Grand Greenland – Mythical Lands of the North

Departures & Pricing

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Fridtjof Nansen

One of two revolutionary hybrid-powered expedition vessels with battery packs that store electric power. The ship has more efficient engines, lower fuel usage, reduced C02 emissions, and the ability to sail almost silently.

Guests

490

Gross tonnage

20,889

Speed

15 knots

Length

140 m

Launched

2020

Beam

23.6 m

Deck plans

9

MS Fridtjof Nansen · Deck plans

Deck 11

− + Fit

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Cosmopolitan Copenhagen

   Northern horizons begin here

   Your voyage begins with an overnight stay in the Danish capital of Copenhagen.

   Explore the charming city, packed with architectural gems, coffee shops, and parks. The colourful canal district of Nyhavn is the perfect place to people watch and grab a Danish pastry. Also, no visit to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to the Little Mermaid, the iconic bronze sculpture on the Langelinie promenade.

   You’ll also have time to meet fellow travellers and the Expedition Team before your charter flight north to Greenland. This is the calm before the Arctic, where logistics will soon give way to ice, weather, and the polar unknown.

2. 2

   Embarkation day at Nuuk

   Welcome to the capital of Greenland

   You'll have an early start today as we depart Copenhagen and fly to Nuuk.

   Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue.

   Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.

3. 3

   Sailing towards Disko Bay

   Sailing to Disko Bay Getting ready for adventure

   Sailing towards the Arctic Circle you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these mandatory presentations if you want to join planned landings as we head north.

   You will also have time to settle on board, enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on Greenland related topics, including the Citizen Science projects run on board the ship.

   At some point during the sailing, we will cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

4. 4

   UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord

   See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworks

   Today we’ll reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. 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 placidly 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.

5. 5

   Exploring Uummannaq Fjord

   Entering through the gateway to the north

   Greenland’s Far North begins beyond the Nuussuaq Peninsula. Here, life moves at the rhythm of the Arctic – unhurried and guided by the elements.

   This rugged, beautiful land has drawn people for over 4,000 years. Early settlers navigated its coastline and carved out a life in conditions few could endure. Today, archaeological sites stand as quiet markers of their resilience, including the famous Qilakitsoq mummies discovered in this very region.

   Potential landings may include visits to small, remote communities like Uummannaq, watched over by its striking heart-shaped mountain, or Ukkusissat. Weather and ice permitting, we’ll explore the Qilakitsoq site, cruise into secluded fjords, or step ashore to take in Greenland’s raw Arctic landscapes – always ready to adapt, as nature allows.

6. 6

   At Sea

   Relax and learn at sea

   We’ll spend the day on the open seas crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ’The Great Dog Sledding Place‘, the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount of Melville in the mid-19th century.

   As we sail well beyond 70 degrees north, relax on board and join wildlife-watches out on deck with the Expedition Team. You could also learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures covering its nature, geology and mythology.

7. 7

   Discovering the Thule region

   Days 7–11

   Explore life at the edge of the world

   ’Ultima Thule‘ was the term used in the 4th century BC by the Greek explorer Pytheas to describe a mythical land in the far north. Nobody knows for sure which land Pytheas had in mind when he coined this name, but for some it has come to refer to the far north in Greenland.

   As we explore here, expect wild beauty at the edge of the inhabitable world. Extreme climatic conditions year-round guarantee isolation and tough living conditions for the inhabitants, and even by Arctic standards the Thule region is harsh and remote. And yet, this was the first region in Greenland ever to be populated by the forerunners of the Inuit, somewhere around 4,500 years ago. How they managed to survive and thrive in that environment still puzzles Arctic archaeologists.

   The abundant bird and animal life provides sustenance, and the traditional hunting culture has survived better here than elsewhere in Greenland. The polar travel know-how of the locals has been highly sought after on European and American expeditions, either as guides or saviours. In fact, thanks to its position, the region has been the natural starting point for many travellers heading towards the North Pole.

   Always adapting our programme to the changeable weather and ice conditions, we will spend the next days exploring the region. We aim to visit some of the local communities, land with expedition boats and marvel at the power of nature, sail through icy channels and – with a bit of luck – spot some of the giants of the Arctic, including walruses, orcas and perhaps even polar bears.

8. 12

   At Sea

   Days 12–13

   Crossing Baffin Bay

   We are now sailing south again, our adventures in the north completed. Days at sea are the perfect time to relax on board, perhaps chatting with new friends in the Expedition Lounge & Bar, catching up on any lectures you may have missed and enjoying leisurely lunches. If you haven’t tried the hot tubs yet, now’s your chance. There’s something magical about bathing in warm water as icebergs drift past!

   Out on deck, the Expedition Team will keep a look out for wildlife. Or they’ll be in the Science Centre, revealing new and interesting information to you about Greenland, the Arctic and other topics related to our voyage. Feel free to join in with any of the Citizen Science projects that are running – they’re engaging and fun, and you’ll be contributing something useful to global research.

9. 14

   Landscapes and communities of west Greenland

   Days 14–15

   Visit modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

   The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a sprinkling of settlements, including the second-largest town on the island. However, the vastness of the land makes this stretch of the coast a sparsely-populated region, where huge distances are the norm, and the sense of remoteness and isolation is just a part of daily life.

   As we sail south, we’ll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. Possible calls include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq – a small fishing and hunting village perched just north of the Arctic Circle.

   Further along the coast lies Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town. Though modern in appearance, its roots run deep, with archaeological remains dating back over 4,000 years. Visit the local museum to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, or browse for qiviut scarves, hats, and mittens – crafted from the soft inner wool of musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

   Whether hiking ashore, meeting Greenlanders, or scanning the horizon for wildlife, these final days offer a fitting epilogue to your Arctic expedition.

10. 16

    End of expedition in Nuuk

    A small capital in a grandiose setting

    Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, her crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a metropolis compared 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 Copenhagen, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.

11. 17

    Back to Copenhagen

    Take another look at Denmark's capital

    Your adventure concludes in Copenhagen, giving you another chance to explore this city.

    Perhaps you will have gained a new insight into the how the histories of tiny Denmark and huge Greenland are intertwined. If you have time, perhaps you can explore the parts of city you may have missed before your trip. Copenhagen has some fine beaches not too far from the international airport, if you fancy a dip before heading home.

Accommodation

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