Breathtaking in their monumental beauty, the islands in the far north of Europe become the grand setting for exciting expedition days – and the HANSEATIC spirit combines its highlights on a new route. For the small group of explorers on board, this amazing experience begins in the land of elves and trolls. Your personal Icelandic saga takes you to the eastern fjords and Djupivogur, one of the most beautiful villages and a historic trading post. Embark on a glacier adventure to Vatnajokull* and explore Europe’s largest ice cap, or visit Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon* and watch icebergs glistening like diamonds from the black beach. With its colourful wooden houses, the little town of Seydisfjordur exudes Norwegian charm as you explore at your own pace.

A true pearl of the north, Akureyri sits on a long fjord. From here, explore the remote, inhospitable and lunar-like settings of the Askja volcano, Viti crater lake and Iceland’s highlands in a jeep*. Alternatively, experience nature with a ride on Icelandic horses*, known for their special tolt gait. Conclude your adventures by seeing out the day in one of Akureyri’s restaurants or cafes and enjoy the ambience of an evening by the fjord. The island of Grimsey lies right on the Arctic Circle – discover its geology with your experts.

When the ice opens up the path in early September, the HANSEATIC spirit will head to the far north, along the rugged outskirts of north-eastern Greenland. The 355 residents of Ittoqqortoormiit will tell you about life in isolation, fishing and Inuit culture. Their vibrant houses add splashes of colour to the rocky coast. This is the gateway to another natural superlative to which the HANSEATIC spirit will devote plenty of time: Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest of its kind in the world.

The crew – experienced in polar voyages – will react flexibly to the weather and ice conditions, for example when cruising in King Oscar Fjord, which stretches its majestic arms through the towering mountains. We constantly strive to offer you the greatest possible experiences in the habitat of whales and musk oxen, Arctic foxes and Arctic hares. The cliffs of the Alpefjord are 3,000 m (9,842 ft) high. They are spectacular when viewed from the deck and even greater on a Zodiac ride – as is the view of the fjord’s glaciers, with bizarre fronts in white and blue. On the Segelsallskapet Fjord, discover the multicoloured layers of the limestone mountains: a true natural canvas. Around 1,200 m (3,937 ft) high, the rocky flank of Ella Island plunges into the sea almost vertically. Enjoy stunning views on a hike accompanied by your experts. The HANSEATIC spirit also demonstrates its expedition expertise in the labyrinth of the Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord. Steep rock faces alternate with glacier snouts, from which icebergs drift off into the sea. On the shores, musk oxen search for food where the ground is free from ice. With luck, you will also see these creatures during a hike along the coast of Myggbukta, where a former weather station is now used by the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol.

Your experiences will come full circle when you return to Iceland. Isafjordhur is situated by an enormous table mountain. Here you have various options for exploring the western fjords. Travel over high passes to the Dynjandi waterfall*, which plunges down into the Arnarfjordur. An athletic hike to the Troll’s seat* rewards you with stunning panoramic views, or take to the fjord in a kayak* and immerse yourself in nature. Your expedition may come to an end in Reykjavik, but this exceptional “round trip” will stay with you forever.