Greenland: Sailing The Arctic Fjords

Day 1
From Keflavik Airport the shuttle takes us to our hotel in the centre of Reykjavik.

Day 2
This morning we fly from Reykjavík domestic airport to Constable Point (via Akureyri), a small airfield on the west side of Hurry Fjord in Jameson Land. A short transfer takes us to the harbour. After embarking on the schooner Hildur (by zodiac from the harbour to the schooner), we sail west among magnificent icebergs, which drift down the Hall Basin after calving from the glaciers. We anchor at Hekla Havn, on Denmark Strait, which was the site of an old Inuit settlement and wintering camp of the first scientific expedition to Scoresbysund over a hundred years ago.

Day 3
We start the day with a short walk around Hekla Havn (1-2hrs easy walking). As we sail west to Ankervig, through the narrow Føhnfjord, we are surrounded by the magnificent basalt mountains of Gåseland on one side and on the other side by the 2000 metres high sheer granite cliffs of Milne Land. When we approach Red Island (Rode O), we turn into Ankervig Bay where we anchor.

Day 4
After climbing a ridge above Ankervig, we enjoy fantastic views over colourful rhyolite mountains and various surrounding peaks, both volcanic and granite (3- 4 hours walking). Those who want a more relaxed morning can stay at the shore or perhaps walk in the Hjørnedal, a steep valley leading into Gåseland from Ankervig. This area has a warm stable climate throughout the summer and some of the lushest vegetation of the eastern coast line. Local hunters come here to catch Arctic char and Musk ox. After a refreshing morning walk, we sail north through Rødefjord and the red volcanic mountains on the south side of the fjord. We arrive late afternoon in Harefjord where we anchor. Tonight we enjoy a bonfire and barbeque on the rocky beach.

Day 5
We spend the day ashore in Harefjord scouting for Musk oxen, Snow hares, grouse, geese and other wildlife which normally graze on the south facing slopes. We then have the possibility to take an easy walk to the top of the ridge between Harefjord and Rypefjord for breathtaking views of Renland and the Inland Ice, where endless numbers of glacier tongues descend into the sea (up to 6 hours of easy walking). Those who prefer a more chilled day can stroll at the coast independantly or stay onboard the schooner.

Day 6
We continue sailing eastwards through the wonderful Øfjord. This is one of the most spectacular parts of the trip. The impressive mountain peaks and granite walls tower up to 200 metres above the sea! We arrive inBjørneøe in the late afternoon to anchor at Jyttes Havn.

Day 7
After a relatively short visit ashore in Bjørneøer, we leave in the early morning to cross from Hall Basin to the village of Ittoqqortoormiit.

Day 8
Today we visit the small village of Ittoqqortoormiit, founded around 1925s by people from Ammassalik, a settlement further South. Ittoqqortoormiit is the most northerly settlement on the East coast of Greenland. The 500 inhabitants make their living mostly by subsistence hunting of seals, narwhals, Musk oxen and Polar bears. The quaint little houses dot the rocky southern slopes of Liverpool Land from where the views of Kap Brewster and the Volquart Boons Coast are magnificient. We have the opportunity to visit the village's general store to purchase some local handicrafts made of bone, soap stone and hides.

Day 9
We sail to Constable Point, where we disembark for the return flight to Reykjavík, Iceland.

Day 10
Transfer to Keflavik airport and flight back to London.