Discovering West Greenland – Icebergs & Communities of Disko Bay

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Gateway to the Greenlandic Arctic 

Arrive in Nuuk, Greenland’s compact capital, set along a deep fjord system framed by rugged mountains. Despite its small scale, the city is a vibrant centre of modern Greenlandic life.  

If time allows, we’ll explore this fascinating city. Nuuk is also where you start to feel the essence of the Arctic: ice, sea, and the mountainous peaks of Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat.   

Once on board, meet the Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and enjoy your first dinner on board. 

Only 350 people live in the small Greenlandic community of Kangaamiut. Located on the south coast of Timerdlit Island and facing the Davis Strait, Kangaamiut is situated between the mouths of two long fjords: the Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord (or Evighedsfjorden in Danish) to its south and to its north Kangaamiut Kangerluarsuat Fjord. Founded in 1755, it was called “Sugarloaf” (Sukkertoppen) because of the appearance of three nearby hills

Spectacular fjord-side settlements 

Today we head north towards the aptly named Eternity Fjord, where dramatic peaks rise 2,000 metres from the water's edge. On board, join the first lectures from the Expedition Team about what's to come on the voyage ahead. At some point during today's sailing, we'll cross the Arctic Circle, a milestone moment worth marking on deck.  

As we approach the fjord mouth, we’ll venture ashore to visit Kangaamiut on Akulleq Island, a small community of around 300 people where daily life is shaped by centuries-old traditions of fishing and hunting, offering your first experience of local life in Greenland. 

Spend time with the community and enjoy the calm

Among the ice-filled waters and rugged coastlines of Disko Bay lie a handful of small settlements, some home to fewer than 60 residents. Depending on conditions, we may visit a local community or undertake an expedition landing, exploring this remarkable region alongside our Expedition Team.

Whether stepping ashore in a remote settlement or wandering a wild Arctic shoreline, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of Greenland's close connection to the sea, its resilient culture, and the dramatic natural forces that have shaped life here for generations. 

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Marvel at the UNESCO-listed wonder

This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you'll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden path to the breathtaking ice fjord.

Marvel at giant icebergs floating in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey, and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to take in the incredible views. 

Explore the wild Arctic

Today is dedicated to exploration in Vaigat Sound, a dramatic waterway between Disko Island and the Nuussuaq peninsula. Expect towering cliffs with birdlife and ice‑filled waters. 

As always on an expedition voyage, our plans remain flexible. The Expedition Team will choose the best sites for landings, Zodiac cruises, and nature walks, allowing for an immersive Arctic experience that’s guided by the conditions on the day. 

Explore the volcanic island landscape

Today we spend more time exploring the inky blue waters of Disko Bay. In our Zodiacs, cruise between ice floes and towering glaciers, taking in the sheer scale of this Arctic landscape. 

We'll also step ashore on Disko Island, the only major island in Greenland formed by ancient basalt lava flows, giving it a completely different character to the mainland: dramatic columns, red flat-topped peaks, and unusually lush vegetation fed by volcanic soils. Hike through tundra rich with wildflowers and birdlife, and visit the colourful town of Qeqertarsuaq, nestled beneath towering basalt cliffs where a small community lives amid one of the Arctic's most striking geological landscapes. 

Modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, where long fjords cut deep into a vast and sparsely populated landscape. Here, distances are great, and the sense of remoteness is part of everyday life. 

 As we sail south, we'll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. A possible call is Itilleq, a small fishing and hunting village perched near the Arctic Circle, where warm local welcomes, traditional kaffemik gatherings, personal stories, or maybe even a friendly soccer match offer an authentic glimpse into everyday Greenlandic life. 

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Return to Greenland’s capital

Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, the crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a big city to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window onto modern Greenland. 

From here, you'll catch a flight back to London, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt   endure.