Our Greenland expedition cruise explores rare natural beauty and fascinating Greenlandic culture. Meet the welcoming people who thrive in the Arctic landscape as we sail among giant icebergs to highlights like Disko Bay under the Midnight Sun. Experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world - amazing icebergs, fjords, and a rich wildlife. Get to know the rich cultural traditions, meet the fascinating Greenlandic people and visit their colourful settlements. Our expedition cruises are created with sustainability as a priority – protecting wildlife, supporting local communities, and the future of our planet.
°SOL17 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 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.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norse settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning 'Smoky Bay') after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area. The surroundings offer fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths that are well worth exploring before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen.
We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago.
While crossing the Denmark Strait enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology on board and get to know with our innovative expedition ship.
Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colourful houses and lovely setting. The biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3.000 inhabitants, Qaqortoq is easy to explore on foot, or you can join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture.
We discover the beautiful region of Kvanefjord near Paamiut by sailing deep into the fjord on this exploration day. Our experienced captain will take advantage of the conditions to identify landing sites for onshore walks, locate places to launch our kayaks, scout ideal communities to visit, or find the best spots to scan for wildlife.
Maniitsoq was founded in 1755 and its name means `The uneven place´, referring to the rocky hills and mountains shaping the layout of the town. It is also known as the `Venice of Greenland´ as it is situated in an archipelago, intersected by natural canals. The local museum provides an introduction to the town´s rich history and culture.
Sisimiut is situated 40 km north of the Arctic Circle. The name means `the people living in a place where there are fox dens´. This is the second largest town in Greenland, a modern, picturesque settlement that maintains ancient traditions. We offer a variety of exciting excursions to discover the many things to do in Sisimiut.
Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage Site. At the mouth of the fjord you can see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These ice masses originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the fastest glaciers in the world. Join one of our many excursions here.
We visit a location near Saqqaq that was without an official name until 2013. The place is special to us, as it has been named after one of our former Expedition Team members. We land at the beach to explore this most northerly destination of our voyage, in breathtaking landscape and Arctic flora.
Today´s exploration will take us to the meandering Evighed Fjord, surrounded by tall mountains (up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft.) in height. Conditions of the day will determine the final program and the range of activities we will offer.
Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world. The capital city is where old and new traditions meet, from historic buildings in `Kolonihavnen´ to the modern Centre for Greenland Self Rule. Another feature is the National Museum - home to the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.
The abandoned town of Ivittuut is a stronghold for musk oxen. More than a thousand years ago, Vikings settled the area, but left no written records behind. Archaeologists believe this was the last Norse settlement in Greenland to be established, and the first to be abandoned.
Prince Christian Sound separates mainland Greenland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago. If conditions allow, we will sail through this narrow channel and enjoy the spectacular scenery here. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course back to Iceland. Get your binoculars our and look for sea birds in the Denmark Strait.
Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science center or just relaxing on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe even spotting whales.
You arrive in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. If you want to explore more of the country, add one of our Post-Programmes before you head home, or stay longer to enjoy the city and its surroundings.
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
Enjoy from a wide range of comfortable cabins. They vary in size and location, sometimes within the same grade, and as a general rule, outside accommodation on the higher decks has a picture window while the lower decks have portholes.
Choose from a wide selection of innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce that each have a story to tell. Enjoy everything from ultra-fresh seafood to sustainably cultivated root vegetables and free-range reindeer meat, along with excellent cheeses from selected small-scale producers. We recommend topping off your meal with tempting Scandinavian desserts, inspired by the two extremities of Arctic light - the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.
