From Reykjavik to Greenland with Anita
Day 1 – Magic in Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík, and what a magical place to start. Nestled between dramatic volcanic landscapes and the icy blue North Atlantic, Reykjavík was the perfect introduction to this extraordinary journey.
A real highlight was visiting Perlan, a stunning glass-domed building perched atop Öskjuhlíð hill. It’s part museum, part observatory—completely unforgettable. Inside, I explored fascinating exhibits that brought Iceland’s geological story to life, but the most surreal moment came when stepping into the Ice Cave.
This man-made tunnel, built from real snow and ice, is kept at freezing temperatures. Walking through its shimmering walls felt like stepping into the heart of a glacier. The soft lighting gave the ice an ethereal glow—it truly felt like another world.
From the top of the building, the 360° observation deck offered sweeping views across Reykjavík and the distant mountains. A quiet, reflective spot to take in the beauty of Iceland before we set sail.
That night, we had a local wine tasting and a 3-course dinner back at our hotel, and later a bunch of us headed to a nearby bar for drinks and laughs.
Day 2 – Sea Day – Science & Flavours of South America
Our first full day at sea was the perfect mix of discovery and indulgence. I spent time in the Science Centre, one of the ship’s standout features. The interactive displays made learning about the polar regions genuinely enjoyable and helped frame what we were about to witness over the next few days.
Dinner that night was a themed South American experience at Restaurant Friedheim—vibrant spices, colourful dishes, and a great atmosphere. A flavourful end to a thoughtful, relaxed day.
Day 3 – Slowing Down at Sea
Today was all about taking it slow and enjoying the comforts of expedition life. I treated myself to the sauna and spa, soaking in the peace and calm. Later, we gathered for dinner at Restaurant Lindstrøm where a three-course meal and warm service made it a truly special evening. It felt luxurious and cosy, all at once.
Day 4 – Icebergs, Wildlife & Magic Moments
This was a day I’ll never forget. Out on the observation deck with the Expedition Team, we were surrounded by drifting ice, majestic icebergs, and even caught a few whale sightings. The crisp Arctic air, the stillness of the sea—it felt like time had paused.
In the afternoon, things only got better. The ice formations grew more impressive, each one sculpted by nature into a work of art. And then came our first seal sightings—lounging on the ice, watching us as curiously as we watched them. A moment of pure magic in the heart of the Arctic.
Day 5 – Qaqortoq – Our First Steps in Greenland
Today we reached Qaqortoq, Greenland. Arriving by tender boat gave everything a heightened sense of adventure. On land, we wandered through the colourful town, meeting locals and admiring the homes tucked against dramatic hills.
An optional tour took us on a 20-minute fast boat ride to visit the Agricultural School and Farm. It was fascinating to learn about how they manage to grow produce in such a remote place—and the sweetest surprise was meeting a newborn lamb, just one hour old when we arrived. Such a heartfelt, unexpected moment that captured the spirit of this place.
Day 6 – Glacial Waters & Viking History
We started the day in the breathtaking bay of Inneruulaik, surrounded by cliffs and shimmering blue ice. Out on the zodiacs, we cruised past towering glaciers in total stillness. The colours, the air, the silence—it was a deeply moving experience. Every turn revealed another majestic view.
Later, we made our way to Qassiarsuk, a historic Viking settlement. I joined the optional hike, which took us 300 metres uphill and through incredible scenery—fjords, valleys, and rugged green hills. It was challenging, but every step paid off in views. We followed it with a guided tour of the Norse ruins, where we learned about Erik the Red and the Viking legacy in Greenland. A powerful blend of nature and history that left me in awe.
Day 7 –A Taste of Greenland & Ivittuut’s Forgotten Past
Today’s land excursion was all about local flavour — and it didn’t disappoint! We visited the Qajaq Brewery in the small town of Narsaq, where we were warmly welcomed by Brew Master Isaac. He took us on a relaxed and interesting tour of the brewery, explaining how they craft their beer, gin, and vodka using pure glacier water. Yes — actual glacier water! No wonder everything tasted so crisp and clean.
After the tour, we got to enjoy tastings of their creations. The beers were fresh and full of flavour, and the gin and vodka had a smoothness that surprised us all. It was such a fun experience — learning about the brewing process, chatting with Isaac, and of course, sampling some of Greenland’s best. A great way to spend the afternoon — cheers to Qajaq Brewery!
Later in the day, we stepped back in time as we took a zodiac from our ship to the deserted town of Ivittuut, nestled on Greenland’s southwestern coast. Once a thriving mining settlement, Ivittuut holds a fascinating place in history. This was the world’s largest known source of cryolite, a rare mineral crucial in aluminium production. In fact, cryolite from Ivittuut played a significant role during World War II, making the site strategically important.
We wandered through the now-abandoned town, where the remnants of buildings, machinery, and homes stand quietly against the Arctic backdrop. There’s a haunting beauty to the place — nature slowly reclaiming what was once bustling with life and industry.
Day 8 – Kayaking through the Fjords
Words can’t describe the beauty that surrounds you. This is a highly recommended excursion. I had the opportunity to be paired with one of the Expedition Team members, which made this experience even more special. Fun & laughter.
Day 9 – Kvanefjord & Science in Action
Today we explored the majestic beauty of Kvanefjord on a zodiac expedition that took us right to the edge of a stunning glacier. Cruising through calm waters surrounded by towering cliffs and floating ice — the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking. The glacier’s icy face glowed with shades of blue and white, with cracks and crevices revealing the power inside. Another unforgettable day in Greenland.
In the afternoon, I joined the Science Boat excursion — a fantastic initiative by HX Expeditions. Guests assist the Science Expedition Crew in collecting samples and data for ongoing research. It was fun, hands-on, and really gave us a deeper appreciation for the environment and the important work being done.
Day 10 – Fiskenæsset, Greenland: A Heartwarming Farewell
Today marked our final port visit on this unforgettable expedition cruise, and what a special way to end it. We arrived in the picturesque coastal town of Fiskenæsset, one of Greenland’s oldest settlements. Framed by colourful houses and rocky shoreline, the town offered a truly authentic and welcoming atmosphere.
The highlight of the day was being invited to a traditional kaffemik — a cherished Greenlandic custom where locals open their homes to share coffee, cake, and conversation. It was a genuine honour to be welcomed so warmly, and to have the opportunity to connect on such a personal level.
As we sipped coffee and sampled delicious homemade treats, we learned more about daily life in this remote part of the world. The sense of community and hospitality was truly heartwarming.
Day 11 – Final Zodiac Expedition – Kobbefjord, Greenland
Today marked the final day of our extraordinary voyage — and what a way to finish. We embarked on our last zodiac expedition, gliding through the still, frozen sea ice of Kobbefjord, Greenland. The silence was breathtaking, broken only by the gentle crunch of the ice as we navigated through this surreal, icy wonderland.
Today also happened to be my birthday — one I will never forget. Celebrating in such a remote and majestic place. An unforgettable end to an unforgettable journey.
