Scoresby Sund Explorer

Sail west between magnificent icebergs that drift down the Hall Basin after calving from the glaciers originating in the Inland Ice. Anchor at Hekla Havn, on Denmark Ø, the site of an old Inuit settlement and wintering camp of the first scientific expedition to Scoresby Sound over a hundred years ago. Enjoy a short evening walk to explore Hekla Havn and the surrounding area.

On arrival at Scoresby Sund today there may be the opportunity for a Zodiac cruise past one of the many glacier faces, or a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. Later continue to Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. Your exploration of Scoresby Sund will be dictated by local weather, sea and ice conditions, but possibly highlights may include a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, where the austere blue-white of vast icebergs makes sharp contrast against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. Cruising through the northern parts of Røde Fjord could provide the chance to see musk ox. Landing near Sydkap you may find Arctic hares, whilst your journey through the fjords will reveal colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometre (.62 mile) long.

On arrival at Scoresby Sund today there may be the opportunity for a Zodiac cruise past one of the many glacier faces, or a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. Later continue to Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites.

Your exploration of Scoresby Sund will be dictated by local weather, sea and ice conditions, but possibly highlights may include a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, where the austere blue-white of vast icebergs makes sharp contrast against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. Cruising through the northern parts of Røde Fjord could provide the chance to see musk ox. Landing near Sydkap you may find Arctic hares, whilst your journey through the fjords will reveal colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometre (.62 mile) long.

In pictures

Spend a whole day ashore in Harefjord scouting for musk oxen, snow hares, grouse, geese and other wildlife, which normally graze on the south facing slopes. You can choose to join an easy to moderate hike (approx 6-7 hours) with a lunch break at the top of a ridge offering breath-taking views over Harefjord where the glacier tongues descend into the sea. Those who prefer less exercise can stroll at the coast or stay on board enjoying the view. In the evening the crew will make a bonfire and prepare BBQ at the rocky beach.

Today’s destination is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in the region with about 500 inhabitants. An afternoon ashore will give you the chance to see how the locals live in this remote Arctic outpost, surrounded by sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk ox. Later you will cruise south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Today’s destination is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in the region with about 500 inhabitants. An afternoon ashore will give you the chance to see how the locals live in this remote Arctic outpost, surrounded by sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk ox. Later you will cruise south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

In pictures

The day is spent hiking in and around Jyttes Havn in Bear Islands – one of the most picturesque anchorages in Scoresby Sound. There is a choice of a longer or shorter hike in the Bear Islands, or on the northernmost tip of Milneland, a short zodiac ride away. Jyttes Havn is the place to try your skills at sea swimming at 71°N and temperatures can be as surprising as 13°C in the summertime. In the evening we offer a nice meal on board and then a cosy bonfire on the beach with story telling or singing.

Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord feature fewer icebergs offering the chance to sail further into the fjords. Around this area is your best opportunity for spotting narwhals and polar bears.

A final day crossing open sea may bring more whales and seabirds, and perhaps the magical northern lights too.

Returning to Akureyri you will disembark this morning, bidding farewell to your fellow explorers. Please note that an optional group transfer from Akureyri to central Reykjavik is available. This 6-hour drive must be requested at the time of booking.