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Ilulissat – Nuuk · 4–16 September 2027 – Main voyage image

Ilulissat – Nuuk · 4–16 September 2027

A West Greenland Voyage: From Ilulissat to Nuuk (13 Days)Greenland is the world’s largest island, with around 80% of its surface permanently covered by ice. The interior is vast, harsh, and uninhabitable, which is why all settlements are found along the coast—scattered communities connected more by sea than by land.This voyage begins in Ilulissat, one of Greenland’s most iconic locations. Situated at the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord (Ilulissat Kangerlua), the town is surrounded by towering icebergs calved from one of the most active glaciers in the world. Here, among drifting giants of ice, we prepare to set sail south.Travelling in September, the Arctic begins to shift into autumn. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisper, and for the first time since summer, darkness returns to the nights. With it comes a real chance of seeing the northern lights—dancing across the sky as we sail through these remote waters.South Along the Greenland CoastLeaving Ilulissat, we head south along the rugged west coast of Greenland. This coastline offers endless opportunities for exploration—deep fjords, scattered islands, and small settlements, all shaped by ice, wind, and time. The exact route will depend on weather, wind, and ice conditions, including the presence of Storis—drifting sea ice that occasionally makes its way around the southern tip of Greenland.Disko Bay and BeyondIn the early days, we sail through Disko Bay, known for its vast fields of icebergs. Navigation here is as spectacular as it is dynamic, weaving between ice while keeping a lookout for whales feeding in these rich waters.Further south, we may visit places such as Sisimiut or Maniitsoq, depending on conditions. Maniitsoq, once known as Sukkertoppen by Dutch, German, and British whalers, is surrounded by jagged mountains rising straight from the sea—an impressive and wild landscape.Remote Anchorages and Whaling HistoryAlong the way, we aim to anchor in remote and sheltered bays such as Ukiivik (Sydbay). Here, low-lying islands offer protection from the open sea, and going ashore by dinghy reveals a quiet and striking landscape. Gentle hikes lead to viewpoints overlooking the coast, while traces of Greenland’s whaling past can still be found scattered along the shore.This is a journey of exploration—there is no fixed schedule, only opportunities shaped by the conditions. Some days may be spent sailing, others at anchor, waiting for weather to shift or simply taking in the surroundings.Autumn in the ArcticSeptember brings a different atmosphere to Greenland. The colours on land begin to change subtly, the air becomes sharper, and the nights darken enough for stars—and, if conditions allow, the northern lights. With less daylight, the rhythm on board shifts as well, creating quiet evenings and a stronger sense of remoteness.Arrival in NuukOur voyage ends in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. Approaching from the sea, the contrast is striking—after days of wilderness and small settlements, Nuuk feels vibrant and alive. Once known as “Good Hope” by early settlers, the city was renamed Nuuk—meaning “cape”—as Greenland’s national identity re-emerged after the Second World War.Here, we disembark after 13 days at sea, carrying with us the experience of sailing a remote coastline shaped by ice, history, and the slow arrival of Arctic autumn.

4 September 2027 – 16 September 2027
12 nights
Ilulissat, Greenland – Nuuk, Greenland
Tecla
from€3,510/ person
Last places
Visit operator's page

