Natural Wonders of Greenland and Iceland

Welcome to Greenland! The OCEAN DIAMOND anchors off Kanglerlussuaq and embarkation is conducted via our Zodiac boats. The ship departs in the evening.

With approx. 5,600 inhabitants, Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland. It is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. The fishing industry still plays an important role. The natural harbor remains ice-free throughout the year which made it an attractive location for European whalers in former times. Learn more about the country and its people at interesting presentations provided by our knowledgeable and experienced expedition team.

Uummannaq is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. Located on a small island about 300 miles (483 km) north of the Arctic Circle, this tiny, picturesque village lies at the foot of a heartshaped mountain.

The small settlement of Qeqertarsuaq is located on the south coast of Disko Island. In 1773 the first whaling base was founded there. Whaling has been of great importance to the town over the past two centuries.

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and its oldest town. Founded in 1728 by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, the city combines Arctic traditions and European urbanity. With around 16,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is considered a modern, bustling metropolis compared to the rest of Greenland. Visit the city sights on a walking tour that ends at the National Museum, which exhibits the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.

Today we visit Ikka Fjord. The underwater world is like no other, it contains a forest of remarkable mineral columns growing on the seabed. The columns formed over 10,000 years ago of the extremely rare mineral Ikait.

In the evening we reach the small settlement of Qassiarsuk to anchor for the night. Qassiarsuk was founded by notorious Viking Erik the Red who named this area “green land” because of the inviting green valleys around Qassiarsuk. During our stop here you can learn about the lives of the island’s early Norse settlers and visit a reconstructed Viking longhouse and small turf church.

When conditions are favorable, we travel along the 70-mile (112-km) Prince Christian Sound. In this narrow, often ice-choked channel, we come so close to icebergs you can almost reach out and touch them.

Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Iceland. This route was used by Norse settlers traveling to Greenland around 900 years ago.

Located off the coast of South Iceland, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged in 1963 one of the youngest places on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the archipelago.

After breakfast we bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as we sail back into Reykjavik. Explore inland areas like the Golden Circle and its famous Gullfoss waterfall via our Air & Ground package or explore the sights of south and west Iceland on a self-drive road trip (prices for 2019 upon request). You can also simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment. Please see our post-cruise programmes.