Overview:
Embark on an extraordinary expedition cruise from Iceland to Greenland, exploring the untouched east coast of Greenland. This voyage takes you to Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord system, with its stunning glaciers and breathtaking landscapes. Guided by your Expedition Team, you'll experience the pristine beauty of this wilderness, accessible by ship for only a few months each year.
Throughout your journey, see whales in the waters, seals on ice floats, and majestic birds like Snowy Owls and Greenlandic Gyrfalcons. You'll also explore the rich culture and history of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world's most remote settlements. This expedition promises awe-inspiring scenery, captivating wildlife, and profound insights into the resilient life in Greenland's remote east.
Holiday price is from £ 5,350 per person based on availability and two adults sharing an inside cabin. Single supplement upon request.
2025 Departure Dates
| DEAPARTURE |
RETURN |
| 10 Aug |
21 Aug |
| 31 Aug |
11 Sep |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival & transfer from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
Upon arrival in Keflavik airport, a shuttle bus will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Reykjavik and embarkation
Reykjavík, a charming city filled with art, culture, and history, is well worth exploring. Walk along Laugavegur to enjoy its boutiques and local shops, admire the stunning Hallgrímskirkja Church, and explore the captivating Reykjavík Art Museum.
Day 3: At sea - Crossing the Denmark Strait
As we sail into the Greenland Sea toward the world's largest island, take some time to relax, find your sea legs, and explore the onboard facilities. The Expedition Team will provide talks on your upcoming adventure and the protocols for visiting wildlife habitats and Indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center you can learn all about the fjords of Scoresby Sund.
For those feeling active, the gym offers workouts with a stunning view. Alternatively, relax in the sauna, hot tubs, onboard restaurants and cafes, or find a quiet corner to read with a hot drink. Science enthusiasts can join our Citizen Science projects to contribute to global research.
Day 4 - 9: Scoresby Sund Fjord System
You'll spend the next days exploring Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord system. While cruising peacefully among towering mountains, majestic icebergs, and mirror-like waters, you'll seek out wildlife like whales and Greenlandic Gyrfalcons. We'll try to as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours, and wildlife sightings as possible.
You'll also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere. If conditions permit, we'll sail to the sea ice edge to scout for wildlife.
Day 10: Denmark Strait - Heading back to Iceland
After exploring Greenland's beauty, we start heading back to Iceland. Spend your time at sea recapping experiences with new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to lectures, or relaxing on deck. Watch for seabirds following the ship and keep an eye out for whales.
Day 11: Reykjavik
Your Greenland expedition has come to an end as you arrive back to Reykjavik. Say your goodbyes to the crew and expedition team.
Day 12: Departure from Reykjavik
Breakfast at the hotel and, if time permits, explore more of the Icelandic capital before a transfer back to Keflavik airport. Return flight.
Package Includes:
- Return flights as given above from London Heathrow (other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- Airport transfers by FlyBus shuttle
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a centrally located hotel in Reykjavik incl. breakfast
- 9 nights’ Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
- 24-hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
Enquire now »
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The lines shown give you an indication of our destinations and are not the exact route used.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.