Ivittuut – Ghost Town Discover the ghost town of Ivittuut, Greenland’s legendary cryolite mine site.
Visit the abandoned settlement of Ivittuut, once home to the world’s only commercial cryolite mine. This rare mineral played a key role in aluminium production and gave the site strategic importance during WWII. Closed in 1987, the town was left deserted, but its remains still tell the story of Greenland’s industrial past and life in a remote Arctic community.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL-IVI1
Highlights:
• Explore the ghost town of Ivittuut, home of the world’s only cryolite mine and interesting WWII history.
• Hear local stories bringing this remote Arctic settlement and its mining past to life.
• Visit a rare Greenland site where nature has reclaimed an abandoned industrial town.
Practical information:
Practical information:
• Remarks/requirements: Guests should wear flat, comfortable shoes as the ground is dirt and gravel with some inclines.
• Walking or activity information: 2–4 km on gravel roads; however, guests may walk as little as they wish. To see the actual settlement, guests will need to walk approximately 1–2 km.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: A local guide will be on site to share his knowledge.
Qaqortoq - Boat tour to Hvalsey Church Ruins Take a boat from Qaqortoq into Hvalsey Fjord, and step ashore into Greenland’s Norse past.
Norse settlement
Sail from Qaqortoq into the stunning Hvalsey Fjord and step ashore at Hvalsey Church Ruins, Greenland’s best-preserved Norse walls, dating to the 14th century.
Your guide brings the site to life, from Christianity’s arrival in Greenland to Thorkel Farserk (Erik the Red’s cousin) staking his claim on Hvalsey, and the mystery of why the Norse disappeared.
Duration: 2hrs30
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: G-QAQ8
Highlights:
• Scenic 30-minute cruise from Qaqortoq through the protected Hvalsey Fjord
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Norse ruins at Hvalsey
• Guided tour with insight into Norse life and faith in a stunning Arctic setting
Practical information:
• Walking or Activity information: Walking distance is approximately 1 to 2 km with around 20 m of elevation gain. Expect some hilly terrain and small rocky paths around the ruin site.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: English
Qaqortoq - Qaqortoq Community Visit Explore Qaqortoq’s colourful houses and historic sites on a self-guided tour.
Qaqortoq is South Greenland's largest town, and perhaps the most picturesque. This is your opportunity to explore at your own pace; wander between colourful houses, scenic viewpoints, and key landmarks such as Our Saviour’s Church and the renowned 'Stone & Man' sculptures, a collection of over 30 carvings embedded in boulders and rockfaces throughout the area.
Qaqortoq is also known for its strong connection to traditional Greenlandic kayaking (qajaq), particularly the skill of kayak rolling, which has been practiced for generations and remains an important part of local heritage.
Duration: At leisure
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL-JJU1
Highlights:
• A self-guided walk through Qaqortoq’s colourful streets and landmarks
• Discover the 'Stone & Man' carvings etched into rocks across the town
• Learn about traditions and culture from the locals
Practical information:
• Walking or Activity information: Town is small and has paved roads. Although it is quite hilly, many sites are on level ground. Guests can walk as much or as little as they wish.
• Wheelchair accessible: Many sites are accessible by wheelchair, however this port requires a landing by Zodiac and guests using wheelchairs must have some to assist them and be mobile enough to get in and out of the Zodiac boat.
This experience is available to all guests, and no pre-booking is required. Our Expedition Team will share all the details once you’re on board. Please note that the exact schedule of events will be confirmed by the Expedition Team the day before the experience takes place.
Qaqortoq - Kaffemik Take part in a traditional Greenlandic kaffemik, where a local family invites you to an intimate cultural gathering. And a pot of coffee, of course. This is an authentic experience that will give you a window into what life is like for Greenlanders.
Greenlanders use a large kaffemik to celebrate a wide range of events. This could be a child’s first tooth, first steps, first six months, first year, the first day at school, confirmation, etc. They invite family, friends, and neighbors for coffee, tea, and cake. They could easily host as many as 100 visitors in a single day. Instead of going out on occasions like this, Greenlanders celebrate at home. The party is usually prepared days in advance and the table set with fine china and decorative table linens.
