Greenland

Exploring the Garden of Greenland (Westbound)

Name: Exploring the Garden of Greenland (Westbound)
Brand: HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Price: 11325 USD
Availability: InStock

12-day all-inclusive Greenland expedition cruise from Reykjavík to New York

From$11,325per personSign in to see your member priceTaxes includedAI PickActive promotion on this HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) departure to GreenlandAI Pick12-day HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) voyage

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Route Map

Gallery

10 photos

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Voyage Overview

12-day all-inclusive Greenland expedition cruise from Reykjavík to New York

Voyage Highlights

Midnight Sun and pristine wilderness

Sail South Greenland's fjords under the Midnight Sun, where near-endless daylight reveals green meadows, glaciated peaks and rugged coastline in extraordinary detail. With a focused route along the southwest coast, we spend multiple days exploring expedition-style, landing among seabird colonies, pristine tundra, and dramatic cliff faces shaped by ice over millennia.

Viking ruins and living culture

Step ashore at Viking-age Norse ruins and ancient Thule heritage sites, then wander the colourful streets of Qaqortoq, where Greenlandic traditions and community life endure in a town framed by fjords. This is the greenest, most fertile corner of Greenland, and in June it's just waking up.

Language Services

English

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Before the cruise

Please Note

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions Excursions and activities are subject to change Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements  Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)

Flights

Flight in economy class from Nuuk to New York

Tranfers

Transfer from the ship to the airport in Nuuk

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)

HX Expedition Gear

Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home

Ship Facilities

Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported

Extras

Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
Range of included activities

Landing Activities

Escorted landings with small expedition boats
Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, will be provided on board on loan. Rubber boots are mandatory for biosecurity per IAATO guidelines. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Onboard Activities

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa space

Ship

MS Fridtjof Nansen

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

The newest addition to our fleet honors the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Passengers490

Tonnage20,889 GT

Built2020

Ice ClassPolar Class 6

Decks9

View Ship Details

Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

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 – some mobility needed 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

Included

Qassiarsuk ( Igaliku) - Igaliku and the Ancient Ruins of Garðar

Visit the picturesque Igaliku settlement and discover the ancient ruins of Garðar, a UNESCO-listed site. Ancient Ruins Our agile ship can enter picturesque Igaliku Fjord directly. As we get closer to the settlement of Igaliku, where the archaeological site of Garðar lies, we’ll take our small expedition boats ashore. Set among mirror-like lakes and towering mountains, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Garðar mark the former religious heart of Greenland’s Norse history. At the ruins, you can see the remains of the Episcopal Palace and cathedral that once stood here proudly.

Included

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 - some mobility needed 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.

Included

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: For everyone* 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.

$78

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: Easy 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.

$94

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 – some mobility needed 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

$202

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 – some mobility needed 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

$496

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 – some mobility needed 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

$87

Current Offers

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Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Children: 5–15 years Child discount: 20%

Third Person Policy

Child discount: 50%

Cancellation Policy

151+ days before departure: 0% penalty 120–150 days before departure: 25% penalty 90–119 days before departure: 50% penalty 60–89 days before departure: 75% penalty 0–59 days before departure: 100% penalty 定金在开航前 120 天之前可退还。出发前 90 天前支付尾款。如您在预定出发日期前不足 90 天预订，则需在预订时支付全款。所有详细信息将列于发票上。

Wi-Fi & Communications

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Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy