tour from iceland to greenland

REQUEST A QUOTE

Travel Period

• Travel Style

Accommodation

Greenland Tours From Iceland

Go on a Greenland package tour during your holiday in Iceland. We organize trips to Greenland from Iceland with itineraries that will take you from small villages to stunning fjords. Visiting Greenland fits perfectly into your trip to Iceland. Flights to Greenland depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport and flight time is 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the tour you choose. Fly to Greenland and meet local people, enjoy hiking or a winter adventure.

Ilulissat for 3 Days – West Greenland Holiday

South greenland hiking paradise for 5 days, holidays to greenland for 4 days – east greenland, iceland greenland tour for 12 days, history and heritage for 5 days – south greenland, ilulissat winter adventure for 4 days.

South Iceland and Greenland Holidays: 10 Day Tour

Ilulissat for 2 days – west greenland holiday.

West Iceland

East Iceland

North Iceland

Around Iceland

South Iceland

Faroe Islands

• Team Iceland Unlimited
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Sustainability Policy
• Certifications
• Why book with us?
• Accessibility
• Accommodation Categories
• Are you a Travel Agent?
• Good to Know Series
• Special Offers

Iceland Unlimited Travel Service Bíldshöfði 20, 110 Reykjavík.

Phone: +354 415 0600 Email: booking(at)icelandunlimited.is Emergency phone number: +354 774 0070

Get social with us!

#IcelandUnlimited

  KT: 490710-1590 VAT Number: 122369

Multi-Day Tours

Looking for:.

Keyword search

Please send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

• Testimonials

Discover Iceland and Greenland Tour

Iceland and Greenland tour combines the ring road in Iceland and discovery trip to Ilulissat in West Greenland

Travel on Iceland’s ring road and discover stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes. A local expert guide helps you explore the unspoiled Icelandic countryside with volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, mountains, fjords, glaciers and waterfalls. This escorted tour takes you both to classic nature hot spots and lesser-known sights and includes several soft adventures and cultural visits. Continue your discovery tour to Ilulissat in West Greenland, a breathtaking location with massive icebergs, rugged wilderness, glittering glaciers, giant whales and the exciting mix of authentic Inuit culture and a modern society under the magical light of the midnight sun.

Transfer to your accommodations by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik international airport.

Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar. (50km / 31mi)

Meet with your tour guide at the hotel at 9:00. Travel to the village of Borgarnes in the west through the lovely Hvalfjörur fjord. Easy hike atop the Grábrók volcano's crater in the center of a green lava field. Further north, visit Glaumbaer, one of Iceland's most stunning turf house farms and folk museums. Continue along the beautiful fjord landscape and via a number of mountain passes. Our final destination today is Akureyri, the capital of Iceland's north. You can stroll through the lovely town of Akureyri from where you spend the night.

Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar (B) (415km / 258mi)

Explore Akureyri in the morning and take in the expansive vista of the Eyjafjörur fjord. From April to October, optional whale watching cruises run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Visit Goafoss, the Gods' waterfalls, in the afternoon. Then explore around Lake Mvatn, which is renowned for its rich wildlife and geological wonders. Visit Kálfaströnd to see the odd lava structures, Sktustair to see the fake craters, and Hverfjall to see the tephra cone. Finally, unwind at the geothermal Mvatn Nature Baths, which offer a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape.

Mývatn Berjaya Iceland Hotels. (B) (120km / 75mi)

Walk through the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir, "the black castles," early in the day in the hopes of spotting the trolls who are claimed to reside there. Visit the bubbling mud pools and steamy solfataras of Námaskar's hot springs in the afternoon. To reach East Iceland, we drive over the deserted highlands and lunar landscaper. The tour includes a side trip to the impressive waterfall Dettifoss from June to August.

Hérað Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar (B) (250km / 155mi)

We will spend the day in East Fjords admiring the landscape and small fishing villages, exploring local stone and mineral collection. 

In the afternoon we see Europe's biggest Vatnajökull glacier visible all over Southeast Iceland. We pass the town of Höfn, stop at the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, filled with floating icebergs. We will explore this extraordinary site and might meet local seals swimming in the Arctic waters. Stroll on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded or take an optional boat trip (depending on the season).

Explore the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull, in Europe's largest national park with Europe's largest glacier, Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment.

Please note that the itinerary on this specific day can change due to seasonal factors, such as daylight.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar. (B) (260km / 161mi)

To begin the day, make a stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon packed with driftingicebergs. Explore this remarkable location where you might be able to watch seals swimming in cold waters. From May through September, a boat excursion between icebergs in the water is a part of the itinerary. Take a walk across the Diamond Beachamong large icebergs trapped in the lagoon. View Europe's second-biggest national park, which contains Iceland's tallest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe's largest glacier, by traveling along the southern portion of the glacier Vatnajökull.

The Eldhraun lava field, the sandy desert of the south coast, and rocky cliffs, glaciers, and waterfalls are just a few of the natural treasures that await us on our afternoon journey. Witness and feel the heat of molten lava at the extraordinary Icelandic Lava Show! Take a stroll on Reynisfjara's black lava beach, which is close to Vk. One of the most stunning waterfalls in the nation, Skógafoss is located in the tiny community of Skógar and is 60 meters high. Continue to the waterfall that plunges over the mountain, Seljalandsfoss, which is tall but narrow. If you're willing to get wet, there's an amazing route that leads from the fall.

From September to the middle of April, there is a chance to observe the Northern Lights at night.

Stracta Hotel Hella or similar (B) (380km / 235mi)

Today, as we traverse the Golden Circle area, we will explore classic landmarks of Iceland. Begin the day in Friheimar, where you will learn about the Icelandic horse, its special traits, and its history, as well as tour a geothermal greenhouse. As we approach, we can see steam rising from the Geysir geothermal fields. There are numerous hot springs and bubbling ponds. Strokkur, "the Churn," which erupts at 5-7 minute intervals, has taken the place of the original geyser. Continue to Gullfoss, often known as "the Golden Descends," a twin waterfall that falls 32 meters into the Hvtá river and attracts visitors both in summer and winter. In the interior, visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

When we return to Reykjavik, we will take you on a short city tour of the world's northernmost capital.

Northern Lights: If the weather permits, optional Northern Lights nighttime trips can be scheduled in the foyer of your hotel from September until mid-April.

Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels (B) (160km / 99mi)

After such a rigorous exploration of Iceland, you deserve a free day to soak off your tiredness in the healing warm mineral rich waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Non-guided return bus transfer to the famous Blue Lagoon where you get to soak off your travels in the warm mineral-rich waters. Entrance fee and towel included.

Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels (B)

Welcome meeting, hike to Sermermiut and welcome dinner

Early in the morning, fly directly from Keflavík International Airport to Ilulissat. You are picked up at the airport, and we will drive you to the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat.

The flight is in itself quite an adventure as you cruise at low altitude over the Inland Ice Cap as you prepare for landing in Ilulissat.

After arrival, a guide from our local excursion office will welcome you and inform you about the different excursions available but also about experiences you can make on your own during your stay in Ilulissat.

Hike to the Ice Fjord and the abandoned Sermermiut settlement 

Beautiful icebergs provide the setting for the old settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement and, today, you can still see the remains, which indicate their former presence.

Hear the story about the life of the Inuit people and their traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. See the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands. Visitors often ask if they can walk these treks themselves? The answer is yes. But it is our experience that most people prefer having a guide with them the first time they hike in Greenlandic nature.

Furthermore, historic places will be pointed out on the way, and these can be difficult to find on your own.  You will have a coffee or tea break at “Kællingekløften” with a beautiful view of the Ice Fjord before you head back.

Welcome dinner at the Arctic Hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel Arctic  (B, D)

You have the whole day to explore Illulissat. The midnight sun makes the days very long, and you will feel full of energy to explore and take advantage of the entire day.

The sunny nights can only be experienced north of the Arctic Circle where the sun during summer never sets behind the horizon. In Ilulissat, the midnight sun is present from May 22 to July 24, but also throughout August, there will be very bright nights.

Sailing among the icebergs.

Almost every visitor in Ilulissat chooses to try this boat trip among the icebergs at least once. Every day, more than 40 million tonnes of ice flow out into the fjord. The floating icebergs are gigantic, sometimes wider than 100 meters and with a height up to 100 meters above the water surface as well.

These giants pile up at the end of the fjord, providing you with a great opportunity to sail among them. You should not miss out on this exceptional experience when visiting Ilulissat. The icebergs are a wonderful sight in every kind of weather; in the sunshine, the contrasts are very clear, whereas the blue shades are strikingly beautiful when it is cloudy, and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night.

Taking the boat trip on a bright night is an extraordinary experience. Remember to bring warm clothes – otherwise, sealskin clothing is available for rent.

Overnight in Hotel Arctic (B)

Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which runs into the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. It is possible to get very close to the glacier by boat and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sounds are thunderous, and the sight of chunks of ice crashing into the water is astonishing.

We sail in modern, comfortable boats during the excursion to Eqi Glacier. The route takes us north along the coast, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut and the big fjord system called Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are often spotted.

Lunchtime and watch the ice calve

Further along the route, we pass through the Ataa Strait, which is surrounded by steep mountains with bird life and waterfalls. Our boats, which are reinforced for sailing in icy waters, will remain in front of the glacier for approximately 2 hours and wait for the ice to calve. Meanwhile, a delicious lunch will be served. This is an all-day excursion where you will have a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the experience and fully enjoy the boat trip through the ice-filled waters.

Remember to bring warm clothes – otherwise, sealskin clothing is available for rent.

Farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic.

Overnight in Hotel Arctic (B, D)

Departure from Ilulissat at 10:05 AM and arrival at Keflavík International Airport 3:25 PM. Airport transfers are included, both in Greenland and Iceland.

Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels or similar.  (B)

Individual transfer from your hotel to the airport by Flybus shuttle (B)

Testimonials:

PER PERSON:

$ 7,505.00 (double occupancy) $ 9,375.00 (single occupancy)

• Round trip transfer Keflavík international airport/Reykjavík by Flybus shuttle
• 9 nights’ accommodation in Iceland, in standard rooms with private shower/WC
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Greenland, in standard rooms with private shower/WC
• Daily breakfast, welcome & farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic, and 1 lunch
• Visit the natural history & seal museum in Hvammstangi (Iceland)
• Visit Viðimýri turf church (Iceland)
• Mývatn Nature Baths, entrance and use of towel (Iceland)
• Admission to a stone & mineral collection (Iceland)
• Multimedia presentation at Lava Center (Iceland)
• Visit the Icelandic horse stable & geothermal greenhouse (Iceland)
• Blue Lagoon, entrance, drink & use of towel (Iceland)
• Flight from Reykjavik- Ilulissat-Reykjavik including all airport transfers & taxes
• Welcome meeting in Greenland with a local guide at the hotel
• 3 hours sunset cruise among giant icebergs (Greenland)
• 8 hours boat trip to Eqi glacier & hunters village of Rodebay, incl. lunch (Greenland)
• 3 hours easy hike to Sermermiut Inuit settlement (Greenland)
• All taxes & fees

Superior tourist-class hotels in Iceland - in rooms with shower/wc. 4 star hotel in Greenland. 

Reykjavik: Icelandair Hotel Natura total  North Iceland: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri  Lake Mývatn: Sel-Hotel Mývatn, Lake Mývatn or similar East Iceland: Álfheimar Guesthouse in Borgarfjörður-Eystri or similar Eastfjords: Hotel Höfn, Höfn or similar Vatnajökull Region: Hotel Eyjafajallajökull, Hvolsvöllur or similar Ilulissat, West Greenland: Hotel Arctic 

Note that above hotel list is subject to change and that double rooms in Iceland and Greenland are normally twin beds.

Highlights & Experience:

This tour is a combination of Iceland and Greenland. For Iceland, the escorted tour takes you both to classic nature hot-spots and lesser-known sights. The Iceland round trip includes several soft adventures and cultural visits. Some outdoor activities might differ between seasons depending on weather and road conditions. For Greenland, it’s a 4-day tour package including return flight from/to Reykjavík, hotel accommodation and 3 different excursions.

Iceland Highlights: Fully escorted tour around Iceland's Ring Road Explore two national parks The Golden circle including Þingvellir,Geysir & Gullfoss Mývatn Nature Baths, including towel Visits to small local museums, cultural experiences and soft adventures Visit to Icelandic horse stables & geothermal greenhouse Boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon from May through September Optional whale watching in Akureyri in the morning of day 3, April through October

Greenland Highights:

Stay in the Town of Icebergs, Ilulissat Sail among gigantic icebergs Experience dramatic, calving glaciers Delve into authentic town and settlement living See the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Ice Fjord up close

Optional Services:

Whale Safari - $190 per person

It is a great experience to get close to large animals like whales. There are 15 species of whale in Greenland. During the summer it is normally the humpback, the common minke whale and the fin whale, we see. The whales swim the entire Disko Bay during the summer; sometimes close to the town, sometimes in the ice fjord or up north by the island, Arveprinsens Ejland.

We are in constant radio contact with the fishermen and the hunters about the whales and their whereabouts. The humpback, with its characteristic fin, is the one we see most often.

Later, it is time to get ready for the next optional excursion. The midnight sun makes the days very long, and you will feel full of energy to explore and take advantage of the entire day.

English speaking tour guide

Maximum 25 persons in Iceland Small groups in Greenland due to logistics.

Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather, fog and ice conditions. Therefore the sequence of the day tours and excursions in Greenland is subject to change or if needed an alternative excursion will be operated if available. Delays and flight cancellations between Iceland and Greenland can happen. Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy travel insurance in the country of residence that would cover any additional travel expenses, should your flights be delayed or cancelled due to weather. We recommend not to book any international flight directly after a trip from Greenland; ideally staying minimum two nights in Iceland after the Greenland trip to avoid the risk of missing an international flight.

Other Tours to Consider

• Terms & Conditions
• Private Order
• Travel Insurance

Nordic Saga Tours Division of Bridges Unlimited Inc. 18518 Bothell Way NE, Ste. # B Bothell, WA 98011

Nordic Saga Tours Europe, UAB Kranto St. 23-17 Panevezys, Lithuania EU +37068471702

[email protected] toll-free: (800)848-6449 local: 425-487-2835 (4TRAVEL)

Getting from Iceland to Greenland (And Other Options)

Greenland is an adventurous destination. However, as you might already know, it’s not one of those easiest destinations to reach.

Of course, it will definitely be one of the most unforgettable and unique trips you have ever made, so why not make the effort!

So, if you’re on a trip to Iceland, might as well plan to visit this remote land of ice and snow. The big question is though, how you can get from Iceland to Greenland? Read on to find out…

How to Get to Greenland

There are only be 2 ways to reach Greenland: by plane or cruise ship.

Flying to Greenland

If you want to fly to Greenland, you can actually get there from either Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland.

And if you fly from Copenhagen or Denmark you are going to arrive in Kangerlussuaq. This is a very small town in the west of Greenland containing Greenland’s major international airport (the only one big enough)

From there, you can transfer to a smaller plane or helicopter to get to the other towns and villages in various parts of Greenland.

Flying to Greenland From Iceland

If you fly from Reykjavik, Iceland you will either go to

• Nuuk or Ilulissat (direct) on the west coast
• Narsarsuaq in the south
• or Kulusuk in the east

Cruise Ships To Greenland

There is a range of cruise ships to Greenland, including many of the more famous cruise companies you know and love. Most offer Greenland as a stop in combination with Iceland or Norway (as they are relatively close).

These cruise lines include:

• Holland America Line
• Hapag Lloyd
• Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is perhaps the most popular cruise operator in Greenland. Their offers include both Greenland and Arctic Canada.

Flying with Air Iceland

Air Iceland is the obvious choice when you are in Iceland and wish to reach Greenland. They offer the most options when it comes to flying to Iceland. Below are the main ones, including flight times.

