Compare Expedition to Greenland and the Canadian Arctic - Wilderness, ice and unforgettable adventure by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Day 1: Charter flight Hamburg – Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, departure 14.00 hrs

Day 2 :

Western coast of Greenland (Qeqertarsuaq , Uummannaq

Day 3: Greenland and Canada: natural wonders in the ice

The world’s largest island, Greenland, begins your expedition with enchantingly spectacular panoramas. With its colourful houses, tranquil Qeqertarsuaq sits at the foot of snow-covered mountains while icebergs drift in the bay. If you wish, you can hike to the Windy Valley with its green tundra and thunderous waterfall. You can also expect fascinating moments when you walk with the experts to the hot springs and curiously formed basalt pillars of Kuannit. Nature’s creativity is also evident in Uummannaq, probably one of Greenland’s most beautiful settlements: the heart-shaped mountain above the town glows red in the sunlight. It’s no wonder that Father Christmas has a summer house here to which you can walk in the company of the experts. When the HANSEATIC sets sail for the Canadian Arctic and winds its way through worlds of pack ice, whales and seals can appear at any time to put on a special natural show.

Day 4:

Relaxation at sea

Day 5 to 8: Nunavut/Canada (Pond Inlet , Beechey Island , Dundas Harbor , cruising in Jones Sound)

In a very different type of spectacle, local people will stage a folklore performance in the Pond Inlet community house. Traditional dances provide an insight into the ways of the people. Explore this idyllic spot surrounded by water and icebergs however you wish. A Zodiac landing on Beechey Island will reveal traces of great explorers as you walk to the three graves of the missing Franklin expedition. Polar bears have been spotted many times in the wilderness of Dundas Harbor (Nunavut). The Zodiacs will take you to the shores of the fjord surrounded by steep, towering rocks, where Arctic hares are a common sight and an abandoned Arctic station of the Royal Mounted Police will get explorers’ hearts racing. The cruise through Jones Sound is no less exciting: the clear polar air is filled with the cries of thick-billed murres, kittiwakes and glaucous gulls – and the crunching and cracking on the ship’s reinforced bow. If you happen to see walruses, too, then the experience will be perfect.

Day 9 to 11: Northern coast of Greenland (Qaanaaq , Siorapaluk , cruising in Smith Sound and Nares Strait, Cape York ) Enthralling northern Greenland

In the north of Greenland, the HANSEATIC reaches legendary areas seldom visited by ships. During the Cold War, the town of Thule was forced to yield to the construction of the US airbase and was re-founded in its current location as Qaanaaq. “History” is also made on the voyage of discovery to the North Pole started by Robert Peary in this region in 1909. Then as now, huskies – like those you will meet in the traditional village of Siorapaluk – are essential for transport. The most northerly settlement in Greenland, whose inhabitants rely on fishing and hunting to survive, also has Greenland’s most northerly post office with a coveted postmark. Leaving behind this last post of human civilisation, the HANSEATIC heads further into the mystical tranquillity of the scarcely navigated Smith Sound and Nares Strait for two unforgettable expedition days.

Day 12:

Relaxation at sea

Day 13 & 14: Western coast of Greenland (Ilulissat , Disko Bay , Sisimiut )

How far north will the HANSEATIC get? The answer to this question, a true indication of a pioneer’s itinerary, will be determined by the weather and ice conditions. But one thing is certain: each day will bring new adventures and fascinating experiences. As will the Zodiac ride by Cape York – tall icebergs fascinate with indescribable panoramas that continue in Ilulissat. Walk with the experts to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, which will offer you breathtaking views of the bizarre fairy-tale landscape with enormous icebergs. Another great wonder still awaits you in the form of the world-famous Disko Bay. Imposing ice masses break off from the flanks of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier into the sea, drift along the Icefjord and “gather” in the bay to form a great natural spectacle – and the Zodiacs will place you right in the middle of it all. Sisimiut takes you from nature to culture with a modern district and handicrafts centre, while the guided walk to Tele Island will once again delight with the typical charm of Greenlandic landscapes. These many Arctic wonders will continue to move you long after you return home.

Day 15 :

Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, arrival 6.00 hrs  Charter flight Kangerlussuaq – Hamburg