Iceland & East Greenland: Under the Northern Lights

Voyage Overview

Experience the Arctic’s autumn colors & spectacular landscapes in the remote fjords of East Greenland.

Set out from Iceland for an autumn expedition along East Greenland’s immense and changeable coast. The exact route will be shaped by sea ice, weather, wildlife and local access, creating possibilities from the southern fjords around Tasiilaq to Scoresbysund and the great fjord systems farther north. Zodiac-cruise among monumental icebergs, hike across tundra brushed with autumn colour and search for whales, seals, musk oxen, arctic hare and seabirds. After dark, the ship’s remote position offers the chance to watch the aurora borealis move across some of the Arctic’s wildest night skies. The only certainty is a genuine voyage of exploration.

Trip Details

Duration: 11 Days

Ship: Douglas Mawson, Premium Ship, 130 Guests

Start: Reykjavik, Iceland

End: Reykjavik, Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Reykjavik
Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met and transferred to our group hotel. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation
2027 departure only: This morning we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along our route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik to board the Douglas Mawson.

2028 departure: After a leisurely breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to our Embarkation Suite. Access to our Embarkation Suite includes luggage storage, staff for voyage and city information and cabin check-in, WIFI, tea, coffee and light refreshments. Explore Reykjavik at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to Douglas Mawson.

After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines’ to begin our Greenland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Dyjandi
Today we enter the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and sparsely populated regions. Ancient glaciers have carved a dramatic world of deep fjords, broad valleys and sheer-sided table mountains that fall towards the North Atlantic. Waterfalls thread down the mountainsides, small farms sit beneath immense cliffs and the winding coastline reveals new perspectives at every turn. As we navigate these sheltered waterways, the Expedition Team will interpret the geology, wildlife and human stories of a landscape that feels wonderfully removed from modern life.

Conditions permitting, we travel ashore by Zodiac to visit Dynjandi, the jewel of the Westfjords. This magnificent waterfall tumbles approximately 100 metres (328 feet) down a broad, tiered mountainside, widening like a bridal veil as it descends. A walking trail follows a succession of smaller cascades towards the main falls, offering ever-changing views across Arnarfjörður and the surrounding peaks. Whether you choose to walk towards the base or admire the panorama from below, the scale, sound and setting of Dynjandi make it one of Iceland’s most memorable natural landmarks.

Days 4-9: East Greenland
In the Denmark Strait, we cruise towards Greenland. We will be on the lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail our ship, riding in the constant winds. In our lecture theatre, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from our experts on topics such as seabirds, wildlife and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

In East Greenland, our itinerary is intentionally open. The Expedition Team will study current ice and weather information, wildlife activity and local guidance before choosing each day’s plan. Landings, Zodiac cruises and community visits remain subject to conditions, permitting, quotas, site availability and local agreements. Our possible range is vast. Conditions may favor the glacier-lined southern fjords around Tasiilaq, while a more open coast could allow exploration towards Scoresbysund and the great fjord systems farther north. Named places describe the scope of the expedition rather than a promised route, and Ittoqqortoormiit will only be considered when ice, scheduling and community arrangements align.

Wherever we explore, East Greenland’s scale is unforgettable. Icebergs calved from distant glaciers drift through deep waterways beneath mountains banded in pink, orange and purple. Zodiac cruises may take us through sheltered bays and fields of brash ice, while suitable shores offer walks across tundra colored by the approaching autumn. We remain alert for whale blows, seals and seabirds along the coast. On land, musk oxen and arctic hare may appear where their range and our route coincide. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but the freedom to pause, change course or remain longer can turn an unexpected sighting into a defining moment.

These landscapes hold deep human stories. Archaeological traces and historic remains speak to earlier settlement and exploration, while Greenlandic Inuit knowledge and traditions continue to shape life along the coast. Any community encounter will take place only where it is welcomed and operationally possible.

As darkness returns to the Arctic, we will also watch the night sky. Clear conditions may reveal the aurora borealis shimmering above mountains, fjords and drifting ice – a remarkable complement to the discoveries made during the day.

Day 10: At Sea
As we cross the Denmark Strait towards Iceland, spend time on deck scanning for whale blows and seabirds riding the ocean winds. The Expedition Team continues the story of the voyage through talks on wildlife, ice, geology and the human history of the North. It is also a chance to share photographs, reflect on our discoveries and enjoy the changing light across the open sea.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Reykjavik
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport. Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we recommend booking flights departing after 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.   

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.