This tour of discovery for free spirits begins in Iceland, the land of elves, fairies and trolls. Mighty glaciers and fiery volcanoes formed a magnificent landscape that in the harsh yet beautiful western fjords is characterised by deeply notched coasts and steep table mountains. The sleepy harbour village of Patreksfjordur is nestled amidst the idyllic fjord landscape. Vast bays with light sandy beaches shape the landscape here as do the majestic cliffs of Latrabjarg* – experience the powerful natural forces of the North Atlantic on a hike along the cliffs. Alternatively, you can also discover the Dynjandi waterfall* hidden in the mountains. The waterfalls that rush down into the Arnarfjordur are the landmark of the Westfjords.

The HANSEATIC nature heads for the north, and with every nautical mile that we cover we draw closer to isolated east Greenland, where the ice shield only opens up at this time of year. The further we leave civilisation behind, the more majestic the natural surroundings become: steep mountains, mighty glaciers and shimmering blue icebergs await you in Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, where the HANSEATIC nature will take plenty of time depending on the weather and ice. At the entrance to this spectacular watery labyrinth, you will be greeted by the colourful houses of Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s smallest and most isolated community. Located directly in Scoresbysund, the Danish island and its natural harbour of Hekla Havn recall the Danish polar explorer Carl Ryder, who spent the winter in this harsh place at the end of the 19th century during a mapping expedition. Head ever deeper into the narrow waterways, where the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC nature will demonstrate its expedition expertise. Steep rock faces, mighty icebergs and shimmering glacier formations will line your route as you cross the fjords, every turn revealing new panoramas. With luck you will witness the aurora borealis, the polar light that enchants the night sky from September onwards. You might even see curious whales approaching the ship and the Zodiacs. Hike through the autumnal colours of the Arctic tundra with your experts and keep watch for musk oxen and Arctic foxes. On your way to the icy isolation of east Greenland, you will continue north to Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park on the planet. This will be another highlight of your expedition, for example when the HANSEATIC nature travels the King Oscar Fjord to reach the breathtaking Alpefjord. Standing on the deck or riding in the Zodiacs with the rock faces rising almost 3,000 m (9,842 ft) above you, you will feel closer to creation than ever before. An equally intensive experience awaits you on the Segelsaellskapet Fjord, which is of great geological interest.

Bathed in autumnal shades of gold, Akureyri, the pearl of northern Iceland, greets its visitors. Contrasting natural spectacles can be found at the Godafoss waterfall and Midge Lake*: one thundering and majestic, the other volcanic and mystical. Explore the volcanic landscape of Askja from the air* on a spectacular scenic flight and marvel at the unbelievably intense turquoise of the Viti crater lake. Alternatively, explore the unmistakeable landscape while riding Icelandic horses*. Seydisfjoerdur enchants visitors with its colourful wooden houses before bidding you farewell with a friendly goodbye with “Bless, bless!”

While the HANSEATIC nature sets a course for Ireland, soak in the memory of your intensive cruise impressions. Indulge your body and soul in the spacious fitness and wellness area and deepen your knowledge with fascinating reports from our experts and in the interactive Ocean Academy.

Arrive in Belfast feeling relaxed and well informed. If you like you can explore Faust Cave Hill, Belfast Castle and Queen’s University at your own pace, or walk in the footsteps of giants: the Giant’s Causeway* is made up of around 37,000 similarly shaped basalt columns of volcanic origin and is over 60 million years old. Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery*, one of the oldest in the world, has a tradition dating back 400 years. Sample these exquisite whiskies and reignite your wanderlust.