Reykjavik to Nuuk

Flight time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

The official flight time, according to Air Iceland is 3 hours and 20 minutes. But it depends on the weather and wind, so anything between 3 to 4 hours is normal. Tickets are not cheap and range between 200€ and 600€ – depending on the time of year you’re planning to travel (summer is a lot more expensive than winter) and when are you actually going to book the ticket.

Reykjavik to Ilulissat

Flight time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

You can also reach Ilulissat from Reykjavik. The city is actually named “iceberg” and is situated at the Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay. This is quite famous and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq

Flight time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Narsarsuaq is another destination in Greenland that can be reached directly from Reykjavik you can also reach Narsarsuaq in Greenland. owing to its easy-to-reach southern location it’s a bit warmer there with -7 degrees Celsius in January and 10 degrees Celsius in July (on average).

Reykjavik to Kulusuk

Flight time: 2 hours

Air Iceland also offers direct flights to the Greenland village of Kulusuk. This is a small settlement in Sermersooq in the southeast of Greenland. Many people enjoy coming here on a day trip from Iceland. Many enjoy visiting here on a day trip option to  visit Greenland from Iceland.

Greenland Tours from Iceland

You could also choose to join a tour from Iceland to Greenland. If that is the case, here are some of the many tour operators to choose from:

• Iceland Unlimited 12 day tour
• Greenland Adventure Tours (lots of options)
• Iceland Travel
• Guide to Greenland

A transfer between the airport and the actual village is not included in these tours, which means you’ll have to walk the 3 km to the village (and back). Once you reach your destination, you’ll be toured by a local guide around the village, and you may also watch a traditional Greenlandic drum dance (depending on the weather).

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

Leave a Comment:

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Overview Guide
• 1 Week Itinerary
• Train Journeys
• Epic Drives
• Stunning Lakes
• Historic Castles
• Lauterbrunnen
• Grindelwald
• Chocolate Tours
• Swiss National Park
• Majestic Mountains
• Spectacular Waterfalls
• Famous Things
• Tasty Fondue
• 10 Day Itinerary
• Cherry Blossoms
• Tokyo Shrines
• Dos and Don’ts
• Osaka Guide
• Osaka Itinerary
• Osaka or Kyoto
• Kyoto Day Trips
• Matsumoto Castle
• Tokyo Luxury Hotels
• Island Hopping
• Best Campsites
• Driving Tips
• Beaune, France
• Barcelona Itinerary
• Spain Itinerary
• Greece Itinerary
• Italy Road Trips
• Berlin Day Trips
• Norway Northern Lights
• Netherlands National Parks
• Mostar, Bosnia
• Best Airlines
• Midwest Ski Resorts
• Florida RV Parks
• Washington RV Parks
• Oregon RV Parks
• Utah Camping
• Texas Camping
• Chicago National Parks
• East Coast National Parks
• Colorado National Parks
• Joshua Tree
• Yellowstone
• Alberta Hikes
• Flashlights
• Water Filters
• Sleeping Pads
• Solar Lanterns
• Tent Brands
• 4-Person Tents
• 4 Seasons Tents
• Backpacking Tents
• Beach Tents
• Cabin Tents
• Multi-room Tents
• Pop-up Tents
• Truck Bed Tents
• Underwear (Men)
• Backpacks Under $100
• Microspikes
• Boonie Hats
• In The World
• New Zealand
• Hardisde Luggage
• Lightweight Luggage
• Luggage Sets
• Spinner Luggage
• Durable Suitcases
• Duffel Bags
• Kids Luggage
• Teen Luggage
• Space Saving Luggage
• Business Carry-Ons
• Garment Carry-Ons
• Suitcases Under $50
• Travel Briefcase
• Zipperless Suitcases
• Rolling Briefcase
• Luggage Straps
• Luxury Brands
• American Tourister
• AmazonBasics
• Delsey Chatelet
• Anti-Theft Backpacks
• Backpacks Under $50
• Baby Carrier Backpacks
• Cooler Backpacks
• Backpacking Backpacks
• Climbing Backpacks
• Backpacks for Back Pain
• Beach Backpacks
• Hiking Backpacks
• Business Travel Backpacks
• Laptop Backpacks
• Backpacks for Tablets
• Commuter Backpacks
• Travel Backpacks (Men)
• Travel Backpacks (Women)
• Waterproof Backpacks
• Wheeled Backpacks
• Down Jackets
• Down Parkas
• Fleece Jackets
• Hardshell Jackets
• Rain Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Eco Friendly Jackets
• Gore Tex Alternatives
• Heated Jackets
• Lightweight Jackets
• 3-in-1 Waterproof Jackets
• Parajumper Jackets
• Rain Poncho
• Ski Jackets
• Travel Hoodies
• Travel Jackets
• Winter Coats
• Helly Hansen
• Mammut Jackets
• Patagonia Nanopuff
• Survival Jackets
• Flower Captions
• Waterfall Captions
• Tree Captions
• Sunset Captions
• Sunflower Captions
• Rainbow Captions
• Paddle Boarding Captions
• Hot Air Balloon Captions
• Kayaking Captions
• Airplane Captions For Instagram
• Forest Captions

Visiting Greenland From Iceland

Should Iceland and Greenland swap names?

Why visit greenland, what tours can i take to greenland, greenland sailing | 10-day photography workshop, 8 day summer package | iceland in depth with a greenland day tour, 6 day summer package | south iceland with a greenland day tour, 5 day summer package | golden circle, south of iceland with a greenland day tour.

Is it possible to visit Greenland during your trip to Iceland? Which tour opportunities and packages include a trip to Greenland? And what links, if any, do Iceland and Greenland share? Read on to find out all you need to know about visiting Greenland from Iceland.

• See also: Iceland & Greenland Packages

Approximately three quarters of Greenland is covered by the largest permanent ice sheet outside of Antarctica. A mere 1,210 km east, Iceland is a temperate and green country in comparison, with only 11% of the land comprised of glaciers.

Despite Iceland’s snow-laden winters, many people notice a discrepancy when considering the choice of names for both countries.

According to one story, a group of Vikings rebelled against the Norwegian monarchy, forcing them to flee the country by boat. Enroute, they stopped at Iceland.

Quickly discovering the island to be habitable with its breezy summers, rich fishing grounds and wealth of timber, the rebels sent false word back to Norway claiming their landing grounds was harsh, barren, little more than ice. To further deter reinforcements, they stated a larger, more distant island was a lush paradise.

• See also: The History of Iceland

In short, this decision appears to have been clear bait-and-switch tactic. Unfortunately, as so often is the case, the legend is false.

Instead, this widely circulated rumour is little more than a simple and ingenious tale that simplifies the far more complex process that was the discovery of Greenland.

In truth, the Norsemen did not arrive to Greenland until Erik the Red in A.D. 982, approximately 100 years after the settlement of Iceland. Touching on grains of truth, Erik really was fleeing Iceland after murdering three people, but was blown dramatically off-course.

To attract other settlers to this newfound country, Erik reported that the island was perfect for habitation. To stress this point, he named it Greenland; medieval marketing at its best! In all fairness, it is likely that Greenland was far grassier in A.D. 982, especially the southwestern corner of Greenland which sits at a southern latitude below even Iceland. To this day, successful sheep farms continue to operate in the area.

Of course, not everyone calls the island Greenland. Greenlanders themselves refer to their island as Kalaallit Nunaat, which means “Land of the People” in the Inuit language.

Due to the ever-impending dangers of climate change, a large percentage of meteorologists believe that in the near future, the names will make more sense. With the slowing down of the Gulf Stream, Greenland will continue to experience warmer temperatures and the melting of ice, while Iceland will experience the polar opposite; pack ice and even longer, darker winters.

Greenland is a land of staggering, ethereal and dramatic scenery, the likes of which can be found nowhere else on earth. While Iceland’s landscapes are commonly regarded as some of the best scenery on earth, Greenland’s breathtaking smoky mountains, iceberg-filled fjords and sweeping plateaus make for a fierce contender.

• See also: International Relations in Iceland 

Greenlandic culture is just as inspiring, having much in common with the Inuit tradition, from which most people are descended. Ice fishing and dog-sled races, for instance, are both still popular among the local people.

Most inhabitants still hunt given to supplement their diet or provide skins for boats and attire. Animals such as walrus, seals, caribou and narwhal are still essential to the Greenlandic cuisine, especially in the northwest region known as Thule.

This is reiterated by the Greenlandic government themselves, who state;

" Hunting is the heart and soul of Greenlandic culture.... Hunting is also very important from a cultural perspective. In a society such as Greenland, which for centuries was based on subsistence hunting (until about 50 years ago), hunting is still of great cultural importance. Irrespective of the fact that most live like wage-earners in a modern industrial society, many Greenlanders' identity is still deeply rooted in the hunting."

Over recent years, Greenland has become more and more of a tourist destination, offering spectacular hiking trails, photographic opportunities and unbeatable adventure.

Given its isolation as the world’s largest non-continental island, Iceland makes for the perfect jumping off-point, with flights from Keflavik International Airport to both Nuuk (Greenland’s capital) and Ilulissat in Disko Bay.

Thankfully, visitors to the northernmost corners of this planet will have the opportunity to combine their holiday to Iceland with a trip to Greenland.

Below are two examples of the most prized tour options available. Don't hesitate to come aboard! 

It’s time to charge the batteries, pack extra memory cards and ready yourself for the adventure of a lifetime with this 10-day sailing trip photographing the unreal landscapes of Greenland.

After a night discovering the many cultural charms of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, you will travel from the domestic airport to Constable Point, East Greenland—a 2-hour flight. Upon arrival, you will board the expedition schooner, Donna Wood, and sail to the scenic village to Ittoqqortoormiit .

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the colourful houses and local fisherman, perfect for an authentic, documentary-style portfolio.

The next few days, you will be preoccupied photographing the icebergs of Scoresby Sound, the fjords of Milne Land and the wildlife of Hare Fjord, including Arctic foxes, snow hares, stoats, eagles and musk-oxen.

• See also:   The Arctic Fox | A Tale of Iceland's Only Native Mammal

Day 6 and day 7 are focused on the dramatic mountains of Øfjord, as well as the 200 m (650 ft) basalt stacks that tower nearby. You will also embark to the nature reserve, Bjørneøe, anchoring beside the Bear Islands to turn your lens towards the seabird colonies of the North Atlantic.

Your final day in Greenland will be spent travelling the Arctic Riviera, an archipelago filled with the largest icebergs of the expedition.  

Day 4 of this tour package provides a chance to visit Greenland, specifically the small island village of Kulusuk. Here, you will have a guided tour of the area, paying special attention to the local architecture and way of life for Kulusuk’s three-hundred or so residents.

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the village museum, providing unprecedented insight into the region’s history and Inuit culture. In the evening, you will return on a short flight back to Reykjavik.

The previous days will be spent in Iceland, first discovering the Snæfellsnes Peninsula —often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” thanks to its eclectic range of natural attractions—as well as the Golden Circle trail.

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, comprised of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal valley and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

After your return to Iceland at the end of Day 4, you will spend the following days exploring the picturesque South Coast , complete with its enchanting waterfalls, unique black sand beaches and gorgeous, ancient sea cliffs.

Enroute, you’ll stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, known as “The Crown Jewel of Iceland” thanks to its heavenly blue icebergs, still waters and the unbelievably beautiful surroundings of Vatnajökull National Park.

This tour is also available, with adjustments, as seen below:

Have you visited Greenland? Have you experienced both Iceland and Greenland during the same trip, or are you planning on doing so? Make sure to leave your thoughts and queries in the Facebook comments box below. 

See more blogs

Chasing Waterfalls in Iceland

Sænautasel Turf House in the Highland of Iceland

The Dynamic Plant Lupine

Secret waterfall on the South Coast

Midnight Sun Season in Kirkjufell

Other interesting blogs.

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in Iceland

Book your complete trip with the best companies only

Explore an Ice Cave

Visit a Live Volcano

Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Iceland, Greenland and Northwest Passage – Great Explorer Trail

31-day Grand Expedition Cruise from Iceland to the fjords of Greenland and Canada’s Northwest Passage in 2024/2025  

Greenland’s remote east coast 

The vast wilderness of Greenland’s rarely visited east coast is accessible by ship for only a few months of the year. From Reykjavík, we head to Scoresby Sund, an immense system of fjords and glaciers that fans out over 24,000 square miles. Soak up the beauty and silence, and look out for seals, whales and birds like Greenlandic Gyrfalcons. 

Following a legendary route 

Returning to Reykjavík, we’ll sail to Prince Christian Sound and explore the fjords and settlements of Greenland’s west coast, including the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. We'll cruise the waterways of the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, and just like the great explorers, we’ll attempt to navigate the channels of the Northwest Passage to Cambridge Bay. Your adventure ends in Edmonton . 

Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

11 August 2024

Discover Iceland's modern capital

Your Grand Expedition Cruise to Greenland and the Northwest Passage begins in Reykjavík, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital.  

Packed full of art, culture and history, it’s well worth taking time to explore Reykjavík, either before or after your cruise.  

Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, head to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church or fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Or why not join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.  

MS Fram awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team and explore the ship –  your adventure has begun. 

12 August 2024

Crossing the Denmark Strait  

Today we sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. 

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of visiting wildlife habitats, and how we interact with the Indigenous Arctic communities respectfully.  

In the Science Center, you can learn more about Greenland's geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. Why not hit the gym or relax in the panoramic sauna before enjoying a delicious meal in one of our onboard restaurants. 

Scoresby Sund fjord system

13 August 2024 - 21 August 2024

Largest fjord system on Earth  

You’ll spend the next nine days exploring the vast wilderness of Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. 

Cruising peacefully against a backdrop of looming mountains, blue icebergs and mirror-like waters, you’ll seek out wildlife like whales and Greenlandic Gyrfalcons. Making the most of the conditions, we pack in as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours and wildlife sightings as possible.  

You’ll visit Ittoqqortoormiit – the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere, and if conditions allow, we’ll sail towards the ever-changing east Greenland Sea ice edge to scout for wildlife. 

If you want to do your bit, you can participate in Citizen Science projects that help preserve the region for future generations. 

Relax at sea

14 August 2024

Heading back to Iceland

After exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, we set our course back for Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow our ship and keep an eye out for whales. 

 As you reflect on the first leg of your Grand Expedition Cruise, from witnessing the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the floating ice, east Greenland’s beauty is sure to have left its mark on you. 

Rest in Reykjavík

23 August 2024

Enjoy an outdoor spa experience at the Blue Lagoon  

Returning to Reykjavík, you’ll now have another opportunity to explore the delights you may have missed on your first visit. In this city of art and culture, there are plenty of galleries and museums to enjoy. Or if you simply wish to relax, why not take a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon.   

Enjoy an unforgettable outdoor spa experience as you relax the geothermally heated water that gets its iconic bright blue colour from silica and other minerals carried down from the volcanic landscape. As you soak, enjoy a drink and a chat with locals and fellow guests as you look forward to the next step on your adventure – west Greenland and the Northwest Passage! 

The Denmark Strait revisited

24 August 2024 - 25 August 2024

Heading towards Greenland and the Northwest Passage  

We sail to west Greenland across the Denmark Strait once again, the route taken by Erik the Red, supposedly the first European to have settled there.  

Get ready to explore the west coast of Greenland. Most Greenlanders live on the west side of their country, and you’ll be exploring some of the towns and settlements scattered along this coast – as well as its awe inspiring fjords, glaciers and mountains.  

Prince Christian Sound

26 August 2024

Breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife  

Description text   

We aim to explore the incredible waters of the 60-mile-long Prince Christian Sound today. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for icebergs and colourful houses in the village of Aappilattoq. 

Nature is abundant here. Keep an eye out for ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice, and Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soaring above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales.  

If sea ice prevents us entering the sound, we'll head to craggy Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland. 

Exploring Kvanefjord

27 August 2024

Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords   

Experience your first sight of Greenland’s sublime west coast fjords as we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, meaning 'Place of Much Ice'.  

Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice – pure white with undertones of crystalline blue. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations.  

Few people venture into this remote fjord, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a nature walk, or head out in boats to scout for wildlife.

Nuuk, Greenland's capital

28 August 2024

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk  

After several days exploring remote, varied landscapes, you'll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. 

Compare the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland building. 

Visit the national museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene. 

Spectacular Sisimiut

29 August 2024

Explore ancient traditions in Arctic Greenland  

We reach Sisimiut, Greenland’s second city. It sits in a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years.  

Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum.  

If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool. Or why not explore the area by foot and stretch your legs on a hike. 

UNESCO-listed Ilulissat

30 August 2024

The town where you can see and hear the ice flow  

Our expedition cruise reaches Disko Bay – a haven for whales and seals. You’re in for a unique experience. Nestled in the magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. Against a backdrop of colourful houses is an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs.  

Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. With the help of the ship’s photographer, enthusiasts will be able to capture the nuances of these sculptures of nature. 

Crossing the Labrador Sea

31 August 2024 - 1 September 2024

Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science   

Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration.  

The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science programme projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program. 

The Northwest Passage

2 September 2024 - 8 September 2024

Crossing a historical sea corridor through Canada's Arctic archipelago  

Like the pioneering explorers who've come before you, we won't have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our state-of-the-art ice-class ship from the Atlantic to the Pacific via this famed sea route. Stops might include Pond Inlet, Dundas Harbour, Fort Ross, Gjoa Haven, and Cambridge Bay.  

As we explore, we'll land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and look out for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, narwhals, seals and seabirds.  

You'll go small expedition boat cruising between ice floes, and go ashore to experience the pristine wilderness first hand. Your Expedition Team will adapt activities to ice and weather conditions, giving you the best experience possible.  

We’ll try to reach Pond Inlet and the Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island. On Devon Island – the largest uninhabited island on Earth – we'll visit Dundas Harbour and learn about its Thule heritage. We may even pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members on Beechey Island.  

We'll continue west to Fort Ross, a former Hudson Bay Trading post, before sailing to Gjoa Haven, where Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit people. If we are able to land here, we'll take a walking tour to learn more.

Wildlife of Cambridge Bay

9 September 2024

Wildlife and conservation in this fish-rich bay  

Our expedition cruise continues into wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay, where you'll disembark. Here, you might see Arctic char, musk oxen and caribou. You'll also find the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, an important centre for climate change research. 

Home to only 2,000 residents, Cambridge Bay is popular with fly-fishers, keen to net giant Arctic char or lake trout. Its local name 'Iqaluktuuttiaq' even means ‘a good fishing place’. 

Walk around and explore before we take our evening flight to  Edmonton . 

Explore Edmonton

10 September 2024

Enjoy the city of Edmonton before your flight home or extend your stay with our optional Post-programmes to learn more about this city and the surrounding area.  

• August 11 Aug

What’s included

Flights  .

• Flight in economy class from Cambridge Bay to Edmonton after the expedition cruise 

Transfers  

• Transfer from the ship to the airport in Cambridge Bay after the expedition cruise   
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Edmonton after the expedition cruise  

Hotel  

• Overnight in Edmonton after the expedition cruise, including breakfast  

Expedition Cruise 

• A stay in a cabin of your choice 
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune  
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 
• Complimentary tea and coffee 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board† 
• Complimentary reusable water bottle 
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore 
• Range of included activities
• *House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
• †Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported. 

Onboard Activities 

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team 
• Full use of our Science Center, small library and advanced biological and geological equipment 
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research 
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer 
• Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym. 
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings 

Landing Activities 

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats 
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities 
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket 
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions 
• Excursions and activities are subject to change  
• Please make sure you meet  all entry and boarding requirements  
• No gratuities expected 

Not included in your voyage

• International flights 
• Travel insurance 
• Luggage handling 
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners 
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.

Read more about MS Fram

Related cruises

Iceland & greenland – arctic expedition cruise under the midnight sun.

• Join an epic journey of showstopping scenery, fascinating cultures and Arctic wildlife as we circumnavigate Iceland and discover pristine west Greenland.
• Experience the land of volcanoes, elves, glaciers and hot springs as we travel around Iceland, spotting whales and Atlantic Puffins as we go.
• Encounter stunning glaciers and icebergs, breathtaking scenery, captivating wildlife and welcoming local communities as we explore Greenland’s west coast.

Pole to Pole Adventure - The Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise

• Join this epic adventure across 13 countries, starting in Vancouver and ending in Buenos Aires after taking in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Americas.
• Get the rare chance to spot both polar bears and penguins in one trip, as well as brown bears, caribou, and an array of birds and marine life in their natural habitats.
• Take in an incredible variety of scenery, from vast icescapes to arid deserts, lush jungles and towering mountain ranges.
• Get the rare chance to spot polar bears and penguins in one trip, as well as brown bears, caribou, and an array of birds and marine life.
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience Indigenous cultures, and walk among the ruins of lost empires.
• Take in a dramatic variety of scenery, from vast icescapes at the poles to deserts, jungles and mountains in between.

Explore other destinations:

Exploring nature's epic wilderness

Explore this wild and wonderful frozen continent and see penguins, whales and seals in their natural habitat

British Isles

Wild beauty and historic sites

Caribbean and Central America

Tropical paradise off the beaten track

Magnificent cities and hidden gems

Galápagos Islands

The wild beauty and unique ecology of the Galápagos Islands make for the perfect expedition cruise destination.

Grand Expedition Cruises

Embark on the ultimate global adventure and follow in the wake of the great explorers on one of our Grand Expedition Cruises.

Experience awe-inspiring scenery, pristine glaciers and some of the most photogenic wildlife on earth.

Soaring volcanoes, spouting geysers, peaceful fjords and spectacular waterfalls

North America

Historic towns and national treasures

Northwest Passage Cruises

In the footsteps of legendary explorers

Norway’s wild and dramatic coastline is made for expedition-style adventure.

South America

Hunting for cultural treasures

Transoceanic

Join our transformative journeys of enrichment and wellness.

West Africa & Cape Verde

Explore the unique history and vibrant culture of isolated Cape Verde, alongside the remarkable biodiversity of the tropical Bissagos Islands.

Hurtigruten

• Norway Fjords Cruise
• Northern Lights Cruise
• HX Expeditions

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Iceland is open: volcano update

• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Privately Guided i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Multi-Day i
• Northern Lights i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• Solo Travel i
• All Types & Themes
• All Iceland Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• ICELAND IS OPEN i
• Iceland Volcano Update i
• Why book with us i
• Travel Update
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Iceland at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Iceland Attractions i
• Iceland Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

ICELAND & GREENLAND TOURS

Double the adventure! Enjoy twice the sites, culture and room to breathe on these combination tours. Experience the diversity and beauty of North Atlantic neighbours Iceland and Greenland.

PERSONAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Enjoy the journey knowing all the details have been sorted out just for you.

HANDPICKED HOTELS

Have a good night’s sleep and wake up ready for a new day of adventure.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

If the path less travelled is your idea of fun, look no further. See what others don't.

1 tours available

Prices per adult based on bookings for two

Sorry, we found no tours matching your criteria.

Try adjusting or clearing your filters

The Islands of Fire & Ice - Iceland & Greenland

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

East Greenland and Svalbard

A true arctic expedition.

Request a quote

Cruise Overview

Epic arctic scenery and pristine wilderness.

A 17-day expedition cruise from Iceland exploring the stunning and remote coastlines of east Greenland and Svalbard. 

Discover epic scenery and captivating nature in true explorer style as your flexible route makes the best of the conditions. 

Witness spectacular glaciers and icebergs as your expedition ship probes remote fjords.

Greenland’s majestic fjords  

In true explorer style, our route flexes to make the best of the conditions—we may even reverse it completely. Starting in Reykjavík, we’ll sail toward Scoresby Sund on Greenland’s beautiful east coast, a 15,000 square-mile expanse of fjords and glaciers. Next, we aim to explore the breathtakingly immense Northeast Greenland National Park—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

Awe inspiring scenery  

If conditions favor us, we’ll then head to Greenland’s ever-changing sea-ice edge to search for wildlife before continuing to stunning Svalbard. We plan to explore the lush fjord system of Isfjorden and head south toward Hornsund—one of the region’s most picturesque waterways. A community visit to remote Ittoqqortoormiit in east Greenland rounds out our adventure before we return to Reykjavík.

Know before you go

Practical information you need to know

• Expedition Health & Safety
• Travel Entry Requirements
• What to pack?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Life on Board

Health and Safety

Health & Safety Onboard

The safety of our guests, our employees, and the communities we visit is our top priority.  This is why we have partnered with leading experts in health and safety to design and implement protocols/procedures across our expedition fleet.

Searching for

Available dates.

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

Discover Iceland’s modern capital

Your expedition cruise to east Greenland and Svalbard starts in Reykjavík, a vibrant city full of culture and history. Take a stroll down Laugavegur to striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral or visit one of the many art galleries and museums.

MS Maud awaits you in Reykjavík Harbor. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship, and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail for adventure.

Pre-Program

With so much to see, come early and join one of our Pre-Programs to the Golden Circle or the Icelandic Highlands to experience Iceland’s amazing waterfalls, hot springs, and geysers.

Picturesque Ísafjörður

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside town

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor. You’ll arrive just after lunch, so there’s plenty time to explore this picturesque harborside town. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland.

One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. If you prefer something more energetic, take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft—the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top.

Relaxing at sea

Appetite for adventure

As we sail towards Jan Mayen, relax and take advantage of our expedition ship’s great onboard facilities.

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, learn what to expect in the epic fjords of Greenland and in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway’s stunning Arctic wonderland. Join one of our Citizen Science projects and contribute to global research, if you feel like helping out.

Then hit the gym, relax in the hot tub, warm up in the sauna, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our three onboard restaurants. The world is your oyster!

Volcanic Jan Mayen

Visit an active volcano that’s a haven for birdlife

Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. We're one of the few to even attempt landings here. If conditions are favorable, you may set foot on one of Earth’s most remote places.

Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Beerenberg. It’s the world’s northernmost active volcano, which last erupted in 1985.

You won’t see land mammals, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots and little auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the waters, including whales and seals.

Sailing towards Svalbard

Unwind and prepare for Svalbard

This day sailing the Arctic waters toward Svalbard is a great chance to relax on board the ship. Enjoy panoramic views and chat to fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge or fill your lungs with fresh air as you soak in the hot tubs on deck.

Use your time as you see best. This is your chance to get away from your busy world and reflect on the wild beauty surrounding you. Don’t miss fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition Team (sometimes out on deck), which cover topics including Arctic history, geology, and wildlife.

Stunning Svalbard

On expedition in Svalbard

Our daily activities in this remote Arctic peninsula will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions and the expertise of the Expedition Team. The first planned stop is Hornsund, one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colorful vegetation transforms into towering mountains along this picturesque waterway.

We then hope to journey north past the snow-capped cliffs of Bellsund as we head toward Isfjord. The lush fjord system here and the immense, glacier-carved valleys are rich in wildlife, flora, and human history.

Our last planned stop in Svalbard is Ny-Ålesund. It is known as the northernmost settlement in the world and the starting point for many renowned Arctic expeditions.

Crossing the Greenland Sea

Learning and leisure time

After the last few days in Svalbard, you’ll no doubt have lots of photos and a hunger to learn more about the destinations on our voyage. As we cross the Greenland Sea, the Expedition Team will be giving lectures and answering your questions about the destinations.

You can use this time to enjoy the ship’s facilities and take it easy. Head out on deck with a pair of binoculars and look for wildlife, including whales and the seabirds that follow the ship. You could also find a cozy corner inside to read a book with a hot drink.

Scoresby Sund fjord system

Soak up serenity in the world’s largest fjord system

Prepare to be awed. Local conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan for the next three days is to explore east Greenland’s Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system.

You’ll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged landscape, with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters, surrounded by looming mountains.

We will make the most of current conditions and pack in as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours, and wildlife sightings as possible. This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Whether you want to be active or just soak up the serenity is up to you.

Community Visit

Get an insight into authentic Greenlandic life

After our expedition in Scoresby Sund, we return to (sparse) civilization. Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. It is located on an Arctic peninsula that is encased by sea ice for nine months of the year. This makes the settlement the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere!

Ittoqqortoormiit was founded in 1925 as a hunting and fishing town. That cultural legacy is still easy to observe. Less than 500 brave souls call this remote outpost home, and they’ll be proud to show you around and give you a warm welcome.

Sailing back to Iceland

Rest and relax as you cross the Irminger Sea

The ethereal beauty of Greenland and Svalbard will by now have captured your imagination! As we cruise back toward Iceland, you’ll feel invigorated and connected to nature. On deck, you might spot seabirds following the ship, or whales breaching the surface in the surrounding seas.

Spend your time at sea sharing your experiences with new friends, recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, or discovering more about the delicate ecology of Greenland’s fjord system in the Science Center.

Return to Reykjavík

Unforgettable memories of your time in Greenland

We say a fond farewell to MS Maud and end where we started in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. Visit the places you may have missed when you arrived. There’s plenty to enjoy in Reykjavík, including stylish galleries, restaurants, and geothermal pools.

Post-Program:

If you want to discover more of Iceland, join our optional Post-Program to tour the south of the country before you head home. Or you could simply extend your stay and enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end your epic journey!

What's included

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte Restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities
• Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to and streaming is not supported.
• *House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science programme where you can assist with live scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna, indoor and outdoor gym
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet your entry and boarding requirements 
• No gratuities expected

What's not included

International flights 

Travel insurance 

Luggage handling 

Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Special offers

Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.

* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise

Solo Traveler Benefit!

For a limited time, solo travelers pay no single supplement* on select expedition cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and more!

41 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee

Ready, Set, Sail! Save up to 45% on 2024-2025 Expedition Cruises!

Ready, Set, Sail! Through June 30, save up to 45% on must-see destinations like Antarctica, Greenland, and Svalbard!

40 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee

Set sail in style with our limited-time suite offer

Save an additional 5% when you book a suite before June 30, 2024.

39 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee

Excursions & Activities

Learn more about what you can experience when going with us

Ittoqqortoormiit Community Visit

Visit the only permanent settlement in the Scoresby Sound region.

Látrabjarg Sea Cliffs

See awe-inspiring Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe and the continent's largest bird cliff.

Patreksfjördur - Splendid Combination

On a scenic drive to Arnarfjörður, visit a waterfall, a hot spring, and a sea monster museum.

Related cruises

The Heart of Greenland | Disko Bay

Departure Dates

Jun 9, 24, Jun 24, 24 + 2 more departures

Price from $16,910

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Cruising Under the Midnight Sun

Departure date

Price from $16,218

The Ultimate Fjord Expedition

Price from $17,371

Sign up for our newsletter

Be the first to hear about our latest offers, exciting itineraries and inspirational articles.

Deals of the Week   Make a Splash!   Up to 50% OFF

Highlights of Iceland & Greenland - 8 days

• Partially Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1 Welcome to Iceland
• Day 2 The Golden Circle
• Day 3 Reykjavik - Ilulissat, city walk in Ilulisat & sunset cruise in the Icefiord
• Day 4 Boat trip to Eqi - the calving glacier & Rodebay - hunter's village
• Day 5 Inuit Settlement at the Ilulissat Icefiord
• Day 6 Ilulissat - Reykjavik
• Day 7 Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
• Day 8 Departure Home

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Sustainability initiatives.

