Hamburg - Kangerlussuaq Expedition Iceland and Greenland - Arctic kaleidoscope in a variety of colours

From Kirkwall, explore its early history with the historic treasures of Orkney¹. In 1850, a storm revealed a sensation here: Skara Brae, the best-preserved prehistoric village in Northern Europe. Other stone witnesses to the past include the Ring of Brodgar, dating from around 2700 BC, and St Magnus Cathedral. Unspoilt and wild: the Isle of Lewis – the northern region of Lewis and Harris, the main island of the Outer Hebrides – shows you the beauty of the rugged archipelago. With wild mountains and moon-like landscapes, calm lochs and idyllic beaches, Lewis emphasises the multifaceted beauty of Scotland. The mystical stone circles, which take you back some 4,000 years in time, are also part of this. With the help of your on-board experts, you will feel like archaeologists, since the Outer Hebrides are famous for the excavations of Neolithic artefacts, medieval churches and even mummies. The other half of the island of Lewis is Harris, the home of tweed, which is truly appealing. The island’s own pure new wool is the secret to the quality of the wool cloth produced here.

With striking contrasts of fire and ice and geological extremes, nature at Europe’s northern edge makes a powerful impression. Mystically beautiful landscapes, deep fjords and a fascinating wildlife captivate you. In the Nordic summer, chances are good of spotting humpback and fin whales returning from their wintering grounds. At the end of a fjord framed by snow-covered peaks, Seydisfjördur impresses with its setting. Historic wooden buildings provide picturesque photo opportunities on a stroll, while hikers are also enchanted by a wealth of blooming plant life. Iceland’s enchanted side as the “island of mythical beings and trolls” unfolds in Bakkagerdi. According to legend, the Elf Queen rules over Borgarfjördur and the bird cliffs, where numerous puffins practise their flying skills. The picturesque fishing village of Djupivogur – a small place with colourful wooden houses – is ideal for those wishing to experience Iceland’s beauty away from the well-trodden routes. It is also your starting point for lasting memories. A spectacular scenic drive takes you to the Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon¹, including a boat trip on the glacial lake, through icebergs and up to the glacier front. A jeep tour into the Valley of Waterfalls¹ offers a close-up experience of Iceland’s wilderness. Alternatively, explore the surroundings on a hike to the lighthouse with your experts.

Heimaey is the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands and looks back on a long history of volcanic eruptions that have shaped the beauty of this place. Most recently, the Eldfell volcano erupted in 1973, covering the land with lava flows whose traces are still visible today. Experience the forces of nature on a quad bike tour across Heimaey¹ or on a hike up Eldfell with your experts.

Welcome to Reykjavik, Iceland’s fascinating capital. The world’s northernmost capital, with just under 200,000 inhabitants, offers a wealth of sights, or serves as a starting point for exploring Iceland’s breathtaking nature. On the Golden Circle¹, discover Iceland’s three most visited natural attractions: the Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park and the geyser area around Strokkur. A scenic flight over the island of fire and ice¹ lets you experience Iceland’s forces of nature from a bird’s-eye perspective. The crater experience¹ takes you inside a volcano – including a hike and a visit to a magma chamber. Iceland’s geothermal activity, volcanic landscapes and impressive glaciers will captivate you.

Along Greenland’s south coast, your expedition first takes you into the Skjoldungensund. As you cruise through the Prins Christian Sund, a unique backdrop of steeply rising rock faces, glaciers and waterfalls glides majestically past – strikingly reflected in the deep-blue sea. According to tradition, the Norsemen also built the settlement of Hvalsey. Their presence is borne witness to by the ruins of a Viking church, regarded as the most significant in the country. Built around 1300, its granite walls have withstood the elements to this day. A visit to the small town of Qaqortoq once again centres on Inuit culture: the museum displays splendid traditional costumes and hunting tools of indigenous peoples.

You experience the final act of your adventure along Greenland’s west coast. Old and new merge in a characteristically Greenlandic way in the capital, Nuuk, whose hills are dotted with colourful houses. Exhibits in the National Museum show how the Inuit adapted to the extremes of nature in earlier times – traditions that continue in today’s national culture and shape Greenland’s identity. On a Zodiac cruise combined with a hike in the mighty Evigedsfjord, your gaze is drawn steeply upwards: amid impressively towering rock faces, vastness, silence and exceptionally clear air come together to create intense experiences. Disko Bay provides even greater moments of awe as ice sculptures of countless shapes drift slowly across the wide expanse. Enjoy this natural spectacle from your prime viewing spot on deck – or be right in the midst of it on a Zodiac excursion. Illuminated by sunlight, the ice glows in a fascinating play of colours from white to azure. If local conditions permit, you will also visit the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord. Here you witness one of the world’s most active glaciers majestically releasing towering icebergs into the fjord – an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. A atmospheric conclusion to the expedition is Sisimiut, whose houses are spread across several hills.