The warmest welcomes in the Arctic
Greenland is a revelation. One of the world’s most enigmatic places, its natural beauty, fascinating culture and impressive wildlife remain a mystery to many. It’s this very mystery that draws in our most curious and intrepid travellers, and remains one of the many reasons to visit Greenland. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore even more of this incredible territory, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions has the expedition for you.
With HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, you’ll be accompanied by our Expedition Team, which not only knows the land but loves it. They take pride and pleasure in sharing its beauty with you, walking you through streets of brightly coloured buildings in the capital city, leading you through the scenic strait along Vaigat Sound and helping you spot its rich and varied wildlife, whether you’re in a kayak, on foot or onboard your ship.
Be swept away by the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with towering icebergs in a sea of deep blue. Here on the west coast of Greenland, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves ice into the sea under the glow of the midnight sun.
Here in the only permanent settlement in Scoresby Sound, you’ll get a rare insight into the lifestyle of the people of Ittoqqortoormiit, attending a cultural performance, perhaps sampling some local dishes and observing handicrafts being made.
Qeqertarsuaq is unlike anywhere else in Greenland, with its glittering black sand beaches, volcanic rock formations and colourful buildings. Perfect for whale watching and hiking.
Nestled on the territory's west coast is its capital – the thriving modern settlement of Nuuk. The city is one of the most photogenic you’ll ever see, with its blend of painted gable-roofed houses and modern architecture.
Nature as it should be seen
This vast, interconnected ecosystem is most varied in the ice-free periphery of the island. Here you’ll have a chance to spot an incredible array of wildlife: everything from Musk Oxen and Arctic Foxes to White-tailed Eagles and Snowy Owls. Humpback, Blue and Fin Whales teem along the coastline, while Polar Bears are occasionally spotted in the Northeast Greenland National Park.
Warm blood in a cold climate
Greenland’s short summers and cold winters have given rise to visible adaptations in its mammal population, with thick fur insulating them from the harsh environments in which they thrive. Three species – Polar Bears, Arctic Hares and Arctic Foxes – have white or translucent coats for camouflage in the snow and lesser-spotted animals, like the Musk Ox, Arctic Lemmings, reindeer, Arctic Wolves and wolverines, have also evolved to flourish in this unique environment.
On sea and shore
As you skim the unspoiled coastline of Greenland, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the sixteen species of cetacean that have been recorded in coastal waters, including Minke, Humpback and Beluga Whales. You may see porpoises and dolphins, who sometimes feed in the food-rich waters around fjords, and observe different species of seal basking and playing on the shore. If you’re extremely lucky, you may even spot the near-mythical Narwhal.
Skies teeming with life
Greenland plays host to a diverse range of birdlife, with around 230 observed species either living there year-round or else visiting as a seasonal migrant from North or Central America. Around the shores you might see skuas, Northern Fulmars and Glaucous Gulls, while on land, Lapland Buntings and Snow Buntings are common breeders. You may even spot a Sea Eagle – a majestic bird of prey that’s the largest in Greenland, with a wingspan of up to 2.5m.
The best time to travel
Whale watching
The best time to see whales in Greenland is from mid-summer to late autumn, usually during June, July, and August. Up to 15 species swim the waters of Greenland through the year and you’ll have the chance to spot Fin, Humpback and Minke Whales from the ship or our smaller expedition boats. In the winter, some lesser-spotted species visit Disko Bay and Qaanaaq, such as Beluga and Bowhead whales and even the much sought-after narwhal.
Experience Greenland with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Since 1896, we’ve been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world.
Explore in our expedition boats
Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the coastline, spotting seals, and whales and landing in remote areas to explore on foot. Then return to your stylish and comfortable expedition ship to relax and refuel before your next adventure.
Take to the waters by kayak
Enjoy a unique view of Greenland from the surface of the water, paddling serenely through the land that invented the kayak, or qajaq, thousands of years ago. It’s the perfect way to navigate the narrower fjords, get closer to Greenland’s wildlife in its own habitat and connect with traditional Inuit culture.
Close-knit communities
The people of Greenland share a love of their land and maintain pride in its traditions. To get to know them better, you may be invited to a kaffemik – a casual social gathering at someone's home, where you'll enjoy strong, hot coffee and delicious food. Thanks to our strong connections with local communities, you may even get to see some beautiful national dress and hear traditional songs.
Experience Ilulissat Icefjord
The spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sight unlike any other, where icebergs calve from the planet’s fastest moving glacier. Not far away, you’ll find some of the island’s best hot springs, where you can immerse yourself in the natural warm water, surrounded by more towering icebergs and snow-dusted mountains.
One of the world’s smallest capitals
Enjoy the colourful and compact capital of Greenland, with its historic buildings, bustling waterfront and National Museum, home to the famed 500-year-old mummies of Qilakitsoq and a wide range of Viking finds. Stop for a moment at the charming wooden Nuuk Cathedral, gaze down at the water below and see the beautiful and iconic Mother of the Sea statue before exploring more of this fascinating window onto modern Greenland.
What our guests say
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to Greenland with HX includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Food
Enjoy daily culinary adventures in our onboard restaurants. Here you’ll be served beautifully prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting with a generous morning buffet and ending with an exquisite dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients by our onboard chefs.
Drinks
Your day begins with freshly brewed coffee and tea, followed by a selection of hot and cold drinks available at all times. After a day on the ice, relax with a glass of wine or beer, or toast your voyage with an expertly mixed cocktail. Drinks are served all day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).
Activities
Every day, you’ll be joined by our Expedition Team. Our guides are carefully chosen experts in fields like natural history and climate science, and they’ll lead you on hikes, community visits and small boat trips, offering vital information and insight all the way. They’ll also deliver fascinating talks in our onboard lecture hall, accompany you in our Science Centre and brief you on the next day’s schedule.
Life onboard
A stay onboard any HX Hurtigruten Expeditions ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Spitsbergen, MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Fram, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expedition travel, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other.
Comfort and style
With HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, you’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. Our spacious suites include private balconies, walk-in closets, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. All designed to envelop you in comfort and relaxation, allowing you to reflect peacefully on the day’s discoveries and gather your energy for the next.
Culinary exploration
Our restaurants offer a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared onboard using fresh ingredients. Our expert chefs bring their passion for food and travel to the table, incorporating local additions where possible, and working to keep their kitchens and creations sustainable.
Rest and relaxation
After hours of trekking over ice and sailing frozen seas, thawing out in our sauna or relaxing in our spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All ships include an outdoor hot tub and some have a pool, others offer massages and beauty treatments. All well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.
A deeper understanding
The heart of an HX expedition lies in our onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. It’s also where you'll find our Expedition Team.
Feed your curiosity
Curiosity is the key to an extraordinary expedition with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. As you explore, you’ll find yourself drawn to find out more about the natural wonders you see and explore, and our Science & Education Program is there to enhance your knowledge and understanding. It’s an immersive learning experience, allowing you to find out more about landscapes, plants and wildlife across Greenland, supported by experts along the way. You’ll even have the opportunity to support real-time research and collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet.
Active learning
The Science Centre is where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll use advanced microscopes to analyse sea water, fossils and biological samples collected earlier in the field, and there are lecture spaces, a small library and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and more.
Expert guidance
Our onboard Expedition Team is here to share their wealth of knowledge with you and help you make good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art Science Centre. The team also includes guest scientists conducting their own research while on board, and will only be too happy to share their findings with you.
Get involved
We‘re proud to support many vital Citizen Science projects on board our ships, including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, studies into Phytoplankton communities and many more. You're welcome to get involved in any projects that spark your interest, contributing valuable data to long-term research and playing your part in expanding our understanding of this extraordinary place.
Meet our Expedition Leader
The HX Foundation
HX Foundation is a collaboration between HX, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.