Supporting Destinations

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator GJ Travel 4.5
• Vicki · 11th September 2023 Great experience seeing the colorful houses of these small settlements in Greenland. We also enjoyed seeing whales,... Show more
• Gerry · 1st May 2024 Amazing tour and great tour leader
• Brianna · 11th April 2024 Our guide Martina was excellent, she was the highlight of the trip for me! Martina was so knowledgeable about Iceland... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• Thursday 6 Jun, 2024 Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 Thursday 11 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 11 Jul, 2024 Thursday 18 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 18 Jul, 2024 Thursday 25 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 25 Jul, 2024 Thursday 1 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 1 Aug, 2024 Thursday 8 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 8 Aug, 2024 Thursday 15 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,655 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currencies kr Danish Krone Greenland kr Iceland Krona Iceland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, K.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Greenland. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Greenland. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Greenland. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 25th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 25th July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with GJ Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and GJ Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "GJ Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of GJ Travel. Please familiarise yourself with the GJ Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Kimberley Tours
• Tenerife Tenerife tours
• Guatemala and Mexico August 2024 tours
• 5 Days Rwanda Golden monkeys, Big 5 & Big Cat…
• MEDICAL & SPA : CZECH – MARIANSKE LAZNE (MARI…
• India for Female Solo Travellers - Is India S…
• Western Europe Travel Guide
• Say Yes to Iceland
• TourRadar presents GJ Travel
• Inside GJ travel

Similar Tours

Keep Exploring Europe

• Iceland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Family Trip to Europe Itineraries (From 1 to 3 Weeks)
• Best Explorer Tours and Trips 2024/2025
• Europe from Keflavik
• Europe Explorer
• Small group tour
• 8 days Europe
• Operators in Europe
• Highlights of Iceland & Greenland - 8 days Tours in Iceland
• Explorer Tours
• South Iceland Tours
• Iceland Tours
• Europe Tours
• Active Tours
• Group Tours
• Partially Guided Tours
• South Iceland
• Iceland tours
• Greenland tours

First-timer’s guide to Greenland

Oct 10, 2023 • 6 min read

First time visiting Greenland? You're going to need a boat-load of tips to get your started © Aningaaq R Carlsen / Visit Greenland

Greenland , the world’s largest island, is a country of wild extremes: uninhabitable wilderness at its core, and delightfully warm and charming people living in harmony with it. Climbers come to scale its spectacular sheer rock faces, scientists come to see what the melting ice can tell us of the planet’s future and many visitors come away with a whole new perspective on life.

There’s no question that the must-see attraction for everyone who visits Greenland is ‘big nature,’ from the black peaks that undulate on the horizon, to the great gray-blue ice sheet in the center of the island and the icebergs scattered in the sea around it. Muskox , arctic fox and polar bears roam around, and the northern lights dance in the sky above.

Inhabited since 2,500 BCE, with Viking colonies in the south from the 10th century, Greenland has developed a unique culture and set of beliefs based on its people’s strong relationship with the mountains, ice and sea that surrounds them. It’s impossible not to come away feeling awestruck by what nature can create.

When should I go to Greenland?

Greenland is a huge island with vast seasonal and geographical variations, and its weather can be unstable and unpredictable all year round. Be sure to take out travel insurance in the event of flight cancellations, and keep plans as loose as possible as schedules can change suddenly.

For snow, dog sledding and the northern lights, the best time to visit is from late September to May.

If you are keen to do adventure sports like hiking, climbing or kayaking, the Greenlandic summer is more suitable. This period, from May to September, promises more hours of daylight.

Where should I go in Greenland ?

Getting around Greenland is complicated (see below). The best advice is to choose one region to explore, or two at most, and spend a week there. This allows you to see the key natural sights and animals without feeling rushed, meet local people (who can be reticent), and have the flexibility to adapt if plans change due to bad weather.

As an example, you could choose to stay in the Ilulissat ice fjord region, where there are options for hiking, whale watching, exploring Disko Bay and perhaps the ice cap over the course of a week. If you want to follow the Arctic Circle Trail , again, that’s a one-to-two-week trip. Factor in that you’ll likely need to fly via Denmark or Iceland, potentially adding a night to the trip in either direction. And as mentioned, there may be unexpected events due to the weather.

Is it easy to get in and around Greenland?

In early 2025, an extension to Nuuk airport will allow larger planes to land in Greenland, making it easier to reach from international destinations. Until the new runways open, flights to Greenland go via Reykjavik and Copenhagen into the country’s international airports, Nuuk, Kangerslussuaq and Ilulissat. Kulusuk and Narsarsuaq are also entry points from Reykjavik. 

Greenland is large and largely without roads. To travel between towns, Air Greenland flies to those with runways and runs helicopters to others. From April to December, the Arctic Umiaq Line runs coastal ferries from Qaqortoq in the south to Ilulissat in the north, with stops along the way. The full journey takes 4.5 days. Other ferries and coastal boats run up the west coast and across South Greenland in summer.

Within towns there are buses, taxis and cars, and you can also walk. It is advisable to book far in advance to secure a place (and for the best rates), and to have clear transport plans when you arrive in Greenland.

Top things to do in Greenland

Be awed by nature and humbled by culture. For the nature part, take a boat from Ilulissat, Nuuk or Qaqortoq and spend a day cruising the ice fjords, marveling at immense blue, white and gray icebergs and encountering all kinds of sea life from humpback whales to dolphins. Hike in the mountains surrounding the small town of Narsarsuaq and admire the ice sheet – you can even camp overnight on it at Camp Ice Cap near Kangerlussuaq.

Then immerse yourself in local culture and discover how people in Greenland really live. Experience the warmth of community and the power of history in a kaffemik, a local coffee morning, in Nuuk or Qaqortoq, or book into a wilderness camp and try Greenlandic glamping, with a side of fishing and foraging, for a true back-to-nature immersion in the country’s outdoors-driven lifestyle.

My favorite thing to do in Greenland

Nature watching in Greenland is off-the-chart amazing. You could spend all day cruising between icebergs and comparing their shapes and colors – and then there’s the wildlife. To see a sliver of a whale's back slip out of the water while you’re on a boat on the way to another town is sensational. The day I saw a polar bear climb a remote coastal cliff and disappear over a ridge remains one of the most memorable days of my life. These sights are framed by seas studded with icebergs, clear blue skies, uninhabited land and dark, jagged mountains, creating the most powerful punch of natural drama I’ve ever seen.

How much money do I need?

Greenland is not a cheap destination, but you can do it on a budget. Flight deals can be found outside the main summer season – a tip is to sign up to Air Greenland’s newsletter. As a general guide, a bed in a youth hostel in Nuuk will cost from around £100 per night, while a hotel will be around £200 per night. Luxury wilderness experiences typically cost at least £250 per night.

In terms of domestic transport, it is typically cheaper to take a boat rather than fly or take a helicopter. Booking in advance can also save money, but what you save in money you lose in time.

Greenland’s food is expensive – expect to spend around £25 for an evening meal in a restaurant – because so much of it has to be flown in. Save money by eating as locally as much as possible and cutting back on greens. A locally brewed beer might cost around £8 for a pint, while a coffee costs around £6. Bring a reusable water bottle as all Greenlandic water is drinkable.

Bring lots of layers, no matter the season

As mentioned, Greenland’s weather is highly changeable all year round, so pack with that in mind. Bring woolen layers, hiking boots, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses and a snood at the very least. Hiking in jeans and city-style trainers is not recommended.

The northern lights can be seen throughout the year

Typically, northern lights season in Greenland runs from September until April, but check with the region you plan to visit to be sure. It’s possible to see the lights all year round, depending on where in Greenland you are, but you need a dark, cloudless night. The midnight sun takes over from June to July in the Arctic Circle region and April to August in more northerly locations, and then you will experience barely any darkness.

Greenlandic is the official language

Greenlanders speak Greenlandic; Danish is also used and many people, particularly in major hubs, speak English.

Staying safe in Greenland

Weather is one of the key risks in the country, so stay aware of the forecast, carry a GPS with you and know how to use a map. Tell someone where you are going before you set off. Wildlife risks can include polar bears and rabid arctic foxes. Calving icebergs can cause tsunamis and be fatal for those on boats. Travel insurance that covers all the activities you might do in Greenland is a must.

Etiquette notes

Note that the word Eskimo is considered an inappropriate term; Inuit is preferred.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Mar 1, 2024 • 6 min read

From plunging waterfalls and remote beaches to superb restaurants in the capital Tórshavn, here are the best places to visit in the Faroe Islands.

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Sep 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 3, 2023 • 7 min read

Jan 2, 2023 • 12 min read

Dec 10, 2022 • 7 min read

Apr 6, 2022 • 4 min read

Dec 21, 2020 • 2 min read

Dec 7, 2018 • 6 min read

Sep 19, 2013 • 6 min read

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Reykjavík to New York City, New York
• New York City, New York to Reykjavík

Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada

• From $7,999
• 9 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Reykjavík to New York City, New York New York City, New York to Reykjavík

Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada Map

Scenic Shores & Coastal Treasures

Immerse yourself in striking natural beauty on a voyage that spans Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Admire the volcanic landscape of the Westman Islands, enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Djúpivogur, and stroll the charming streets of Seydisfjördur and Akureyri. Discover the history of Viking exploration in the New World in Qaqortoq and L’Anse aux Meadows, and revel in the maritime heritage of lively Halifax.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Reykjavík

From $999 | 2 Nights

Post: New York

From $1,199 | 2 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - Iceland - Land of Fire & Ice
• - The Vikings
• - Vikings on the Move
• - The Bayeux Tapestry
• - Canadian Exploration
• - The American Revolution

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary

• Middle East
• Australia & Pacific
• Caribbean & Mexico
• South America
• Central America
• Cruises & Yachts
• United States
• About Wendy
• Meet the Team
• Code of Ethics
• How We’re Funded
• How to Support Us
• How You Can Benefit
• Smart Travel in 2024
• Where to Go When
• Family Travel
• Holiday Travel
• Airline Travel
• Cruise Travel
• Our Own Trips
• Ask a Teenager
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Talk Videos
• I Have a Destination
• Tell Me Where to Go
• Just Back: The Latest Reviews
• Anniversary Trips
• Asia WOW Trips
• Christmas/New Year Trips
• Christmas Day Abroad
• Europe in Summer: Beat the Heat
• Europe in Winter: Smart Trip Ideas
• Europe for Winter School Breaks
• Europe’s Secret Spots
• Food-Focused Trips
• Graduation Trips
• Grandparents with Grandkids
• Meeting Noteworthy Locals
• South America WOW Trips
• Spring Break Family Trips
• Sporty Adventures
• Thanksgiving Trips
• Wildlife Encounters
• WOW Moments
• The WOW List
• WOW List FAQs
• Fees/Pricing Tips
• WOW Moment Rules

Greenland Day Trip from Iceland: Is it Worth It?

There are only two ways to fly to Greenland—that icy remote country that many of us jet over but few of us land in, that monster of the Mercator projection.  You can fly there from Copenhagen, Denmark, or from Reykjavik, Iceland. So, if you’re in Iceland, it’s natural to consider popping up to Greenland (it’s just a two-hour flight) for a glimpse. After my husband surprised me with a trip to Iceland last week, he surprised me all over again a couple of days later with a day trip to Greenland.

Air Iceland runs a daily eight-hour tour where you leave Reykjavik at 10:15 am for Kulusuk, Greenland, landing back in Reykjavik at 6:15 pm. You spend four hours in the air and only four on the ground in Greenland, but that’s enough to get a taste of East Greenland’s scenery and the local way of life.

It’s expensive, though: The tour price is $800. That includes airfare and the guide in Kulusuk but does not include the reservation fee for airline seats (I paid $11 to reserve a window seat on both flights); taxi fare between your hotel and Reykjavik Airport, 1.2 miles from the city center (I paid $26 roundtrip); lunch (I bought a sandwich at RKV pre-security and two bottles of water post-security; fellow tour members wished they had); the $40 boat ride in Kulusuk from the town marina back to the airport (this photogenic icebergs-and-glaciers boat ride was not part of the Air Iceland tour but was a highlight of the day); or the tip for the guide.

In the end, this day trip easily cost $900. Was it worth it? Well, here were the biggest pros and cons:

The cons: The Air Iceland tour was bare bones. It did not include most of the professional niceties or advance instructions that are par for the course on trips designed by my WOW travel specialists . There is no tour vehicle in Kulusuk; you walk the 1.8 miles from the airport into town. No lunch is included, nor are you told ahead of time where and how to get lunch. None of these things bothered me (I mention them because they might bother you), but what did disappoint me is that we did not get to interact with any locals, aside from our guide, the curator in Kulusuk’s museum, and the cashier in Kulusuk’s one store. I felt very much like the tourist I was. In my mind, I kept comparing this experience to the week I spent in the tiny town of Point Hope, in remote Arctic Alaska. That trip was far more interesting and enjoyable because I got to know the local people—tribal elders, whale hunters, schoolteachers, students, artisans, the pastor and his wife, and storytellers galore. In Kulusuk the only person we got to know was our guide. Then again, I’m comparing a week-long trip to a four-hour one.

The pros: We couldn’t have asked for better weather: It was sunny and clear, which I was told is the summertime norm in Kulusuk. And we lucked out with our charismatic guide, 25-year-old Massanti Riel, who grew up nearby in Greenland, lives in Kulusuk in the summertime, and works for Icelandic Mountain Guides (the tour firm used locally by Air Iceland). Massanti and I are now Facebook friends, and you can spot him in the boat-ride video below (he’s the one in a hat).

Hopefully these photos and videos from my day in Greenland will help those of you who are Iceland-bound determine whether such an excursion would be worth the price tag for you. In my case, my husband made that determination for me. I would never have splurged like this on my own…but, in the end, I’m glad I can say I’ve been to Greenland.

If you have questions about the trip, feel free to ask me in the comments.

#Kulusuk #Greenland, pop. 250 A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 17, 2015 at 12:29pm PDT

Not all houses here have running water, but you can get it from the town tap. #Kulusuk #Greenland A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 17, 2015 at 1:23pm PDT

  Boats can access this part of the world only 5 months of the year. #Kulusuk #Greenland   A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 17, 2015 at 4:36pm PDT

These boots are made for dogsledding. (That’s an attempted quip/allusion to the Nancy Sinatra song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Actually, these boots are used for special occasions.) #Kulusuk Museum, #Greenland A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 18, 2015 at 6:39am PDT

In the museum, tools made from animal bones and driftwood. Most of the men in the community hunt and fish for a living. They hunt whales (in a kayak, with a harpoon) and seals and polar bears (mainly from boats). It takes about three whales (narwhals of 3 to 5 meters, not counting the horn) to feed a family all winter. #Kulusuk #Greenland A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 18, 2015 at 6:14am PDT

The town of #Kulusuk in #Greenland is only about 100 years old. The #church (which is the spiffiest building in town) was built from the remains of a Danish sailing ship that ran aground here 100 years ago. A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 17, 2015 at 1:04pm PDT

  #Greenland   A photo posted by Wendy Perrin (@wendyperrin) on Jul 18, 2015 at 7:50am PDT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhURXqlQ7rY

Where In the World Am I? Follow Along on My Surprise Birthday Trip

Last night my husband bundled me and the kids off to the airport for a surprise trip. Can you figure it out where we went?

Extraordinary Experiences the Right Travel Specialist Can Make Happen

Did you know you could have these kinds of travel experiences?

Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation

For a travel solution tailored to your trip goals and preferences, click this green box.