While you are enjoying your coffee, you will be shown an example of the Greenlanders’ beautiful national dress. There will also be a demonstration of how the clothing is made and sewn.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavors of this region with you, it’s important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 1h30
Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy
Booking code: G-QAQ5
Highlights:
• Experience an authentic kaffemik.
• Visit a local home.
• Taste Greenlandic specialties.
• Learn more about life in Greenland.
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English
• Walking information: Walk to the host family’s house on a paved road Some houses have five or more stairs to navigate.
• Included: Coffee, tea, cake, and water
• Requirements: Windproof and rainproof jacket and good walking shoes
• Wheelchair accessible: No.
Prins Cristian Sund - Prins Christian Sund Exploration Day Experience a day of pioneer-style exploration and discover beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Expedition spirit
On this exploration day, we’ll go where the weather and wildlife conditions are the best. You’ll experience disembarking on a beach or maybe getting up close to a glacier. Get your cameras ready as we may enjoy the magnificent sight of whales in the sound or bears on the shore. We hope to get you as close as possible to all the wonders of nature, while always maintaining a safe and respectful distance.
Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy
Booking code: INCL-PRI1
Highlights:
• Enjoy the opportunity to take photos as we navigate the icy landscape of Prins Christian Sund
• Marvel at the dramatic scenery, where large icebergs float in the sound
• Admire the tall mountains, soaring up to 1,700 metres and often topped with a stunning white drizzle
• Scout for whales and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most beautifully pristine places
Kvanefjord - Kvanefjord Exploration Day Experience a day of pioneer-style exploration, and discover the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Expedition spirit
On this exploration day, we’ll go where the weather and wildlife conditions are the best. Get your cameras ready as we may enjoy the magnificent sight of whales in the sound or bears on the shore. Eagles roam these skies and we might see them hunting for fish. We hope to get you as close as possible to all the wonders of nature, while always maintaining a safe and respectful distance.
Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy
Booking code: INCL-KVA1
Highlights:
• Admire the stunning glacier ice
• Journey through picturesque fjord scenery
• Enjoy a day of adventure
• Scout for some of the many species of marine wildlife basking in these cold waters
Qaqortoq - Great Greenland Tannery Visit Great Greenland, the only tannery in Greenland, and see how hides and furs are processed. You will also learn about the old hunting traditions, which are an important part of Greenlandic culture.
The ancient hunting culture of the Inuits is still an important livelihood in Greenland and is the backbone of Greenlandic culture. Tanning, the conservation of hides, is an old trade that has been practiced for thousands of years.
At Great Greenland, many of the steps in the tanning process are automated, but the process still requires manual work and handling. The purpose of the process is to conserve the hide while preserving its natural look and feel.
Great Greenland is the only tannery in the country. Most of the furs are exported, but some are sewn into fashionable garments directly at the tannery. This tour includes a visit to the fashion design studios and the impressive fur storage rooms, with huge piles of sealskins and polar bear furs.
This tour is much more than just visiting the tannery. Your local guide will explain the ways and means of seal hunting and the working conditions of today's hunters. Great Greenland also allows private people to bring in their polar bear, muskox, and reindeer skins for professional tanning.
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: G-QAQ2
Highlights:
• Visit The Great Greenland Tannery.
• See how the fur and hides are processed.
• Visit the fashion design studio in the tannery.
• Learn about old hunting traditions.
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English
• Wheelchair accessible: No.
• Walking information: The walk to the tannery takes approximately 5 minutes along the harbor.
• Remarks/requirements: The tannery visit might happen after working hours. We recommend wearing a windproof and rainproof jacket and flat shoes. Photos are not allowed.
Fiskenæset - Discover Fiskenæset Explore Qeqertarsuatsiat and discover everyday life in this tiny Greenlandic fishing village.
Warmest Greenlandic welcomes
Join a guided walk through Qeqertarsuatsiat, also known as Fiskenæset, a coastal settlement of brightly painted homes set along a rocky fjord shoreline. Enjoy coffee and conversation at a traditional kaffemik in the community centre, browse hand-knitted crafts, and visit the village church. You’ll also have the chance to meet residents and hear their stories of life in this tight-knit community.
Duration: 1-2h00
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: GLFIS-IN01
Min. number: 10 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Share coffee, cake, and conversation with locals during a traditional kaffemik gathering.
• Explore the village on a guided walk, including visits to the community centre and church.
