East Greenland and the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik

 We arrive individually to Reykjavik and check in to our hotel (included in the flight and hotel package described below). 

 Explore the lovely city of Reykjavik on your own. In the afternoon we transfer to Keflavik and our flight to Kulusuk, and the airport built by the US Air Force in 1956. Kulusuk means “the village with the mountain that looks like the breast of a bird” in the Greenlandic, referring to the Isikajia Mountain located directly behind the airport. In the evening we board our expedition ship and begin our great exploration.

 We are now on an expedition cruise and our exact route will be decided by weather and ice. Some areas can be filled with ice and therefore not always reachable. Please note that the places mentioned below are just examples of places we can visit on this true expedition cruise. We visit the town of Tasiilaq. With just under 2000 inhabitants, it is the largest settlement in East Greenland. It is home to an older and different Inuit culture, where shamanism and native culture is much more vibrant than in other parts of Greenland. During our expedition here, we will learn more of local myths and legends, as the one about tupilaqs. In Greenlandic Inuit religion, a tupilaq was an avenging monster fabricated by a practitioner of witchcraft or shamanism by using various objects such as animal bone, skin, hair, or sinew. Tasiilaq is also known for a its art scene, where local artists create prints, sculptures and textiles mostly portraying the animals, landscapes and traditional stories of the area.We venture into the serenity of the Ammassalik fjord system and the small settlement of Kuummiut. This is a relatively unknown pearl of east Greenland, nestled within the Ammassalik Island group. The surrounding fjords – lined by tall mountain tops offer perfect hiking opportunities, with hidden waterfalls and spectacular views. Kuummiut has a rich Inuit heritage, and we hope to get the opportunity to learn about the traditional practices.Further up north is the Ikateq fjord, where we might make a landing at the abandoned military base from World War II, Bluie East Two. It played an important role in serving as a refuelling and maintenance stop for aircrafts travelling between north America and Europe. Today it is no longer in operation, but some remnants still exist, such as abandoned fuel drums, buildings…

 After a long, nice breakfast, we disembark in Kulusuk. We head out on one final Greenland excursion: a glacier hike to an ice cave - it is a truly unique experience to lose yourself in this surreal world of blue and to take in all of the cave's incredible details. After an early dinner in Kulusuk, we head to the airport and our flight to Reykjavik, where we check into our hotel for a good night sleep. (Included in the flight and hotel package.)

 Today we bid our farewells and return home or onwards for new adventures.

Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the sites this region of Greenland has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!