River Cruises: 7 Mistakes You Think You’re Too Smart to Make

by Wendy Perrin | March 22, 2023

When Is a Cruise Ship Balcony Worth It and When Is It Not?

by Carolyn Spencer Brown | July 6, 2023

Nonstop Flights to Make Your Travels Easier

by WendyPerrin.com | May 20, 2024

Sporty Adventures: WOW Trip Reviews

by WendyPerrin.com | March 27, 2024

Wendy’s Essential Packing List

by Wendy Perrin | September 1, 2022

Where and When to Travel This Year

by WendyPerrin.com | March 17, 2024

Best Multigenerational Trips: Reviews from our Travelers

by WendyPerrin.com | May 2, 2024

Greenland is on my bucket list. Did you get your passport stamped? I want that Inuit passport stamp bad!

so it is worth the money for the excursion frpm iceland? is that all? = the museum and boat ride?

Do you know if this 1 day tour still exists with Iceland Air? Their site did no allow me to select any dates. Thanks for all your good information!

Sweet! What kind of plane were you on to Greenland?

Hi Johnny! A Fokker 50.

Wow! Another one for the wander list!! What a treat to get to go there!

How exciting! I adore Greenland, and after my visit a couple years ago I felt it is one of the most underrated places I’ve ever been. My trip was a bit different, in that I was onboard an expedition ship and was able to spend a bit more time exploring the impressive fjords, appreciating the magnificent ice, and watching for whales as we traveled from point to point. Since we had a charter flight back to Ottawa, it was surreal to be walking on the Greenland ice cap one day and back at home in Seattle the next! While I generally prefer time for more in-depth exploration, my take on a one-day trip from Iceland is GO FOR IT! Whether you experience Greenland for a day or for a week, it’s worth it!

I’m with you, Shelley. A small expedition ship hugging the coastline, stopping in settlements that would otherwise be very hard to access, sounds like a smart way to see Greenland.

Post a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Our Latest Newsletters

Be a Smarter Traveler

Sign up for Wendy Perrin’s newsletter to get essential travel updates and ideas to make your next trip extraordinary.

• First Name *
• Last Name *

We may receive a referral fee from trip planners for trips designed for and purchased by travelers referred through us.

• Insider’s Guides to 177 Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Where To Go When

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

• Travel Update
• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Privately Guided i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Northern Lights i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• Ice & Snow Hotels i
• Multi-Country Tours i
• All Travel Styles
• Show all tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Book With Confidence i
• Why book with us i
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Iceland vs Greenland: Where Should You Go?

On a visit to Iceland and Greenland , you can expect to see some of the most spectacular sights in the world. Imagine strolling along black sand beaches, marvelling at breathtaking glaciers, and enjoying some enchanting hot springs.

These two island nations in the North Atlantic are similar in many ways, but there’s a lot that’s unique to each of them. So Iceland vs Greenland: which should you explore?

In this post, you can find out more about which destination is best suited to your tastes and interests. Whichever one you choose to visit, you will never be short of extraordinary things to see and do. You might want to discover both Iceland and Greenland on the same trip!

1. Location

Iceland and Greenland are neighbours in the North Atlantic Ocean, separated by a narrow stretch of water called the Denmark Strait. This makes combined tours of Iceland and Greenland easy.

Where are Greenland and Iceland?

Considered the world’s largest island, and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland spreads both north and south of the Arctic Circle. On a map you’ll see that the country is situated just off the eastern border of Canada.

To the east, you’ll find the much smaller island nation of Iceland, which lies just south of the Arctic Circle. Though technically part of the European continent, the island is a midpoint between Europe and North America.

The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet below Iceland, causing its famous volcanic activity. This is how the island got its nickname: “The Land of Ice and Fire”.

• Explore these top vacations in Iceland and Greenland

How far is Iceland from Greenland?

Iceland is Greenland’s closest European neighbour. If you measure it from the narrowest point, the total distance to Iceland is just 300 kilometres (186 miles). And you can reach West Greenland from Reykjavík by plane in around 3 hours.

How do you get to Greenland and Iceland?

The main airport in Iceland is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located 40 minutes from Reykjavík. You’ll find plenty of direct flights here from across Europe and North America.

Greenland, on the other hand, is not quite as simple to reach. In fact, you can only fly directly to the island from either Iceland or Denmark. Luckily, the airline Air Greenland has year-round flights from its Nordic neighbours to both the west and south of the island.

• Related: Fun facts about Greenland

Thinking about the climate is very important for planning your trip, as it influences which activities you can do.

What is the weather like?

For an island called Iceland, the climate can be warmer than you might expect. Summer temperatures have an average of 12°C (53°F), while winters average at 0°C (32°F).

No matter when you visit Iceland, you should be prepared for all types of weather. You might experience wind, rain, sun, or snow.

For up-to-date weather information, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has frequent updates on the island’s weather for you to check.

Similarly, although Greenland has an Arctic climate, temperatures reach up to 10°C (50°F) in the warmer months. In the southern regions, temperatures can even hit 20°C (68°F).

• Related: What to wear in Iceland

Is Greenland colder than Iceland?

On average, Iceland is milder than Greenland. 80% of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet, the second largest in the world after Antarctica. Greenland also lies further north than Iceland, making it the colder island.

Plus, Iceland is warmed by an ocean current that travels from the tip of Florida across the Atlantic to Northern Europe. This current is known as the Gulf Stream . It flows along the east coast of the US and Canada, and warms much of Western Europe, including Iceland.

• Check out winter tours of Iceland

When is the best time to visit?

To enjoy the very best of Greenland, you should consider visiting the island in the summer months. The warmer weather makes this the best time for you to enjoy Greenland’s many outdoor activities and fascinating wildlife.

In the summer, you can have the chance to spot an Arctic fox, glimpse a majestic polar bear, or whale-watch in the beautiful fjords. And you can feel invigorated by the midnight sun – a natural phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set for weeks.

Iceland is also one of the best places to experience the midnight sun, particularly around the summer solstice in mid-June. You will find most of the island’s hiking trails are open between June and August , making this the ideal time to wander through its striking landscapes.

If you’re hoping to witness Iceland’s northern lights , the winter months from October through April are a better choice for your trip. You can also find ways to enjoy Iceland’s glorious snow , such as snowmobiling or riding an Icelandic horse.

• Explore summer tours of Greenland and Iceland
• Related:  Best time to visit Iceland

The history of these islands is a rich one, dating back to the 9 th century when they were first discovered. It even gives you a glimpse of how their seemingly mismatched names were chosen.

Who discovered Greenland and Iceland?

Greenland was likely discovered in 986 AD by Erik the Red , a Viking explorer. The first settlement was called Brattahlíð, located in the south of the island. You can still visit the ruins of this village today.

Viking settlements remained on the island for a few centuries, but were eventually driven out by the icy temperatures. The Inuit people were better adapted to Greenland’s harsh climate and now make up over 90% of the country’s population.

The discovery of Iceland is more mysterious. According to ancient Icelandic sagas, it was founded by a group of Norse settlers around 870-930 AD.

The island was relatively unpopulated until the Viking Age. Before this, Iceland was allegedly known as “Thule”, a place where people could live in complete solitude and peace from the outside world.

• Related: Best places to visit in Iceland

How did Iceland and Greenland get their names?

According to Icelandic legend, when the brave Naddador founded the island, it was snowing heavily. This never-ending blanket of snow inspired him to name the country Snæland, meaning “Snow Land”. It was a common tradition in Nordic culture to name something as soon as it was discovered.

It is thought that when Erik the Red discovered Greenland, he wanted to bring more of his people to the island. So he called it "Greenland" to make it sound like an appealing place, convincing them to make the journey from Europe and settle in this lush, green land.

So, there is an explanation to these names after all!

What language is spoken in Iceland and Greenland?

Icelandic is the main language of Iceland. It is closely related to Norwegian and even has some resemblance to Old Norse, a Viking language. In fact, many native speakers of Icelandic can read Old Norse Sagas.

While most people on the island speak English as a second language, you could take a look at some commonly used words and phrases before you visit Iceland.

Greenlanders mostly speak Greenlandic, although many also speak Danish and English as second languages. You may recognise a number of Greenlandic words, such as “kayaking”, “igloo” and “anorak”, which are commonly used in the English language.

• Related: Complete guide to the Nordic countries

Visit Greenland and Iceland and you’ll be amazed at the stunning natural sights all around you.

Is Iceland greener than Greenland?

Although it may be called Greenland, its neighbour, Iceland, is the far “greener” island. This is because of its milder climate.

Iceland’s greenery benefits from the long hours of daylight during the midnight sun. This helps the island’s plant life thrive. While Greenland also experiences the midnight sun, its immense ice sheet prevents much growth.

What is Greenland’s scenery like?

Most of Greenland's landmass is an ice sheet, which you can visit in the Northeast Greenland National Park. The rest of the island is covered in tundra – a flat landscape with very little tree growth and strong winds.

What you’ll love about Greenland’s scenery is its coastline. The many glacial fjords make the island’s coast the longest in the world at 44,000 kilometres (27,000 miles). This is almost long enough to stretch around the Earth at the equator.

Along the coastline you can expect to see colossal icebergs, giant glaciers, and some of the island’s many species of whales.

• Explore Greenland iceberg tours

What is Iceland’s scenery like?

Iceland is brimming with otherworldly landscapes. Come here and you’ll discover glaciers, volcanoes and mountains, as well as waterfalls, hot springs and black sand beaches.

In South Iceland , for example, you can experience the country’s incredible natural beauty. Here you will find underwater caves, tumbling waterfalls, and the visible split of two continental plates in Þingvellir National Park .

The island also boasts impressive volcanic scenery and geothermal attractions , particularly in North Iceland and the highlands . You can visit lava fields, hike a volcano, discover mud pots, and so much more.

Iceland is one of the few places on Earth with powerful geysers dotted about its landscape. This is a rare sight where you’ll see water and steam dramatically spring from the ground.

• Take a look at these volcano tours in Iceland

5. Experiences

Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors or you’re keen to immerse yourself in a different culture, Iceland and Greenland have so much to offer.

Do Iceland and Greenland have similar cultures?

Iceland and Greenland have many similarities, especially their history of Nordic culture.

Yet they also have their differences. Central to Icelandic culture are folkloric tales and mythological legends. The telling of fables has been common throughout Iceland’s history and remains an important part of the country’s culture today.

Icelanders are also known for their festivals, during which they indulge in lavish foods and enjoy time with their families. You may want to check out their annual Airwaves  or Secret Solstice festivals.

Greenlandic culture is closely tied to the Inuit people. They enjoy a wealth of traditions that still play an important part in Greenlandic life. During your trip you could visit Inuit art galleries, or learn about local heritage at Nuuk’s National Museum.

• Explore these Greenland culture tours

What are the top things to do in Greenland?

There are so many experiences to choose from when planning your visit, it can be hard to know where to start.

To help you decide, here are the best things to see and do on your Greenland trip :

• Sail along the island’s coastline
• Witness the midnight sun
• Go whale watching
• Experience Inuit culture
• Learn about Viking history
• Enjoy an Arctic hike
• Visit breathtaking glaciers
• Explore Greenlandic museums
• Sightsee while kayaking
• Jet off on a helicopter tour
• Related: Greenland travel: top 10 things to do

What are the top things to do in Iceland?

Iceland offers non-stop adventure all-year round. Whatever season you visit, there is so much to choose from on an Iceland tour . Whether you snorkel between continental plates or stroll along a black sand beach, the memories you create will be unforgettable.

These are the experts’ recommendations of the best things to do on your Iceland tour:

• Relax in a hot spring or pool
• Visit the remote highlands in a 4x4
• Go snorkelling between tectonic plates
• Explore the island’s volcanic scenery
• Learn about Icelandic folklore and mythology
• Visit a black sand beach
• Try typical Icelandic cuisine
• Visit magnificent waterfalls
• Ride through the countryside on horseback
• Go snowmobiling on glaciers
• Related: Top things to do in Iceland: the best activities and sights

Plan your trip to Iceland or Greenland

These are some of the main things to consider when deciding between visiting Greenland and Iceland for your next adventure. Or you may decide to choose both islands and enjoy a combined tour of Iceland and Greenland .

Why not head to Greenland first to enjoy its glaciers, fjords, and icebergs? Then catch a quick flight over to Iceland to explore on a road trip. Discover the bustling city of Reykjavík, the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, to name a few.

Whatever you choose we are certain you will have the experience of a lifetime. And you’ll have a personal travel consultant to make all the arrangements for you, including accommodation, activities, and local transport. Plus you can reach us 24/7 on your trip if you need our support.

Contact us for more guidance on deciding between Iceland or Greenland. The experts here at Nordic Visitor are more than happy to help!

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

THE ISLANDS OF FIRE & ICE - ICELAND & GREENLAND

Iceland full circle classic.

• USD ($)
• CAD ($)
• AUD ($)

ICEFJORD ADVENTURE

Related posts, 18 top things to do in iceland: the best activities & sights.

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Greenland , Destinations , Guides , Things to Do

Greenland Travel: Top 10 Things to Do

10 best places to visit in iceland, 11 fun facts about greenland.

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Start Searching

• Packages  
• Hotels  
• Cruises  
• Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Europe and Mediterranean: Iceland & Greenland Cruise

16-night emerald princess cruise.

From $1,348 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $234 - $264

Princess Cruises

Natural splendors abound in Iceland and Greenland. Rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. Or fly over Godafoss Waterfall, the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' during a flightseeing tour in Akureyri. Come face-to-face with Mother Nature's crown jewels.

Included Extras

  executive member benefit.

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Princess Cruises® sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Southampton

Southampton is a port city on England’s south coast. It’s home to the SeaCity Museum, with an interactive model of the Titanic, which departed from Southampton in 1912. Nearby, Southampton City Art Gallery specialises in modern British art. Solent Sky Museum features vintage aircraft like the iconic Spitfire. Tudor House & Garden displays artifacts covering over 800 years of history, including a penny-farthing bike.

Falmouth/England

For year round relaxation and recreation, Falmouth has a tradition of genuine hospitality founded on its centuries old port and superb location at the southern end of the Fal Estuary - arguably Britain's most beautiful network of creeks and rivers. Blessed with excellent sandy bathing beaches and a vibrant town, Falmouth can offer you contrasts, convenience and choice in making the most of your holiday. Falmouth has an impressive record of excellence in tourism. Generations of investment, from the first custom built tourist hotel in 1865, to the imposing Ships & Castles Leisure Pool of today, makes Falmouth proud to welcome you! With one of the world's deepest natural harbours, today's Falmouth is fast developing its international reputation as one of the great sailing and watersports centres of the world. Every year new accolades are added to its impressive list of international sailing events. With marina facilities for the yachtsman and quays for visiting cruise liners, Falmouth is never short of interest and spectacle for the visitor. The Fal Estuary's deep water and sheltered anchorage have been of strategic importance to the defence of Britain since Tudor times. Any enemy securing the Estuary could easily land an army and bring in fresh supplies of food, weapons and soldiers. Henry VIII recognised this threat and built Pendennis and St Mawes Castles on opposite sides of the Estuary to protect the anchorage. Thus began one of the most fascinating stories of British Coastal defence spanning 450 years. Pendennis Castle is a showpiece of British History and one of Falmouth's gems. Built in the mid-sixteenth century, Pendennis overlooks the mile-wide mouth of the River Fal, at the most westerly point where it was possible to anchor safely. It is difficult to imagine today, when visiting this popular holiday area of Cornwall, how wild and remote this beautiful part of the coast used to be. But the massive walls, rambling rooms and stone staircases of Pendennis make it easy to imagine the scenes of bloody conflict 350 years ago. An exhibition in the old gun room helps you experience almost at first hand the sights and sounds of a Tudor battle. And there are artefacts from the Second World War, when Pendennis was again called into action. In Victorian times, Falmouth's world-wide links across the sea led to the development of public gardens containing wonderful collections of exotic plants. Owing to a year-round mild climate, plants such as Citrus, Daturas, Dracaena palms, Camellias, Abutious, Azaleas, Rohododendrons and many unusual species of Bamboo, still thrive today. At Fox Rosehill Gardens for example, Banana trees grow in the open! In addition to Falmouth's four main gardens of Gyllyndune, Kinberley Park, Fox Rosehill and Queen Mary, the vast gardens of Trelissick, Glendurgan and Trebah are all within easy reach of the town. Falmouth's town centre contains many of the expected high street shopping names, alongside restaurants and specialist shops with great maritime charm. Laced with many notable and unusual listed buildings (like the King's Pipe which was used to burn contraband tobacco in the days of old style smuggling), the town has a reassuring warmth and contains a surprising range of opportunities. The Falmouth Arts Centre, The Cornwall Maritime Museum (where the story of the famous Falmouth Packet shops is explained), and the Falmouth Art Gallery (with its renowned collection of Tuke paintings), complimented by the Princess Pavillion, together providing a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, concerts and theatrical events throughout the year. Touring groups, local, national and international performers and artists will all be found at Falmouth. Falmouth has four superb beaches: Gyllynvase, Castle, Swanpool and Maenporth. Each offers well managed facilities catering for both the active and the not so active beach afficionado. Alternatively, why not step aboard one of the many excellent pleasure boats plying the local waters of Falmouth and fully experience the maritime charm of this most beautiful part of Cornwall.

Queenstown it was for some decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork. Is there anywhere in Ireland more full of poignant memories than this embarkation point for America? From here hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time. It is a pleasant town; its streets climb the steep slope of a hill, the top of which is crowned by the very fine St. Coleman's Cathedral which has a carillon of 47 bells. Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour which are all now joined by roads and bridges - Little Island and Fota are the others. The harbour is one of the largest and safest anywhere, being capable of taking the largest vessels afloat. The great Transatlantic liners used to come in up to the 1950s. On the quayside there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania, many of whom are buried in the old church cemetery. The ship was sunk off Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine, an action which was responsible for bringing the United States of America into the Great War, the survivors were brought back here. Another unhappy association is with the Titanic, 'the safest liner in the world'. Queenstown was her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage. The Queenstown Story is based in the disused portions of the railway station at Cobh. This highly imaginative visitor attraction tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s. The historical role which Cobh harbour has played as a port is also illustrated. At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service. To the east, Cork Harbour leads to East Ferry. Roches Point can be seen to the south. To the south west is the yachting centre of Crosshaven.

Qaqortoq, sitting at the tip of the peninsula in the south of Greenland, is a clean pleasant harbor town built on the site of Hans Egede's search for the lost colonists. Although only boasting 3500 people, it's considered to be the hub of the south and is worth visiting in summer when the place explodes with wildflowers. The town's pride of possession is the town square fountain - the only one in Greenland - with the names of the town burghers, past and present, in brass letters on the base (although many names have fallen victim to souvenir hunters). Qaqortoq museum is worth a gander - it's one of Greenland's finest - and exhibits artifacts from past and present cultures. Mostly, though, Qaqortoq is used as a base for hiking treks: either one day hikes up 'Peter's Cairn’ or around the edge of the Tasersuaq Lake, or as a departure point for the three- to four-day treks to the neighboring town of Igaliku. The Hvalsey ruins, sitting on a coastal strip just out of Qaqortoq, are the most extensive and best preserved Norse ruins in Greenland. There is a choice of ferry services on most days of the week, and several daily flights to other settlements along the west coast. It's also possible to trek from some of the neighboring towns. Qaqortoq is 450km (279mi) down the coast from Nuuk, although the distance by foot would be much greater given the heavily fringed coastline.

Nanortalik is close to the southwestern tip of Greenland at the mouth of several fjords, south of Qaqortoq. Sites of interest include the colonial quarter of the town amid the surrounding fjord and mountains. Tourists can witness the imposing granite peaks and spires of the Nunaap Isua (Cape Farewell) and Tasermiut Fjord regions, where the scenery is spectacular.

Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. It's home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. The striking concrete Hallgrimskirkja church and rotating Perlan glass dome offer sweeping views of the sea and nearby hills. Exemplifying the island’s volcanic activity is the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, near the village of Grindavik.

Isafjorour is a town in the Westfjords region of northwest Iceland. It's known for its dramatic landscapes. The old town has wooden houses with corrugated tin roofs built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Westfjords Heritage Museum has exhibits on the town’s maritime history, including a collection of old fishing boats. The old hospital, now a cultural center, contains archives and photography.

Akureyri is a city at the base of Eyjafjorour Fjord in northern Iceland. In the center, the 1940 Akureyri Church has stained-glass windows portraying scenes from Icelandic Christian history. There are views of the fjord from the forecourt. Nearby, the Akureyri Art Museum displays contemporary art from Iceland and farther afield. To the south are the Botanical Gardens, with specimens from across Iceland.

Onboard the Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2007
• Year Refurbished: 2015

Double Occupancy Capacity: 3080

Emerald Princess® is everything you expect from a modern, luxurious ship. Featuring multiple dining options, including Traditional and Anytime Dining, and specialty venues like the popular Sabatini's Italian restaurant. The Lotus Spa® offers a myriad of treatments, and the Lotus Fitness Center helps you stay trim from the delicious cuisine. Enjoy Movies Under the Stars® and choose from nearly 900 balcony staterooms.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Movies Under the Stars®
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Adults Only
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Pool - Indoor
• Pool - Indoor/Covered
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Educational Classes
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Business Center
• Conference Center
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Religious Services
• Self-Service Laundromat
• Wedding/Vow Renewal

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Beauty Salon
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Educational Programs
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service

Dining Room

Main Dining

Botticelli Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Michelangelo Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Da Vinci Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Crown Grill

Specialty Dining

Chef’s Table Experience:  A multi-course menu that is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. Specially selected wines complement the meal, and each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Courses, A Culinary Journey. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Crown Grill℠:  An upscale and more refined approach to the traditional steakhouse, this venue features some of the best, most tender cuts of beef, such as New York and porterhouse, plus a prime rib carving station. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Planks BBQ:  Drop by for a classic American-style dinner, served by wait staff for a nominal fee. The casual BBQ restaurant gives you a choice of "Planks" loaded with four meats, chili, coleslaw and seasoned fries along with starters and decadent dessert. Planks BBQ also serves a buffet-style lunch at no charge, with signature soup and freshly tossed salad, as well as regionally inspired fork-and-knife sandwiches. Buffet-style breakfasts, also at no charge, include savory breakfast bowls customized for you.

SHARE℠ by Curtis Stone:  Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine. Perfect for a special celebration or simply reveling in time spent together, Chef Stone has made an art out of reconnecting with loved ones over a six-course fine-dining experience. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Steamers Seafood:  This new family-style seafood restaurant offers dinner served by wait staff for a nominal fee. Choose from Black & Blue Mussels or Classic Clams "Steamers" and other seafood favorites. All come with generous sides and dipping sauces as well as starters and dessert. At lunchtime, help yourself to a buffet that includes Gourmet and Ramen Bowls with regionally inspired broths – all at no charge. And join for breakfast, also at no charge, for specialty egg dishes like omelets, fried eggs and eggs Benedict.

The Salty Dog Gastropub:  A warm, inviting gastropub experience developed with Ernesto Uchimura, a founding chef of the original Umami Burger. Try one of our innovative gourmet creations inspired by pub favorites or devour “The Ernesto” a savory rib eye burger. Offering a unique variety of beer, whiskey and cocktail selections, plus live music, there’s something for everyone at this hip, friendly twist on traditional pub fare. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Vines:  Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, like Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass.

International Café

Casual Dining

Chocolate Journeys℠:  There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate, and master chocolatier Norman Love has designed some of the most decadent, hand-crafted treats exclusively for Princess' Chocolate Journeys℠ program. Trained in France, and named the Inaugural Inductee into the Chocolatier Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional Magazine, Chef Love combined premium quality chocolate with unique flavors and artful designs to mastermind his exclusive creations found throughout the ship.

Coffee & Cones:  Complimentary ice cream cones await you at our transformed top-deck creamery venue. Pick up a chocolate cone, a vanilla, or a combination. Or treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich, with a tempting choice of flavors such as The Classic, Cookie Colada, Snickerdoodle, Honey 'N' Oats and Mint Paddy. We've added specialty New Grounds Crafted Coffee too. Including Espresso and Cappuccino, Latte, Chai Tea and more. You'll even find a choice of Frappes, such as Nuts for Caffeine, Mocha Milkshake and Mexican Frothed Chocolate.

International Café:  Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

Salty Dog Grill:  While you're enjoying the fresh air on the top deck, treat yourself to one of our 100% handmade Gourmet Burgers, including the Princess Burger or Triple Smoked Burger. The Salty Dog Grill also offers new Street Tacos – a Princess first – featuring a choice of grilled chipotle-lime chicken or roasted sweet potato-green chile. And don't miss the Classic Hot Dogs, plus loaded fries in tempting varieties including chili cheese, and bacon and cheese.

Slice Pizzeria:  The top-deck pizzeria features a bold new look that sets the stage for tempting offerings that include specialties inspired by local favorites from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Try a Deep Dish Focaccia or a slice of the award-winning signature Neapolitan-style classics. Savor some California Artisanal Toast with Avocado or Caprese toppings. Or go for a Sliced Stromboli, and enjoy an East Coast take on a classic Italian calzone that's stuffed with delicious Italian deli meats and cheeses.

World Fresh Marketplace:  Whenever you visit, you'll find plenty of well-balanced options to choose from. Stop by for breakfast and visit the designer pancake station, or enjoy one of the unique hot cereal offerings. At lunch, look for handcrafted sandwiches, regionally inspired dishes and soups, as well as carvery selections. For dinner, there's everything from breakfast at night, family kitchen comfort foods, stir-fry or customized pasta, plus a multitude of fresh fruit and salad choices.

Room Service:  Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Staterooms feature a refrigerator, spacious closet and bathroom with shower.

Interior (Category: IA)

Category: IA Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IB)

Category: IB Approximately 162 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IC)

Category: IC Approximately 162 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: ID)

Category: ID Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IE)

Category: IE Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IF)

Category: IF Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Nicely-appointed staterooms feature a picture window and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (Category: OB)

Category: OB Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OC)

Category: OC Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OE)

Category: OE Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OF)

Category: OF Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OV)

Category: OV Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OW)

Category: OW Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OY)

Category: OY Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OZ)

Category: OZ Approximately 158 to 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Staterooms feature a private balcony, spacious walk-in closet, desk and bathroom with shower.

Balcony (Category: B1)

Category: B1 Approximately 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: B2)

Category: B2 Approximately 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: B4)

Category: B4 Approximately 240 to 298 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides dramatic wake views from a rear-facing private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BA)

Category: BA Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Category: BB Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BC)

Category: BC Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BD)

Category: BD Approximately 231 to 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BE)

Category: BE Approximately 231 to 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BF)

Category: BF Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Features separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, refrigerator, wet bar, tub with shower and balcony or window.

Premium Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: M1)

Category: M1 Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MB)

Category: MB Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MD)

Category: MD Approximately 323 - 462 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: ME)

Category: ME Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Owner's Suite with Balcony (Category: S2)

Category: S2 Approximately 687 sq. ft. including balcony, the Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S3)

Category: S3 Approximately 524 to 531 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S4)

Category: S4 Approximately 533 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Premium Suite with Balcony (Category: S5)

Category: S5 Approximately 568 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Vista Suite with Balcony (Category: S6)

Category: S6 Approximately 460 to 495 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Two-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony (Category: S8)

Category: S8 Approximately 606 sq. ft. including balcony, the Two Bedroom Family Suite features 2 bedrooms to accommodate up to 8 passengers. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

• Ship Name: Emerald Princess
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2007
• Ship Class: Crown
• Maximum Capacity: 3,082
• Number of Passenger Decks: 15
• Number of Crew: 1,200
• Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 222
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 675
• Total Inside Staterooms: 436
• Tonnage (GRT): 113,561
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 3,080
• Country of Registry: Bermuda
• Total Staterooms: 1,539
• Suites with Balcony: 206
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 07/31/2025, departure date - 08/16/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed 1 to 4 weeks after your trip. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

© Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare.

Cruises to Iceland and Greenland

Tabs view cruises.

• View Cruises

Discover Arctic vistas and marvel at dramatic scenery on one of our cruises to Greenland and Iceland, where you’ll be surrounded by natural wonders and quaint colonial towns at every turn. These twelve-night journeys are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Combine quiet days at sea with exciting stops in breathtaking ports of call like Akureyri in Iceland and Greenland’s Qaqortoq, where you’ll experience adventure, beauty, and relaxation like never before.

Itineraries

Departure ports for greenland & iceland cruises.

Begin or end your cruise in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, a fascinating city that is at the top of the bucket list for adventurous travelers. Depending on your itinerary you’ll either depart or disembark in this stunning port, where you should make sure to spend an extra day or two exploring its endless natural wonders, including the towering Gullfoss Waterfall, the Vatnajokull Ice Caves, and Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon.

Cape Liberty

On cruises to Greenland and Iceland, you can depart from the port of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, which is located near Newark airport and less than an hour’s drive away from Manhattan. Plan on getting there a few days early and discover everything the Big Apple has to offer, including its world-class restaurant scene, Broadway shows, and top-notch shopping. Then set sail from this convenient port and soak in unrivaled views of the New York City skyline and the iconic Statue of Liberty before heading out on your vacation across the Atlantic. 

Ports of Call

Mother Nature’s beauty is on full display in Isafjordur, a small, scenic town in the Westfjords that serves as a gateway to Iceland’s unspoiled terrain. Take a walk around its picturesque old town, where you’ll find cute shops and local restaurants. Visit the Dynjandi Waterfalls, known as “the jewel of the Westfjords.” Or go on a hike up Kaldbakur, the tallest mountain in the Westfjords, where you’ll enjoy majestic landscapes. 

You’ll get even more of a taste of Iceland’s stunning nature in Akureyri, a small town with impressive mountainscapes that is known for being one of the best places to catch the Northern Lights. Head to the lava fields of Dimmuborgir and take photos amongst the unusual formations. Travel to Godafoss, a towering cascade that is also known as the “waterfall of the gods.” Or relax and soak in the healing properties of the mud baths at Lake Myvatn or the hot springs of Hverir.  

Explore the tiny town of Qaqortoq during one of our cruises to Greenland and Iceland, where you’ll get a sense of the Arctic climate and wilderness. Admire the serene beauty of Lake Tasersuaq, where you’ll see unbeatable views of Qaqortoq and the mountains beyond. Learn about Nordic history at Hvalsey Church, ancient ruins that span back thousands of years. Or go on a reinvigorating nature walk through Qaqortoq’s hillsides, where you’ll marvel at scenic fjord views and charming colonial homes in bright colors. 

Find All Cruises to Iceland and Greenland

You might also like.

Greenland Cruises

Cruises to Halifax, Nova Scotia

Cruises to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Boston Cruises

Northern Europe Cruises

Iceland Cruises

August Cruises

An Insider’s Guide to Qaqortoq, Greenland

The Ultimate Greenland Food Guide

Things to Do in Greenland

Unique Places to Visit in Europe

Extraordinary Waterfalls in Iceland

Experience Iceland’s Nature at These Incredible Sites

What to Pack for Iceland

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• 1-877-932-4259
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Holland America Line’s New 28-Day Legendary Voyage In 2025 Is An Epic Exploration Of Greenland, Iceland And The Arctic Circle 

The ‘Arctic Circle Crossing’ inspired by 10th Century explorers includes four maiden calls in Greenland, a trip to the North Cape and extensive scenic cruising 

Seattle, Wash., Aug. 22, 2023  — From trending travel destinations to seldom-visited locales, Holland America Line’s new 28-day “Arctic Circle Crossing: Greenland & Iceland” is a  Legendary Voyage  to Greenland, Iceland and Norway. Departing June 29, 2025, aboard Nieuw Statendam, the journey is inspired by the routes of Norse explorer Erik the Red who founded the first European settlement in Greenland. 

Sailing roundtrip from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the cruise features 15 ports across five countries, passage through the Arctic Circle, an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, scenic cruising through Iceland and Greenland’s spellbinding fjords and four maiden calls in Greenland. Cruisers on the “Arctic Circle Crossing” will set sail on one of Holland America Line’s most intensive explorations of this region ever offered.

“Legendary Voyages give us the opportunity to create longer cruises that delve deeper into a region and include ports we don’t normally visit, like the four maiden calls in Greenland on the new Arctic Circle Crossing,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. "We’re taking this itinerary up to Norway’s North Cape, then heading farther north in Greenland on both coasts and adding amazing opportunities in Iceland. At 28 days, it’s the perfect length to showcase this area and give our guests an experience that goes beyond a brief introduction to the countries.”

Highlights of the ‘Arctic Circle Crossing’ Legendary Voyage

• 28 days, departing June 29, 2025, roundtrip from Rotterdam.
• 15 calls in five countries (listed in order of visit): Ålesund, Trondheim, Honningsvåg (North Cape) and Tromsø, Norway; Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund), Greenland; Akureyri and Isafjördur Iceland; Nuuk (Godthåb), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) and Nanortalik, Greenland; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland; and Dover (London), England.
• Maiden Calls, all in Greenland: Nuuk, Ittoqqortoormiit, Sisimiut, Ilulissat.
• Crossing the Arctic Circle at several points throughout the voyage.
• Overnight call July 20 and 21 in Reykjavik.
• Scenic cruising opportunities: North Cape (Norway); Jan Mayen Island, a Norwegian volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean; Scoresbysund (Greenland); and Eyjafjördur and Ísafjardardjúr (Iceland).

What is a ‘Legendary Voyage’?

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s  Grand Voyages  while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

Legendary Voyages  are offered on a variety of the line’s perfectly sized ships where guests enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming such as iconic theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.

Who is Erik the Red?

Norse explorer Erik Thorvaldsson, known as Erik the Red, was exiled from Iceland and set out to explore the land to the west, which he named Greenland. After establishing the first European settlement on an island near Qaqortoq, he returned to Iceland to bring more settlers back to Greenland. He is the father of Leif Erikson, one of the first Europeans to reach North America.

‘Have it All’ Early Booking Bonus

The “Arctic Circle Crossing” opens for booking Aug. 24, 2023. For a limited time, when guests book this cruise with the Have It All Early Booking Bonus, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Have it All Early Booking Bonus fares for the Arctic Circle Crossing begin at $6,399, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. 

'Flightseeing': Get a helicopter tour right from your cruise

S KJOLJUNGEN FJORD, Greenland – Zodiac rides, kayaks, paddleboards and e-bikes have long been part of the activities on expedition cruise ships.

But passengers on high-end ships are now asking for more expensive toys to play with – namely onboard submarines and helicopters.

Seabourn, Viking and Scenic are three cruise lines that recently added submarines to some of their expedition ships. The latter also has onboard helicopters complete with helipads on its two “ultra-luxury yachts” – Scenic Eclipse I and Eclipse II.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Watching the scenery in a remote polar region slowly glide by from a ship’s deck can be captivating. Experiencing it at speeds exceeding 100 mph from the skies above is downright exhilarating.   

Indeed, a 30-minute “flightseeing” helicopter ride over a glacier and remote ice sheet in eastern Greenland was one of the highlights of my recent 12-day Arctic cruise on the Scenic Eclipse II, a 220-passenger ship that made its inaugural voyage in April. 

Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

Here's what it costs to take a helicopter ride on a cruise

The Eclipse II’s sister ship, Scenic Eclipse I, debuted in 2019. It has a sub and two helicopters. The Eclipse II also has two helicopters – a sub will be brought on board in October, in time for its Antarctica sailings that begin in early December. The oceangoing ships are two of the newest additions to the Australia-based cruise line’s fleet, which also includes 15 riverboats.

Scenic bills itself as offering its passengers “all-inclusive luxury.” Sightseeing tours, all specialty restaurants, drinks, gratuities and airport transfers are included in the fare, which can exceed $1,000 per person per day, depending on the itinerary and choice of cabin. 

Submarine and helicopter rides are optional add-ons that cost more. A lot more.    

A half-hour helicopter ride costs $795 per person. Sub rides cost $350-$795, depending on the region and if it’s a 20- or 40-minute dive. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Jason Flesher, Scenic’s director of Discovery Operations, says the helicopters and subs have proven to be “extremely popular” with passengers.

“We have many guests fly and dive multiple times during their voyage,” he says, adding that the excursions “give our guests the full perspective of their surroundings.” 

Over half of the ship’s 140 passengers signed up for helicopter rides on my sailing. Our pilot, Pascal Fischer, told me that on Antarctic sailings, the percentage of passengers taking helicopter rides usually hovers around 80%.

“You can go 20 miles from the ship, and the world looks totally different, especially in places we go like the Arctic and Antarctica,” says Fischer. “You may even see places that no human ever saw before because we are in such remote areas.”

Exploring Greenland by cruise ship and helicopter

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a semiautonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s three times the size of Texas, yet its population is only 56,000, making it the least densely populated territory in the world.   

You can’t get much more remote than eastern Greenland, where few cruise ships go, and there are only a handful of tiny fishing settlements. We saw no other signs of human civilization during our four days exploring that region.  However, we did see plenty of blue and humpback whales, seals and other marine life. 

On the gloriously sunny 50-degree day of my helicopter ride, the Eclipse II was anchored in the Skjoljungen Fjord in southeastern Greenland. I walked up to the ship’s helipad at the stern on Deck 8 – one floor above where I had eaten breakfast that morning in the Yacht Club restaurant – for a 10-minute safety briefing.  

Three fellow passengers and I were fitted with lifejackets and given noise-canceling headphones so we could hear Fischer’s descriptions of what we would be seeing during the flight. We were then escorted to one of the Eclipse II’s two $3.5 million Airbus H130 helicopters. Each helicopter can carry a maximum of six passengers and a pilot. I was in the middle seat but still enjoyed unobstructed views of the remote landscape.

We flew over the magnificent Thrym Glacier and then banked west between jagged peaks for a look at Greenland’s pristine ice sheet, which covers about 80 percent of the territory. With the noise-canceling headphones, the 40-mile trip was surprisingly tranquil and smooth. Never have 30 minutes passed by so quickly. 

As we landed back on the ship’s helipad, I wondered why the Eclipse II needs two helicopters instead of just one.  Fischer explained it’s primarily for safety reasons.

53 days at sea: You can spend two months exploring Japan, more for $8K on this cruise

“It could be you get a warning light that tells you you have to land now. And then you land. So we have a second helicopter that can pick up the passengers and bring them back to the ship,” says Fischer, who has been flying helicopters for 25 years, including seven years as an air ambulance pilot in Arizona. 

Additionally, the second helicopter helps ensure that every passenger who wants to fly has the opportunity. On a busy day – when the weather conditions are ideal for flying – Fischer says the two choppers can carry up to 96 people.  

“Normally, we are able to fly everyone who wants to go, unless we have a cruise that lasts 10 days, and we just have 10 days of bad weather,” says Fischer. “It’s not often that we aren’t able to fly everyone who wants to fly.”

As helicopters are so new on ships, the cruise lines are still figuring out how best to integrate them with on-land activities. For instance, Scenic recently started offering excursions that take passengers on helicopter rides to go skiing, hiking, fishing, or – in Mediterranean ports – play a round of golf. 

A helicopter excursion in Antarctica takes passengers to see 5,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island – a spot only accessible by helicopter. 

Some cruises also offer submarine rides

Scenic’s two submarines, named Neptune I and Neptune II, carry six to eight passengers plus a pilot. The U-Boat Worx sub on the Eclipse I is capable of submerging 984 feet, although it typically dives only about one-third of that depth for safety reasons and a better viewing experience. 

The Eclipse II will have a Triton sub, capable of submerging 600 feet. The cruise line says the battery-powered subs don’t emit hazardous substances and pose no danger to aquatic life.

Fittingly, the Eclipse II was christened in June by Kathy Sullivan, a geologist and oceanographer who was the first American woman to complete a spacewalk for NASA. She’s also traveled to the deepest depths of the ocean, earning her the title “World’s Most Vertical Person.”

We started the cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland, the world’s northernmost capital city, before sailing across the Denmark Strait to the southeastern coast of Greenland.  

Four days were spent exploring the region’s many fjords, glaciers and icebergs up close on eight-passenger Zodiacs driven by members of the ship’s 17-person expedition team, consisting of naturalists, botanists, marine biologists and a historian. The Eclipse II then transited the Prince Christian Sound in southern Greenland before cruising along the territory’s west coast. There, we visited Nuuk, Greenland’s largest town (population 20,000). 

All told, we covered 2,600 miles during the voyage.

It’s not easy to get to Greenland as there are no direct flights to/from North America. To get home at the end of the cruise, we took a four-hour Air Greenland flight from Kangerlussuaq Airport to Copenhagen for an overnight hotel stay before flying home to the U.S. the following day.

Needless to say, while the jets that took us home flew much higher and faster, they couldn’t come close to matching the thrill and excitement of a helicopter ride over one of the most remote places on the planet.  

Cruising Greenland and Iceland

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours:   www.scenicusa.com .

Visit Greenland: www.visitgreenland.com .

Dan Fellner of Scottsdale is a freelance travel writer. Contact him at  [email protected]  or visit his website at  DanFellner.com .   

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Flightseeing': Get a helicopter tour right from your cruise

• How to Tie a Tie
• Best Coffee Beans
• How to Shape a Beard
• Best Sweaters for Men
• Most Expensive Cognac
• Monos vs Away Luggage
• Best Luxury Hotel Chains
• Fastest Cars in the World
• Ernest Hemingway Books
• What Does CBD Feel Like?
• Canada Goose Alternatives
• Fastest Motorcycles in the World

This is the best time to visit Iceland

The best time to visit iceland depends on what you want to do and where you want to explore.

Iceland is one of the most fascinating countries in the world: an oversized island of fire and ice between North America and mainland Europe in the North Atlantic. While this island is somewhat larger than Ireland, Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe, which means Iceland abounds in open spaces and natural wonders . And with Reykjavík as its cultural center, Iceland touts additional great lures, from a thriving art and music scene to intriguing cuisine and colorful architecture.

What happens in a year in Iceland?

When is the busy season, when is the best time to visit iceland well, what are you hoping to do here.

• Don’t have much time? Try a stopover

One of the country’s greatest features has to do with its positioning. Being so far north, Iceland is treated to wildly long days right around the summer solstice. The weather tends to be cool and wet, but it’s compensated for by the hyper-extended days. During June, the sun there tends to set around 23:00 (or 11 p.m.) and come up around 4:00 (or 4 a.m.). It’s prime time to cross things off your Nordic bucket list, like driving around the whole country via the gorgeous Ring Road or trekking up north to dip in the restorative waters of Mývatn . But when is the best time to visit Iceland? Keep reading and we’ll give you a guide.

Iceland has many merits, regardless of when you’re visiting. Winter is something else up here, as the sun generally barely comes up in time for lunch, and sunset follows a few short hours later. However, winter can be a good time to go to Iceland since Icelanders have creative ways of dealing with the long winter darkness, like stringing colorful lights throughout the city.

• Lake Quinault’s 33-mile rainforest tour transports you to a fantastical world
• These are our favorite all-inclusive golf resorts for a dream vacation
• Report: These are the best (and worst) airlines to fly on Memorial Day weekend

Though snow usually falls this time of year, it’s surprisingly light for a country this close to the Arctic Circle, thanks to the warming effect of the North Atlantic Current . And, if you’re lucky, you may even sneak a peek at the Northern Lights. If nothing else, you can cozy up in a great bar or cafe or take in a show at the remarkable Harpa .

Spring tends to be pretty blustery and cool, and many of the more remote seasonal roads reopen as the snow recedes. You’ll enjoy less-expensive travel rates, but the weather can be more tumultuous. The fall doesn’t last long in Iceland, and the dark days return rather quickly, but there are some intriguing draws, such as late-season salmon fishing. Also, there are some great gatherings, namely Iceland Airwaves , an eclectic music festival that takes place every November in various locations throughout Reykjavík.

Summer is certainly the busiest tourist stretch for Iceland, but it might be worthwhile if you enjoy traveling to a lively destination with bustling cities and a wide array of open activities. In contrast, things tend to open later (if at all) and close earlier during the colder off-season. In the swinging (relative) heat of summer, there’s generally more energy in the air in Reykjavík, and the city especially comes to life.

Visiting Iceland is no longer a secret since many major U.S. cities now offer direct flights. With that said, it remains a fairly affordable European destination, even during the summer high season . If you insist on traveling during the warmer months, we suggest booking on the early side, given the heightened interest.

Again, if you want warmer weather, more hiking and outdoor exploring opportunities, longer days, and livelier city nights, then late spring and early summer are the best times for you to visit Iceland. You’ll see other tourists, sure, but with the extended days, vast open country, and Reykjavik’s many accessible shops, museums, restaurants, and more, you might feel like you can have your Icelandic hot dog and eat it, too. May, June, and July generally produce the longest days, warmest weather, and best opportunities to explore area attractions like geysers, national parks, waterfalls, and puffin-filled cliff sides.

But if you prefer fewer crowds, more opportunities to experience Iceland’s iconic Northern Lights , trips to explore the island’s incredible ice caves , and excursions to spot orcas swimming in the open sea, then the winter season is probably the best time to visit Iceland for you. More specifically, February and March are usually the best months for whale watching, the vernal equinox makes for a particularly spectacular Northern Lights “show”, and November and January tend to be the quietest and least crowded months on the island.

Fortunately for all of us, Iceland offers a treasure trove of unique experiences year-round. But now that you have a better sense of the best time to visit Iceland for specific experiences and happenings, you now have a better idea of when’s the perfect time to plan your ideal Icelandic getaway.

Don’t have much time? Try a stopover

So you’ve put Iceland on your travel list, but you have your heart set on a trip to somewhere like London , and you don’t think you can fit Iceland into your travel plans? We’ve got good news: There’s a way that you can do both.

It’s called a stopover, and it’s a way you can add a couple of days in Iceland on your way to or from Europe without paying extra airfare. The way it works is if you book a round-trip flight between the U.S. and Europe on Icelandair, Iceland’s largest airline, you can add a stopover of up to seven days on either leg of the trip (stopovers aren’t available with one-way tickets) for no additional airfare. This way, you get to both an Icelandic adventure and continue to have one in Europe. It’s the best of both worlds.

But one word of warning: Once you stopover in Iceland, you might not want to get back on the plane to finish your trip.

Editors' Recommendations

• It’s not just Lake Como: 6 beautiful Italian lakes to add to your bucket list
• How do AirTags work? What to know about the No. 1 travel accessory
• 4 reasons why Seattle is Kayak’s No. 1 summer travel destination
• Sleep tourism is really a thing, and these are the best places for it
• This is the best time to visit Thailand
• Advice and how-tos
• Advice and insights
• Destinations

For avid golfers and connoisseurs of extravagant getaways alike, the allure of the best golf resorts in the world is irresistible. From gorgeous ocean views to carefully manicured landscapes, these destinations offer more than just a game of golf; they provide an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of the sport with unparalleled hospitality and relaxation. Pebble Beach Golf Resort, USA

Consistently ranked as one of the top golf resorts in the world, Pebble Beach in California offers an exceptional golfing experience with its iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and four other championship-caliber courses. The resort boasts three hotels, with 492 rooms and suites for guests to enjoy. Additionally, the resort contains luxurious accommodations, ten restaurants, a world-class spa, hiking trails, and a range of other amenities.  Turnberry, Scotland

As the weather heats up, so do travel plans for many people! Airbnb just released a list of the hottest summer travel spots in the U.S., and it has something for everyone. Airbnb based these top U.S. summer destinations on where people were searching to book rentals for the summer months of June through August 2024. Top U.S. summer travel spots Ouray, Colorado

If you’re an adventure seeker, Ouray, Colorado, might just be your perfect match. Nicknamed the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado," this mountain town offers hiking, rock climbing, and off-roading adventures with stunning views. Heads up -- you might see more bighorn sheep than people! Eugene, Oregon

Pebble Beach Golf Links Noah Rosenfield via Unsplash

Golf lends itself to a fun, relaxing vacation. In the morning, hit the links with your buddies, try and break par, and take in stunning landscapes. When your round’s over, relax at the clubhouse or try world-class eateries, where you can savor and recharge. Then, do it again the next day.

