years. Although traditional turf houses have been replaced by colourful modern homes, local life remains closely tied to the land and sea, with Arctic char, reindeer, and muskox still vital resources.

Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen. As our voyage draws to a close, we sail once more along the 160-kilometre Kangerlussuaq Fjord before disembarking by Zodiac. After bidding farewell to the Expedition Team and crew of Ocean Albatros, we return to Kangerlussuaq. While best known for its Cold War-era military origins and role as a transport hub, the surrounding wilderness showcases Greenland’s stark natural beauty. Built by the U.S. military in the 1950s, the town retains a distinctive utilitarian character. Our Arctic adventure concludes at the modern airport, leaving us with lasting memories of Greenland’s extraordinary landscapes.

Return by flight to Copenhagen where our arrangements end.