Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq (Atlas Ocean Voyages)

In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill.

Amid the wondrous features of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies the small town of Grundarfjörður, home to fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Its shining star of a landmark, Kirkjufell, translating to "Church Mountain," beckons explorers to come and discover the beauty of Iceland. Together with the mountain, a three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss creates an exquisite scene straight out of fantasy. Taking a walk through the center of town, you will come across an orca on land. It’s actually a sculpture created by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson and it was modeled after Thunderstorm the orca, a male whale who often greets visitors during whale watching tours.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Along the southern edge of Greenland sits the awe-inspiring Prince Christian Sound, also known as Prins Christian Sund. Snow-capped mountains on the horizon and borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may possibly make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in the colorful, yellow, red and blue, Nordic-style houses. Around the sound wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of fin, minke and blue whales, as well as bearded and ringed seals. CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your ship’s Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All Antarctica expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition.

The largest city in southern Greenland is perhaps best known for its open-air “Stone and Man” art exhibition featuring sculptures from some of the country’s most renowned artists built around Qaqortoq’s colonial center. In this historic center, you also find Mindebrønde, Greenland’s oldest fountain. Near the town sit the Viking ruins of Hvalsey Church, the last known written records of the Greenlandic Norse who attended a wedding in 1408 BCE. Hot springs are abundant in Greenland, but the outdoor spa on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq comes with surrounding views of mountain peaks in the distance, making it a favorite among locals and explorers alike. Set within a stunning scene of nature, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.

As a gateway to South Greenland’s Norse ruins of Qassiarsuk and having played an important role among the Allies of World War II, Narsarsuaq holds a rich history. Home of the Greenland Arboretum, find lush hiking trails resplendent with Greenlandic wildflowers in the summer. These paths lead to viewpoints overlooking glaciers that make for a stunning scene. Nearby sits another small town, Igaliku, where you find another old Norse settlement but a more tranquil scenery away from the crowds. From Narsarsuaq you may access the Greenlandic Ice Sheet by way of the Flower Valley.

Inhabited since 1500 BCE and lying off the beaten path amid a scene of wild fjords, the village of Paamiut truly embodies the essence of exploration. Walking among the colorful houses, you’re likely to find the locals drying seal meat and pelts on racks under their homes. Seek out a local guide from the Paamiut museum who can show you the town’s history, such as the peat houses the Inuit built to keep warm in the winters. As you hike the paths of ancient trails, white-tailed eagles may soar above, and it’s said if you spot one, it will bring luck. From the shores, keep an eye on the horizon, looking for humpback, minke and fin whales that are abundant in the region in the summer.

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name best known for humpback whales, waterfalls and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking can be found most anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural center Katuaq displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. You may find an opportunity to fish for cod or redfish and have it cooked for you at the gourmet restaurant Qooqqut Nuan.

Sitting in the Davis Strait within the bend of Uummannaq Bay is the island of Akulleq. This small desert island contains a stunning moonscape scenery made of orange and ochre yellow from the minerals illuminated under the light of the polar summer sun. Climbing up to its summit, you find a panoramic vista of monolithic icebergs on the bay’s horizon.

At the end of the Arctic Circle Trail sits Sisimiut, where modern and traditional cultures come together to create a rich tapestry of Greenland’s history. It also lies just outside the UNESCO-listed Aasivissuit – Nipisat cultural area, home to Inuit hunting grounds. Take to the water with opportunities for kayaking, boat tours to abandoned settlements like Assaqutaq or whale-watching excursions. Immerse yourself in local culture with the possibility of fishing and big game hunting opportunities to understand the city’s sustainable practices. Stop by the small store Qiviut to pick up an authentic muskoxen wool pelt, obtained from local hunters.

Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world, Kangerlussuaq is filled with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, crevasses and blue meltwater lakes. Take a possible trek to the remote Russell Glacier, where herds of musk oxen roam free, the Arctic Circle Trail hike begins and you may witness the ice calving with a mighty crack. Back in town at the Kangerlussuaq Museum you find a look at the town’s modern history, as well as that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. For scientific minds, discover the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility.