West Greenland: Disko Bay & Beyond

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq & Embarkation
On day one, we arrive in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s only inland town and a key air hub with a rich Cold War history. Upon arrival, we transfer by Zodiac to the Ocean Albatros, settle into our cabins, complete a safety drill, and then toast with champagne as we begin our journey through the stunning Kangerlussuaq fjord.

Day 2: Sisimiut – Greenland’s Second City
Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city, with around 5,400 residents. Inhabited since 2,500 BC by Paleo-Inuit peoples, the area holds ancient remains on nearby Tele Island, which can be reached on a refreshing hike. Founded as Holsteinsborg in 1756, Sisimiut features well-preserved historic buildings like the Blue Church from 1775, situated in the city’s charming museum quarter. Today, Sisimiut is a key hub for education and industry, hosting one of Greenland’s largest fish processing plants and the supply company KNI, which services remote settlements. The city blends traditional and modern Arctic life—explore the cultural center Taseralik, the city museum, and the famous art workshop, and taste Greenlandic delicacies.

Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)
Qeqertarsuaq is a picturesque town nestled beneath Disko Island’s towering basalt mountains. Once the heart of North Greenland’s whaling economy, the town shifted focus to hunting, fishing, and growing tourism after the industry declined. Qeqertarsuaq’s rich volcanic soil and mild microclimate create uncommonly lush greenery, attracting locals and visitors to its rugged beauty, colorful houses and excellent hiking. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the dramatic coastline of nearby Kuannit by Zodiac, famed for lush tundra, caves, waterfalls, and stunning icebergs, before heading north towards Uummannaq.

Day 4: Uummannaq: The Greenlandic Riviera
Uummannaq sits at the foot of its striking 1,170m “heart-shaped” mountain – a true Greenlandic landmark. Founded in 1763 by Danish colonists, the town blends historic charm with rich Inuit heritage. Today, Uummannaq is a lively community where locals sell traditional handicrafts in the town square and fresh fish at the bustling market, and locals are strongly connected to their traditional lifestyle. Visit the museum for an insight into local history, or hike to Santa’s house – another famous local landmark. As we sail into Uummannaq Fjord, take in breathtaking views of the iceberg-studded waters and towering peaks beneath the endless midnight sun.

Day 5: Eqip Sermia Glacier
Eqip Sermia (a descriptive Greenlandic name meaning ‘the Glacier at the End of the Fjord’) is a relatively small glacier for Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river of ice, flowing directly from the Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active, and ice constantly tumbles off the vast glacier-front. If conditions allow, we will launch our fleet of Zodiacs to approach this vast river of ice, and hopefully experience the roar of the glacier’s frequent calvings at sea level (from a safe distance of course)!

Day 6: Ilulissat, Iceberg Capital of the World
Ilulissat—meaning “icebergs” in Kalaallisut—is the stunning Iceberg Capital of the World, home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, accessible on a gentle walk from the harbor. This 70 km fjord leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier outside Antarctica, which drains 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet and produces 10% of the Northern Hemisphere’s icebergs—more than the entire U.S. annual water supply! Founded 280 years ago and the birthplace of legendary Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, rich in culture and adventure. Enjoy fresh local seafood, vibrant markets, and elegant art galleries. The hiking trails around the Icefjord are a must-do for visitors, who may also choose thrilling optional boat or flightseeing tours to witness the raw power of the ice up close.

Day 7: Itilleq Village
Itilleq – meaning “the Crossing Place from the Sea” – is a picturesque village nestled among mountains and fjords just north of the Arctic Circle. Located at the edge of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves a rich Inuit hunting heritage dating back thousands of years. Modern colorful houses have replaced turf huts, but locals still rely on Arctic char, reindeer, and muskox, blending tradition with modern life. Warm Greenlandic hospitality welcomes visitors eager to explore this wonderfully homely hamlet.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq & Flight to Copenhagen
As our journey concludes, we sail up the 160 km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and disembark by Zodiac after a fond farewell to the Expedition Team and Crew of Ocean Albatros. Though Kangerlussuaq is more known for its Cold War-era military roots and role as a transport hub than its cultural heritage, its surrounding wilderness offers striking natural beauty. Originally built by the U.S. military in the 1950s, the town retains a utilitarian charm. Our Arctic adventure ends at the modern airport, with lasting memories of Greenland’s wild landscapes.

Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions.