Discover Northwest Greenland

Your flight from Copenhagen (included) arrives in the evening in Kangerlussuaq where MS Fram is waiting for your embarkation.

As we start cruising north, you can look forward to encountering gigantic icebergs, fjords and spectacular landscapes, as well as small villages and larger towns. 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 settlement that maintains ancient traditions. Our optional shore excursions include hikes, boat trips and sightseeing. You can also watch local artists sculpt jewellery and crafts from bone, leather and metal, or taste Greenlandic specialities in a local restaurant.

Qeqertarsuaq is the only town situated on the old volcanic island of Disco. This verdant island in the midst of ice offers amazing Arctic experiences. Join optional excursions like a guided town tour, kayaking or an ice cruising boat trip. If you like archaeology and history, you should definitely pay a visit to the local museum. Feel free to stroll around the settlement on your own.

Qasigiannguit is dubbed the “Pearl of the Disco Bay" and is Greenland's forgotten paradise. Nature still dominates everyday life here. The settlement is home to one of the oldest houses in Greenland. It was built in 1734 and is today the town’s museum with some of Greenland's finest ancient artifacts and exciting collections. Join a settlement walk, visit the museum and the local church or stroll around and discover the settlement on your own.

The town of Uummannaq is situated in scenic surroundings at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain. Our optional excursions include meeting the locals or taking a tender boat excursion to a landing at Qilakitsoq where mummies from the Thule era were found.

In Ukkusissat the local citizens await at the pier and provide entertainment with song and dance, before proudly escorting us to their village.

Illorsuit lies at the mouth of the Uummannaq Fjord. There are only 90 people living in this traditional hunting and fishing community. This is a scenic outpost rarely visited by tourists.

We may also visit a location near Saqqaq, around 70°N, 51°W, that was without an official name until 2013. The place has special significance to Friederike Bronny, one of our Expedition Team members. As a young geologist student, she spent a year in a tent in this small valley. She also visited the spot several times later as an Expedition Leader. A few years ago, MS Fram was planning to land here, and the captain needed to inform the authorities. Unfortunately, this particular site didn’t have a name. So the captain said, ‘At Hurtigruten we call it “Camp Frieda”.’ Not long after, the authorities relayed back that, from that moment on, Camp Freida would be the official name of the position.

Witness the true power of nature on a visit to the Eqip Sermia Glacier, which calves icebergs into the open ocean. We will use the ship’s tender boats to go ashore in this beautiful area. If you're feeling more active, you can take a short hike on your own in the area. Everybody who goes ashore is invited to a barbecue dinner with a beautiful view over the glacier.

Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. Just outside the town, at the mouth of the fjord, you can often see enormous icebergs that have run aground. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere. These mighty icebergs are unique and no two are alike. We offer a variety of optional shore excursions such as hikes, historic town walks and a boat tour to the Icefjord.

Itilleq means "the hollow", and as its name suggests, this small settlement is situated in a hollow, majestically surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. With the Arctic Circle passing just 200 metres south of the village centre, Itilleq can rightly claim the title of ‘the Arctic Circle Village’.

As we reach Kangerlussuaq, your expedition with MS Fram has come to an end. Take the opportunity to join a final excursion to the Greenland Ice Sheet. This vast icy wasteland stretches 1,500 miles north and reaches heights of up to 3,200 metres above sea level. The road to the edge of the Ice Sheet boasts beautiful natural scenery, ranging from Arctic desert and tundra with low growing shrubs, to hilly terrain offering breathtaking views over the landscape. Your plane to Copenhagen leaves late in the evening.

You arrive in the Danish capital early in the morning and may even have the time to explore "Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen" before you head home.