Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings
Tour Overview
Explore the seldom visited and fascinating region of South Greenland on this 13-day?exploration aboard the?Ultramarine. Start in Reykjavik and explore this picturesque city at your own pace before climbing aboard your ship – with an expert expedition team, you’ll discover Greenland’s serene shores, sail the icy waters of the southeast coast and see the lush southern tip. Visit local communities and Viking sites, gaining an insight into the local culture and history, and look out for the whales, seals and seabirds that call this place home along the way. In your downtime, take advantage of your ship’s?luxurious suites, spa and wellness amenities and incredible wilderness viewing spaces! Surrounded by mountains, valleys and fields of wildflowers, and with heaps of optional extras to kick it all up a notch, this expedition trip will be sure to leave you breathless. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Velkominn! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in the country, backdropped by the Esjan mountain range. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and then enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe visit the National or Saga Museum and learn about Iceland’s Viking history or stroll around the colourful homes in search of the perfect bar or brewery. If you have time, why not visit the famous Blue Lagoon spa near Grindavik village and snap a photo in the striking blue waters. ...more ...less
Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavik
Location: Embarkation in Reykjavik
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You have some free time to find breakfast this morning – maybe try a typical Icelandic breakfast of hafragrautur (thick oatmeal), skyr (yoghurt) with jam and bread with butter and cod liver oil. This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition aboard the Ultramarine. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team on the ship and go through what to expect for your upcoming adventure.
Day 3-4: Transit from Iceland to Southeast Greenland
Location: Transit from Iceland to Southeast Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
As you sail across the Denmark Strait, your expedition team will teach you about the wildlife and the fascinating history of Greenland, including its geology, ecology and climate. Be prepared for the incredible sights you’ll soon explore, too. Your team will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that can be encountered here. Wildlife lovers unite!
Day 5-6: Exploring Southeast Greenland
Location: Exploring Southeast Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Your exploration begins with two days in South East Greenland – one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerising maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take an optional paddling excursion – an unforgettable opportunity to glide past icebergs and glaciers and capture epic photos. You might also visit Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq) – an excellent spot for hiking through lush and varied flora surrounded by mountains. This rarely visited deep fjord is fed by several glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout.
Day 7-8: Exploring Southeast Greenland
Location: Exploring Southeast Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Sailing on, explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast. Nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, this region is as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red gave Greenland its name – everywhere you look, it rewards you with views of icy waters set against a backdrop of mountains and unbelievably lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord systems are several small settlements, both new and ancient.
Cruise the magical Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) – a complex maze of narrow fjords and channels. Over the next two days, you’ll explore this stunning sound, home to glaciers, jagged mountains and cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water. Sail through the fjord in your ship or in a Zodiac, and if conditions allow, venture ashore for some great hiking opportunities.
Stop at Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq) – the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. Exploring the remains of the 14th-century church will feel like stepping back in time, as the building appears almost the same as it did when it was abandoned, and the surrounding fells and fjord remain untouched.
Explore the little village of Igaliku – home to about 25 inhabitants and Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. This area is also known for its storied past and the remarkable red sandstone ruins of the Gardar cathedral – the largest church in Greenland in the Middle Ages – and bishop’s residence, which date back to the early 12th century. Wander the foundations, excavated in 1926, and learn about this interesting relic of the Viking period. Together with four other historic farming communities, Igaliku is part of the newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kujataa.
Day 9-11: Exploring West Greenland
Location: Exploring West Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Now it’s on the incredible west coast of Greenland. Heading north, you’ll take daily Zodiac excursions (weather permitting) to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, discovering some of the communities that dot the islands and cruising in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places.
In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, you’ll wander the streets of the Old Nuuk neighbourhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, too, which were found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were ptarmigan hunting.
Day 12: Disembark in Nuuk and fly to Reykjavik
Location: Disembark in Nuuk and fly to Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll say goodbye to your expedition crew and your ship and take one more Zodiac ride to shore. Board your charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland and take the time to reflect on all the epic vistas you’ve seen, all the wildlife you spotted and all the friends you made along the way. When you arrive, you’ll take a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight is free to explore Reykjavik’s nightlife or a great spot for dinner.
Day 13: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring this artistic city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Reykjavik, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , plane
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (10 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)
Important Information
- This trip starts and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland
- 1 nights pre expedition hotel is included in Reykjavik, Iceland on day 1
- A Group Charter flight from Nuuk to Reykjavik is included on day 12 of this trip
- 1 nights post expedition hotel accommodation is included in Reykjavik on day 12 of this trip. You are free to depart anytime after breakfast on the last day of this trip.
- This trip is on board the Ultramarine
- Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
- BOOKING CONDITIONS
- To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
- Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
- ADVENTURE OPTIONS
- Kayaking is available to book on this trip. Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.
Mode of Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , plane
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.<br>
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Thursday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings
13 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavik, Iceland, Embarkation in Reykjavik, Transit from Iceland to Southeast Greenland, Exploring Southeast Greenland, Exploring West Greenland, Disembark in Nuuk and fly to Reykjavik, Reykjavik ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMV
Group size:
1 - 199
Age range:
8-99
