Travel Information
GREENLAND
Greenland is one of the most fascinating places you can reach by sailboat. An untouched paradise of rough and singular beauty. From the majestic silence of the glaciers and icebergs to the lively and colourful villages of the Inuit.Join us on one of our expeditions and you will have the unique experience of observing the movements of some of the worlds' biggest glaciers, sailing between gigantic icebergs and seeing the midnight sun. One day we will explore the local culture in one of the villages along the coast the next day you will be alone with only the reflection of the boat on the mirror-flat water in one of the fjords . Under sails we can silently approach the coastline, so you will get the chance to spot a great variety of wildlife, including many species of whales.
After an only 4 hours short flight from Europe, you will disembark in a completely different world, which we will explore under sails. Every mile will be full of unforgettable emotions.
Our expeditions are suitable for everybody.
One of the goals of our expeditions is also to rise awareness for a more responsible lifestyle towards our planet. We warmly invite you to invest 50 minutes of your time to watch this video, illustrating the dramatic effects of global warming in the arctic region, and, eventually on the whole planet.
http://www.eea.europa.eu/cop15/bend-the-trend/one-degree-matters-movie
NUUK – SISIMIUT
Leaving from Nuuk, which will be your arrival airport, we will navigate along the western coast of Greenland until we reach Sisimiut.
With its 16000 inhabitants, Nuuk is Europe's smallest capital and the oldest settlement in Greenland. The area around Nuuk is riddled with intertwining fjords that offer many sheltered places to anchor.
Here you can admire the 1600m high mountains and turquoise icebergs floating silently in the water. From here we sail to Maniitsoq, a village that spreads out over a group of smaller islands. Then we will enter a magnificent fjord, called Eternity Fjord. On its edges a vast number of glaciers are continually giving birth to new icebergs.
In this area some of Greenlands highest mountains are to be seen directly from the water in which you can spot many different species of whales: humpback whales and fin whales, to only name a few.
Our journey will then lead us north through the Evighedsfjord towards the landmark of Mount Atter (2190m)
Between this fjord and Sisimiut we will find many opportunities to drop the anchor and stay overnight in the middle of the uncontaminated and wild nature of the worlds' most remote place. Before reaching Sisimiut we will cross the Polar Circle which is situated along the 66°33' 39” northern parallel... only very few sailboats can go this far north, so you will be part of a very exclusive experience.
Sisimiut is the second largest city on the Island: 6000 inhabitants and 1300 sled-dogs. Here you will also get a taste of the typical Greenlandish cuisine. You can sample dishes based on Salmon, trout, musk ox
In Sisimiut it is possible to rent jeeps to explore Kangerlussuag, where Russel Glacier is situated, one of the worlds' largest glaciers. You can choose from a wide array of guided tours, which will lead you into this fascinating terrain full of crevasses and rifts.
On the drive from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuag we will be able to spot reindeer, musk oxen and many different species of local birds and flora.
This expedition will be full of different views and impressions. We'll visit two of the largest and most fascinating settlements of Greenland, that are thriving with culture of the indigenous population, the Inuit. On the other side we'll see wild and remote locations with a uncontaminated nature and wildlife. You'll see majestic mountains, cascades, flowering fields, icebergs and many whales, all from the same spot.
SISIMIUT-ILULISSAT / ILULISSAT-ILULISSAT
Greenland is the right spot for everyone that looks for a unique experience off the beaten tracks.
Northern Greenland is probably the most fascinating part of this island.
Here you can admire one of the the most spectacular events nature has to offer, the birth of an iceberg. Only very few people have the opportunity to see this. Illulissat Ice is a UNESCO heritage in Disko Bay. Every day huge chunks of ice break off the glacier and begin their life as floating icebergs. To be able to see this, you have to book a passage on one of our expeditions that leave or arrive at Illulissat.
With its 6000 inhabitants and 1300 sled-dogs Sisimiut is Greenlands' second largest city, after the capital of Nuuk.
Leaving from Sismiut harbour we will leave civilization behind and begin our journey into the wild north of the island. Along the 110 miles to Disko Bay there are many anchoring spots between the islands in which we will stay overnight. We will reach the archipelago of Aasiat, which is known as the “archipelago of the 1000 islands”, this is the entrance to Disko Bay. Inside Disko Bay there are many spots to anchor, we will choose suitable ones on a day-to-day assessment, depending on the weather and the floating ice.
One of these spots merits special mentioning : Avannarliit. Here it is obligatory to disembark and climb up to one of the most spectacular vantage points of the world.
From here you will see an immense carpet of turquoise icebergs, that continuously bumping into each other make their way for the open sea.
Don't miss the visit to Quasigiannguit, a village with 1300 inhabitants, famous for its colourfully painted houses.
The protected bay makes it particularly easy to reach the mainland.
Quasigiannguit is famous for its berries that grow thanks to its mild climate, in which the temperature can climb up to 20°C.
You can also visit the oldest wooden house on Greenland that was built in 1734 and houses the towns' museum.
Throughout Disko Bay you can spot numerous whales which have their habitat in the bay.
To grasp the immense size of the two glaciers, Ilulissat Ice and Kangia Icefjord, don't miss out on a heli-excursion organised by local guides.
ILULISSAT – NUUK
This is our longest expedition. In 21 days you get to see everything this magnificent island has to offer. A unique opportunity for a handful of very lucky people. During the expedition we will visit some of the least explored places of Greenland. We will have enough time to rest at the most beautiful places of this island. All the details of this expedition are described in the paragraphs “Nuuk-Sisimiut” and “Sisimiut – Ilulissat”.
THE CLIMATE
Average Temperatures in Greenland during the warmest months of summer are hardly ever above 10°C (50°F). In the south part, however, especially deep in the fjords temperatures can reach up to 20°C (68°F).
Thanks to the very low humidity and generally very dry air, the low temperatures are not felt as strong as in other parts of the world.
Winds in Greenland around this time of the year are not particularly strong. In fact, there are many days in which the sea is so flat that it looks like an enormous mirror.
FLIGHTS
Flight to Greenland are not expensive and easily available. All points of embarkation/disembarkation are reachable by direct flights from and to Copenhagen. For information and booking: www.airgreenland.com
ICEBERGS
Greenland is the biggest “producer” of icebergs on the northern hemisphere.
They break off the glaciers and begin their voyage throughout the arctic sea , subject only to the wind and marine currents.
Recently a spectacular 260 km2 iceberg broke off Petermann Glacier on the north-eastern coast of Greenland. It was classified as the biggest iceberg formed since 1962.
Icebergs are authentic pieces of art created by nature. Each of them is unique in its constantly changing form. You have to see one of these giants with you own eyes, since apparently no photo-camera is able to catch their immense beauty.
THE FAUNA
In Greenland, the worlds' largest island, the whole variety of arctic fauna can be seen: Whales, seals, walruses and musk oxen can be frequently seen when approaching the coast or within the fjords.
To spot eagles, wolves, arctic foxes and the majestic ice-bear, it is necessary to enter the wild hinterland of the island.
THE MIDNIGHT SUN
Under the midnight sun, the concept of time loses every significance. You could just leave your watch in your luggage, because the day has neither beginning nor end and the sun of an infinite day keeps the small communities awake until early morning hours.
In this period, the landscape becomes a surreal touch and the icebergs and hills are tinted in shades of pink, violet and red.
