East Greenland and the wild beauty of Sermilik

Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

We arrive individually to Reykjavik and check in to our hotel (included in the flight and hotel package described below).

Day 2: Reykjavik & flight to Kulusuk, Greenland

Explore the lovely city of Reykjavik on your own. In the afternoon we transfer to Keflavik and our flight to Kulusuk, and the airport built by the US Air Force in 1956. Kulusuk means “the village with the mountain that looks like the breast of a bird” in the Greenlandic, referring to the Isikajia Mountain located directly behind the airport. In the evening we board our expedition ship and begin our great exploration.

Day 3 – 8: Expedition cruising

We are now on an expedition cruise and our exact route will be decided by weather and ice. Some areas can be filled with ice and therefore not always reachable. Please note that the places mentioned below are just examples of places we can visit on this true expedition cruise.

With its nearly 2,000 inhabitants, Tasiilaq is the largest settlement in East Greenland and a place where the older Inuit culture remains strong. Here, we will learn more about local myths and legends, such as the story of the tupilaqs – vengeful creatures created through witchcraft. Tasiilaq is also known for its vibrant art scene, where local artists create prints, sculptures, and textiles inspired by  nature and traditional stories. During our visit, we will take a guided tour of the town and visit an art shop. We will also stop by the church, take part in a traditional kaffemik, and have the opportunity to experience the fascinating rhythms of the drum dance.

We venture into the serenity of the Ammassalik fjord system and the small settlement of Kuummiut. This is a relatively unknown pearl of east Greenland, nestled within the Ammassalik Island group. The surrounding fjords – lined by tall mountain tops offer perfect hiking opportunities, with hidden waterfalls and spectacular views. Kuummiut has a rich Inuit heritage, and we hope to get the opportunity to learn about the traditional practices.

Further up north is the Ikateq fjord, where we might make a landing at the abandoned military base from World War II, Bluie East Two. It played an important role in serving as a refuelling and maintenance stop for aircrafts travelling between north America and Europe. Today it is no longer in operation, but some remnants still exist, such as abandoned fuel drums, buildings and vehicles.

Further east are two impressive glaciers: Karale and Knud Rasmussen. Sailing in this area, we are likely to hear and see the thunderous calving of these two very active glaciers.

We continue into the mighty Sermilik fjord. It stretches over 90 kilometres and cuts through a rugged landscape of towering glaciers and jagged peaks, and we find ourselves amongst a myriad of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Most of them originating from the impressive Helheim glacier at the deep end of the fjord, which produces some of the largest icebergs in all of Greenland. The beauty around us is stunning!

On the southern shores of Sermilik fjord is the tiny village of Tiilerilaaq. The wooden houses are beautifully situated on a hill, with the grand Sermilik fjord in the background. The local Inuit culture and the traditional hunting and fishing activities play a significant role in the way of life here. Before we wave goodbye, we head out on a nice hike to overview the surrounding landscapes and the many icebergs!

If the ice allows, we enter Johan Peterson fjord. On the northern side of the entrance of the fjord is Qeertartivatsiaq Island, where we find Inuit ruins on the southern shore of the island. At the head of the fjord are some outlet glaciers from the inland ice coming straight down to the sea. This is one of few places you can catch sight of the actual inland ice, although please know that it is often blocked by beautyful icebergs.

We are continuously looking for Arctic foxes, seals and different species of whale.

Day 9: Kulusuk – Reykjavik

After a good breakfast, we disembark the ship in Kulusuk and set off on one last exciting excursion – a trip to an ice cave. We travel there by boat and then continue on foot across the glacier, an experience in itself. Once at the cave, we have plenty of time to explore this surreal world of blue hues and fascinating details. After our visit, we continue a bit further onto the glacier to a viewpoint where we can admire the calving front – the place where the ice meets the sea and icebergs are born.

After the boat ride back to Kulusuk, a city walk awaits, including visits to the cemetery, the church, and, if open, the museum. The tour concludes with dinner before it’s time to head to the airport for the onward journey to Keflavik, where we check into our hotel for a good night’s sleep. (Included in the mandatory flight and hotel package.)

Day 10: Homeward bound

Today we bid our farewells and return home or onwards for new adventures.

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the sites this region of Greenland has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!