• Meet residents and hear personal stories of everyday life in this small settlement.
Practical information:
• Included: Guided tour, kaffemik
• Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. Includes 1-1.5 km of walking over roads made with blocks
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes, as long as guests are able to tender ashore in the Zodiacs
• Language availability: English, Danish, Greenlandic
Qaqortoq - Boat Tour to Uunartoq Hotsprings Sail through iceberg-studded seas to Uunartoq’s hidden hot springs, steeped in legend and wonder.
Uunartoq hot springs
On this tour, you’ll sail by boat from Qaqortoq across tranquil Arctic waters, watching majestic icebergs drift by along the way.
Your destination is the secluded Uunartoq Island, a timeless wilderness framed by rugged mountains and shimmering seas. When we arrive, we’ll follow a hidden path to naturally heated springs, once a Norse sanctuary, now a tranquil hideaway. Steeped in ancient Inuit legend, this is a rejuvenating experience amid Arctic beauty.
Duration: 4.5-5h00
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: G-QAQ9
Min. number: 5 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Experience an intimate Arctic adventure aboard a private boat and witness breathtaking icebergs in all their majesty.
• Relax in rejuvenating hot springs amid the untouched beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
• Explore Uunartoq Island’s rich blend of raw nature and ancient Inuit legends.
Practical information:
• Included: Snacks on the way and a beverage at the hot springs.
• Remarks/requirements: Please bring swimwear and a towel.
• Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. Includes less than a mile of walking with a small incline from the harbour to the path (can be muddy).
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: English, Danish and Greenlandic
Qassiarsuk - Wool Workshop Get hands-on with Greenlandic wool craft in Qassiarsuk, where tradition meets sustainable revival.
Learn a traditional craft
Step inside Ellen Frederiksen’s wool workshop in Qassiarsuk to trace the wool journey from raw fleece to handcrafted mittens, hats, and blankets.
Learn how a once-discarded resource is now at the heart of a cultural revival, powered by local community efforts. Get hands-on with traditional techniques while exploring how South Greenlandic communities are weaving heritage into daily life once more.
Duration: 1h30
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: GLQA1-OP06
Min. number: 5 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Follow the journey from raw fleece to yarn in a hands-on exploration of traditional wool craft.
• Discover how wool remains woven into farming life, culture, and identity in South Greenland.
• Join a community revival breathing new life into a nearly lost and once-overlooked craft.
• Step into Qassiarsuk’s living landscape, where sheep roam freely and tradition endures.
Practical information:
• Walking or Activity information: The workshop is approximately a 190-meter walk each way over flat, gravel terrain.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: English, Danish and Greenlandic
Qassiarsuk - Spirit of Qassiarsuk Spend a day in the settlement of Qassiarsuk, where dramatic landscapes meet deep history.
Qassiarsuk Open Town
Your visit to Qassiarsuk begins with coffee, homemade cake, and a hearty soup at the welcoming Café Thorhildur. You’ll then join local host Ellen Frederiksen and her family for a visit to their sheep farm, offering a glimpse into everyday life in rural South Greenland.
Continue to nearby Brattahlíð, founded around 985 CE by Erik the Red, where a guided tour brings this UNESCO-listed site to life through reconstructed Norse buildings and ancient ruins set within a remarkable historic landscape.
Duration: At your leisure
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL QAS1
Min. number: 10 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Warm up with coffee, homemade cake, and soup in the village’s cosy café
• Gain insight into life on a traditional Greenlandic sheep farm
• Walk among Norse ruins with a guide and uncover Greenland’s early history
Practical information:
• Remarks/requirements: This is an open town arrangement; guests may explore at their own leisure and pace.
• Walking or Activity information: Qassiarsuk is a small village with gravel roads. The visit to the sheep farm involves approximately 1.1 km of walking along a flat gravel path. The UNESCO site is about 900 m away and includes a few gentle hills to traverse, with no more than 10 m of elevation gain.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: English, Danish, and Greenlandic
Qeqertarsuaq - Greenlandic Polka Join locals for an evening of traditional polka dancing, coffee, and warm Greenlandic hospitality.