A West Greenland Voyage: From Ilulissat to Nuuk (13 Days)Greenland is the world’s largest island, with around 80% of its surface permanently covered by ice. The interior is vast, harsh, and uninhabitable, which is why all settlements are found along the coast—scattered communities connected more by sea than by land.This voyage begins in Ilulissat, one of Greenland’s most iconic locations. Situated at the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord (Ilulissat Kangerlua), the town is surrounded by towering icebergs calved from one of the most active glaciers in the world. Here, among drifting giants of ice, we prepare to set sail south.Travelling in September, the Arctic begins to shift into autumn. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisper, and for the first time since summer, darkness returns to the nights. With it comes a real chance of seeing the northern lights—dancing across the sky as we sail through these remote waters.South Along the Greenland CoastLeaving Ilulissat, we head south along the rugged west coast of Greenland. This coastline offers endless opportunities for exploration—deep fjords, scattered islands, and small settlements, all shaped by ice, wind, and time. The exact route will depend on weather, wind, and ice conditions, including the presence of Storis—drifting sea ice that occasionally makes its way around the southern tip of Greenland.Disko Bay and BeyondIn the early days, we sail through Disko Bay, known for its vast fields of icebergs. Navigation here is as spectacular as it is dynamic, weaving between ice while keeping a lookout for whales feeding in these rich waters.Further south, we may visit places such as Sisimiut or Maniitsoq, depending on conditions. Maniitsoq, once known as Sukkertoppen by Dutch, German, and British whalers, is surrounded by jagged mountains rising straight from the sea—an impressive and wild landscape.Remote Anchorages and Whaling HistoryAlong the way, we aim to anchor in remote and sheltered bays such as Ukiivik (Sydbay). Here, low-lying islands offer protection from the open sea, and going ashore by dinghy reveals a quiet and striking landscape. Gentle hikes lead to viewpoints overlooking the coast, while traces of Greenland’s whaling past can still be found scattered along the shore.This is a journey of exploration—there is no fixed schedule, only opportunities shaped by the conditions. Some days may be spent sailing, others at anchor, waiting for weather to shift or simply taking in the surroundings.Autumn in the ArcticSeptember brings a different atmosphere to Greenland. The colours on land begin to change subtly, the air becomes sharper, and the nights darken enough for stars—and, if conditions allow, the northern lights. With less daylight, the rhythm on board shifts as well, creating quiet evenings and a stronger sense of remoteness.Arrival in NuukOur voyage ends in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. Approaching from the sea, the contrast is striking—after days of wilderness and small settlements, Nuuk feels vibrant and alive. Once known as “Good Hope” by early settlers, the city was renamed Nuuk—meaning “cape”—as Greenland’s national identity re-emerged after the Second World War.Here, we disembark after 13 days at sea, carrying with us the experience of sailing a remote coastline shaped by ice, history, and the slow arrival of Arctic autumn.

Route

Ilulissat - Nuuk

Port

Ilulissat, GreenlandNuuk, Greenland

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4 September

Safety briefing, settling in, and if conditions allow, we set sail south among drifting icebergs.

Photo: patano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_colors_from_Ilulissat_-_Greenland._-_panoramio.jpg)

Arriving by ship, Ilulissat feels remote and elemental, with a working harbour set against stark Arctic light and a coastline of rock, sea and ice. Nearby, visitors can take in views toward the famous ice-filled waters and the dramatic Greenlandic landscape that gives the town its unforgettable atmosphere.

5 September
13 September
15 September

Arrival in NuukApproaching Nuuk, the landscape slowly shifts from remote wilderness to a more populated coastline.We arrive in Greenland’s capital, where the voyage comes to an end.Disembarkation is on Day 13.: A journey shaped by ice, light, and the slow return of Arctic night.

Photo: Vincent van Zeijst, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Openverse (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16363063)

Arriving in Nuuk by sea, you are met by a dramatic Arctic setting of dark hills, scattered houses, and a harbour edged by cold, clear water. Nearby, visitors can look toward the town’s colorful neighbourhoods and the wide fjord landscape that gives Greenland’s capital its remote, windswept atmosphere.

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Places you'll visit

Ilulissat

Arriving by ship, Ilulissat feels remote and elemental, with a working harbour set against stark Arctic light and a coastline of rock, sea and ice. Nearby, visitors can take in views toward the famous ice-filled waters and the dramatic Greenlandic landscape that gives the town its unforgettable atmosphere.

Photo: patano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_colors_from_Ilulissat_-_Greenland._-_panoramio.jpg)
Photo: patano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_colors_from_Ilulissat_-_Greenland._-_panoramio.jpg)

Nuuk

Arriving in Nuuk by sea, you are met by a dramatic Arctic setting of dark hills, scattered houses, and a harbour edged by cold, clear water. Nearby, visitors can look toward the town’s colorful neighbourhoods and the wide fjord landscape that gives Greenland’s capital its remote, windswept atmosphere.

Photo: Vincent van Zeijst, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Openverse (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16363063)
Photo: Vincent van Zeijst, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Openverse (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16363063)

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