• Corrections

Where Did the Vikings Travel? A Legacy of Raids, Voyages, and Trade

While represented as bloodthirsty Viking warriors in popular culture, the complex history of medieval Scandinavians oscillated between violence and peace.

During the Middle Ages, the name “Vikings” struck fear into the hearts of whoever heard it. In turn fearsome warriors, raiders, merchants, and settlers, the Norsemen traveled far and wide for hundreds of years. From Scandinavia’s shores, they sailed for the British Isles, northern France, Baghdad, and Russia on one side of the Atlantic, then turned their attention west to Iceland, Greenland, and North America. Many misconceptions remain when mentioning the Vikings, but one thing is for sure: they were born to sail the sea.

First Foray Outside Scandinavia: Raiding the British Isles

Viking raids changed everything in medieval Europe. They transformed the political and economic landscapes of the lands they pillaged or conquered. These raids influenced the creation of trade routes, and those used by the Vikings “promoted the flow of coins, silver, and limited goods.” The foundation of Norse settlements irrevocably changed the political map of medieval Europe. The Viking raids also reinvigorated the desire to create strong local political leadership to fight back against those who had come from the sea to pillage their shores.

The first raids started on the Baltic Sea, where the raiders made their way through present-day Russia and Ukraine. Still, the Viking raids were more infamous in the British Isles, some of the most battered locations during the Viking Age. As early as 750, British records already inform of small raids on these shores. The first substantive raid was the attack on the Irish monastery of Lindisfarne on June 8th, 793 . The raiders massacred the monks and pillaged the monastery. The Viking raids had officially begun in the region.

After the massacre at Lindisfarne, the Norse presence in the British Isles continued for many years. The Scandinavians settled in Dublin and established settlements in both Ireland and Wales. While local leadership fought back, the Vikings’ political influence in the British Isles continued for centuries during the Danish invasion in the 9th century and Canute the Great’s control of the English territory during the 11th century.

Get the latest articles delivered to your inbox

Please check your inbox to activate your subscription, the normans in france.

The Viking raids spread to France, known as Francia during this time, and pillaged their way through the kingdom. Following the death of Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne , no political leader was strong enough to resist the Norse who invaded his former territory.

The Vikings attacked Paris itself multiple times. Reginherus organized a siege of the city in 845, and Rollo did the same in 885-886. Following his Siege of Paris, Rollo continued his raids on the countryside until Charles III gave him the region that would eventually become Normandy in exchange for peace in the city. As promised, while Viking raids continued in Francia, Rollo protected Paris after 911.

Following his acquisition of Normandy, Rollo established a peaceful rule that would influence the reigns of his descendants. Richard I and Richard II were nonviolent rulers who lived long lives and ruled for many years. This peace lasted until William the Conqueror ’s time, who would eventually cross over the English Channel and change the political landscape of Britain forever. As the Norse aristocracy reigned over French peasants, other Europeans, from then on, referred to the people of Normandy as Normans.

The Vikings of Kievan Rus’: From Raiders to Traders

Contrary to popular belief, not all Norse people were interested in raiding. Indeed, not all Scandinavians were Vikings either. The term “Viking” can only be associated with those who sailed the seas to raid other lands, and “going Viking” meant going on raiding expeditions. Most Scandinavians were neither sailors nor raiders. Many were farmers, blacksmiths, weavers, and musicians, among other occupations. Those who came to trade were called Norsemen.

The Norsemen, those who had crossed the sea to trade and not pillage, arrived on the eastern rivers to a land that had not yet received its name. Indeed, the name Russia came from the Rus, or the Kievan Rus’, who settled these parts much like the Norsemen who had founded Dublin and settled parts of Ireland and Wales.

Much like all Norse settlers, the Rus’ traded with their neighbors. Halfway between Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire, their new lands were a prime location for commerce. The Norse traded “furs, cloth[e]s, and art objects” in exchange for goods such as Islamic silver or Indian golden Buddhas. Many Scandinavians also became soldiers and mercenaries. They joined the ranks of the Varangian Guard and became the Byzantine emperors’ personal bodyguards.

The Norsemen in Baghdad

The Norsemen who made their way into modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus did not stop there. Whereas some Rus’ went through the Black Sea to the Byzantine Empire, others made their way down the Volga and across the Caspian Sea to Baghdad. There, they traded furs, enslaved people, “honey, wax[,] and timber” in exchange for “Arabic silver coins and silk, spices, wine, jewelry, glass, and books.” The Scandinavian merchants were instrumental in the medieval Silk Road, which went from Constantinople to Kyiv and all the way to England.

Fascinating information about the Rus’ comes from the writings of Ahmad ibn Fadlan. Al-Muqtadir, the Caliph of Baghdad, sent him on a mission to meet with the King of the Bulgars in 922. He wrote of their features: from their blond hair to their clothing to their weapons. He also wrote of their living accommodations, from their houses to their enslaved workers. And he also wrote of the Rus’ funeral practices. He watched as the Norsemen put a deceased chieftain on a small boat along with his belongings and one of the enslaved women he had owned. Archers then set it on fire.

Ahmad ibn Fadlan probably exaggerated some accounts in his writings. An example would be the Rus’ supposed lack of hygiene. Still, the information he wrote down has been immensely helpful in our understanding of the Norsemen’s lifestyle during the Middle Ages.

The Norsemen Who Settled in Iceland

The Norwegians went west, first to the British Isles and then into the Atlantic. The winds and currents carried the first Norsemen who arrived on Iceland’s shores , Naddodd the Viking in 830 and Gardar the Swede in 860, off their course to the Faroe Islands. They landed in Iceland instead. These explorers didn’t stay long, and only a handful of permanent settlers lived on the island until Flóki Vilgerðarson came in 868. He named the land “Iceland” and returned to his homeland, where his crewmen told of this new empty land’s beauty. The crew member’s reports attracted the attention of many Norwegians.

Harald Finehair ruled over Norway during this time, and his reign might have been “tyrannical” for taxes and land allocation. This Norwegian king reigned with an iron fist and made Iceland even more alluring. Many left Norway and traveled across the sea to settle in Iceland.

Farmers and a few members of the elite emigrated to the island. There, the social hierarchy was less profound than back home in Norway. As soon as the farmers established larger-scaled settlements, they created a new code of law. A brand-new political system called the Althing was born in Iceland, where a prototypical democratic assembly met at Thingvellir to vote for laws.

This political system lasted from the Age of Settlement, from 870 to 930, throughout the Age of the Commonwealth, from 930 to 1200, and until a few distinct familial clans gained political power during the Age of Sturlungs, from 1200 to 1262. Eventually, the King of Norway encouraged the chiefs who came from these clans and established their power and financial wealth to establish Norwegian sovereignty over the island. Norway became sovereign over Iceland from then on. This sovereignty would last from around 1262 to 1944 when Iceland became independent.

From Iceland to Greenland

From Iceland, the Norsemen traveled further west. There, they found Greenland, three-quarters ice rather than land. The first Viking to arrive was Erik the Red , exiled from Iceland for murder. As soon as his exile ended, he returned to Iceland and encouraged others to follow him to settle these lands. The settlers survived Greenland’s icy weather by creating their settlements in “verdant pockets along the south-western coast” where life was hospitable.

The Norsemen of Greenland hunted animals, such as walruses, seals, and caribou, and kept grazing livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. They sold furs and narwhal ivory for luxuries and iron from abroad. While mostly farmers settled these lands, much like in Iceland, they did not establish any form of government like the Althing in Greenland.

Much like Iceland, the territory came under Norwegian rule around 1261. Constant communication between Norway and Greenland lasted until the 15th century, when silence fell between the two. Temperatures turned colder during the Little Ice Age, and Norwegians feared the worst. By the time they managed to send Hans Egede, a missionary, to Greenland’s shores, there were no more Norsemen to be found.

Whereas the Norsemen of Greenland’s lifestyle was so dependent on farming and livestock-keeping, there are signs that with the changing temperatures of the Little Ice Age, many starved and died in their settlements. Others might have emigrated. A combination of factors brought the end of Norse presence in Greenland.

Of course, the Norsemen weren’t the only settlers in Greenland. They shared these lands with the Thule people, the ancestors of the Inuit, and there is archaeological evidence that they traded ivory and hunting goods in exchange for metal. When Hans Egede arrived in Greenland looking for the Norse settlements there, he found the Inuit instead. He wrongfully accused the Inuit of coming in conflict with the Norsemen of Greenland, but as mentioned above, it was a combination of factors, and not war, that brought an end to the Norse settlements in Greenland.

Today, Greenland, called Kalaallit Nunaat in Greenlandic, is under Danish sovereignty.

Scandinavians in North America

After the Norsemen had settled Greenland and Iceland, they continued west, where they reached the shores of North America hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus declared he had “discovered” these lands. Much like with the inadvertent discoveries of Iceland and Greenland by the Norsemen, when a Norwegian man named Bjarni Herjolfsson found himself lost when trying to find Iceland, he wound up instead in present-day Labrador, Canada. While he didn’t land on these shores, he moved back east to Iceland, where he told his tale.

Leif Eriksson was particularly interested in Bjarni Herjolfsson’s tale of this land. He was the son of Erik the Red, who had first arrived in Greenland, and like his father before him, he set off west. He and his crew set up camp in the lands they explored, which they called Vinland, which was probably parts of the coast of Newfoundland today. They returned to Greenland after winter. Leif Eriksson’s brother Thorvald led an expedition later on, but as it ended in bloodshed when they encountered First Nations people, he and his crew didn’t stay long.

The Norsemen took North American “produce, timber, and furs back to Greenland and Iceland,” but somewhat tense relationships with First Nations people and the long distance between Newfoundland and Greenland made staying difficult. Evidence remains that they tried. Archaeologists unearthed a Norse site at L’Anse aux Meadows, on the northern tip of Newfoundland, during the 1960s. Yet, the Norsemen may have only inhabited the settlement for barely a decade before they abandoned it. This was the end of Norse presence in North America.

Still, an interesting fact about the Norsemen’s relations with First Nations people was found in a DNA study made in Iceland in 2010. According to this study, eighty Icelanders from four families were descendants of a First Nations ancestor who had possibly followed the Norsemen from L’Anse aux Meadows back to Iceland. While nothing more is known about these ancestors’ relationship, it is an interesting historical incident that highlights the relations between the Norsemen and the First Nations people, whether tense or not.

To Conclude: Where Did the Vikings Travel?

To conclude, it can be said that the Vikings themselves only traveled from Scandinavia to the British Isles to France and Germany, as the term “ Vikings ” can only be used, historically speaking, to describe those who pillaged and raided their way through Europe. But Scandinavians, or the Norsemen as some called them, traveled much farther in order to trade their wares and settle new lands. From Northern Europe to the shores of North America, from Baghdad to Reykjavik, the Norsemen impacted the cultures they encountered through their travels in relatively smaller or bigger ways. Even during the Middle Ages, it can be said that the world was connected through travel, long before our modern age of trains and planes.

Charlemagne as Art Patron: The Palatine Chapel in Aachen and More

By Marianne Plasse BA in History, Undergraduate Certificate in Art History Marianne completed her bachelor's degree in History as well as an undergraduate certificate in Art History at the University of Montreal along with an undergraduate certificate in Proofreading at Laval University. Her areas of interest are the Mediterranean world during ancient times, European History from the fifteenth through to the twentieth centuries, and North American History from the nineteenth to the twentieth centuries. I have a soft spot for Greek mythology, Impressionist painting, Charlie Chaplin comedies, and comic book movies.

Frequently Read Together

7 Impressive Norman Castles Built by William the Conqueror

The Varangian Guard: Who Were the Vikings of Byzantium?

What Is Friluftsliv? The Norwegian Way of Life in Harmony with Nature

About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, lbgt+ travel.

The landscapes of Þingvellir National Park create a beautiful and rare scenery

What is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is the most famous of all scenic routes in Iceland and combines stunning landmarks and historically significant places in a circular sightseeing tour.

Its proximity to Reykjavík and the airport area, as well as the short drive between the sights make it convenient for everyone, to include the Golden Circle tour into their itinerary.

Whether you take only one or more days to explore the Golden Circle, you’ll experience some of the most stunning geological wonders, Iceland has to offer!

The Golden Circle and its highlights

• Distance: appr. 250 km from and back to Reykjavík
• Travel Days:  1-3 days
• Combinations:   South Coast , Þingvellir , Ring Road
• Best travel time: all year-round
• 4 & 4 required?: no

The stunning Gullfoss waterfall Photo: Páll Jökull Pétursson

During the summer, Gullfoss waterfall bedazzles on average more than 2000 people per day. The popularity and attraction of the 'Golden Waterfall' lie in its unusual, cascading shape and in its being extremely photogenic from every angle and in every season.

On average 100.000 liters of glacial water from the river Hvítá plunge 31 meters into the Gullfossgljúfur canyon every second. Since the cold spray water does not stop for tourists, we recommend raincoats!

Gullfoss is open the whole year-round. In the winter, the trails to the lower viewing platforms are sometimes closed due to icy and snowy conditions. Check the road and conditions map on safetravel.is

Strokkur gushing up fountains of hot water @Ívar Sæland

Equally popular but significantly higher in temperature is the water in the geothermal area in Haukadalur. This is one of the very few places on earth, where one can closely observe active geysers. The famous Great Geysir, the geyser Strokkur and various kinds of hot springs, steam vents, and sulfurous mud pots can be explored.

While the Great Geysir barely spouts, the smaller geyser Strokkur reliably gushes its fountains of boiling hot water every 8-10 minutes up to 30 meters in the air. Have your camera ready and stay on the windside of the geyser!

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir - the historical and geological treasure of Iceland

Þingvellir is the historical and geological treasure of Iceland, wrapped in scenic beauty.

From the age of settlement 930 AD until 1789 the Icelandic parliament Alþingi met here, and on the 17th of June 1944, Iceland proclaimed its independence from Denmark at this significant place. Since 2004, Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In Þingvellir, the tectonic plates drift apart, the crevasses being visible in Almannagjá canyon as well as in Silfra, where it is possible to dive and snorkel between the continents .

The biggest natural lake in Iceland, Þingvallavatn, and the Öxaráfoss waterfall add to the scenic beauty of Þingvellir National Park.

More highlights along the way

The Golden Circle is mounted with big and small highlights and can be extended at will. More wonderful sights in the Golden Circle include the volcanic crater Kerið and the historic Bishop’s see Skálholt. The high amount of geothermal energy also supplies the numerous geothermal pools and greenhouses in the area. Find out more on Visit South Iceland

Get inspired

You might also be interested in these articles.

The South Coast

A Day in Hveragerði, ‘The Town of Hot Springs’

South Iceland

Diving and snorkeling in Iceland

Vík: The idyllic Icelandic village

The Diamond Circle

The Ring Road

A day in Selfoss: The New Downtown and a trip to Eyrarbakki