An evening of dance
Step into the heart of Qeqertarsuaq’s cultural life with an invitation to dance the Greenlandic Polka, known locally as kalattuut. Hosted by the town’s own dance group, Kalattoortartut, this vibrant tradition offers more than music and movement. Share coffee, cake, and conversation with local residents in a setting that’s as warm as it is unforgettable.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavors of this region with you, it’s important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 1h00
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL-JGO3
Min. number: 8 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Experience the Greenlandic Polka – lively, local, and full of joy.
• Meet the people of Qeqertarsuaq and hear their stories firsthand.
• Enjoy traditional Greenlandic hospitality with coffee and homemade cake.
• Try your hand (and feet) at a unique cultural tradition shared with pride.
Practical information:
• Included: Coffee, tea and cakes
• Remarks/requirements: Please wear good dancing shoes
• Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. Approx. 450 yds of walking.
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes
• Language availability: English, Danish
Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure (Only Bookable Onboard) Our experts will lead you on this sea kayaking adventure.
Paddle into Wonder
There’s truly no better way to feel the scale, silence, and raw beauty of this landscape than from the seat of a kayak. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll glide across the water with your fellow adventurers, experiencing your surroundings in a uniquely intimate and peacefully immersive way.
Duration: 3h00
Difficulty: Level 3 — Active
Booking code: N/A
Highlights:
• Explore from a rare water-level perspective
• Enjoy nature up close, without the noise of a motor
• Each outing is led by expert guides who ensure the utmost safety and share insights, and you’ll be provided with all the top-quality gear you need
Practical information:
• This is an optional, add-on activity, available at an additional cost.
• This activity can only be booked on board.
• Top-quality kayaking gear is provided, including a two-person hard-shell sea kayak, paddle, boots, life jacket, drysuit, and pogies.
• Please note that this kayaking activity only uses two-person kayaks. Solo guests will be paired with another guest.
• Participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to get in and out of the kayak on the water independently.
• While we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to weather and ice conditions.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language requirements: A basic level of English is needed to understand the guide’s instructions.
Ikka Fjord – Cruising with a Local Cruise Ikka fjord accompanied by a local guide and have the opportunity to see muskox and underwater stalagmites
Board the ships Expedition Boats and meet up with your local guide at the entrance of Ikka Fjord. Follow your guide into this protected area visited by few. Chances of spotting Muskox are generally great here and at the end of the fjord there is a possibility to view underwater stalagmites if the weather conditions are right.
Cruise back to the ship after experiencing this rare and unique site.
Duration: 2,5-3hrs
Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy
Booking code: INCL
Min. number: N/A traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Admire beautiful scenery
• Opportunity to see Muskoxen
• View the Ikka columns, underwater stalagmites
Practical information:
• Remarks/requirements: Dress according to weather, wear good shoes, gloves. Bring a waterbottle, camera and binoculars. A hat and sunglasses are also advised for sun protection.
• Walking or Activity information: None
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: English
This experience is available to all guests, and no pre-booking is required. Our Expedition Team will share all the details once you’re on board. Please note that the exact schedule of events will be confirmed by the Expedition Team the day before the experience takes place.
Please only book one excursion per port. A variety of activities will be offered to guests once onboard, both on and off ship, vary depending on destination and weather conditions. Our expert Expedition Team will do their utmost to accommodate guests on multiple excursions.
Discovery Kayak (Only Bookable Onboard) Enjoy the freedom to explore icy waters at your own pace on this self-guided kayaking adventure.
Paddle in peace
Unlike our guided sea kayaking adventure, this experience lets you paddle at your own pace (within a defined perimeter). There’s no fixed route – just time to soak up the stunning scenery, glide along glacier-carved coastlines, listen to the subtle sounds of cracking ice, and watch for wildlife along the way.
Duration: 1-1.5h00
Difficulty: Level 3 — Active
Booking code: N/A
Highlights:
• A rare opportunity to independently explore the surrounding nature in silence
• Expert guides remain nearby for safety oversight and advice, and all the top-quality gear you need is provided
Practical information:
• This is an optional, add-on activity, available at an additional cost
• This activity can only be booked on board
• Not available on MS Spitsbergen
• Top-quality kayaking gear is provided, including a one to two-person inflatable kayak, paddle, paddle jacket, boots, life jacket, dry bag, whistle or signaling device
• Participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to get in and out of the kayak on the water independently
• While we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to weather conditions
• A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• English proficiency is not required for this activity
