Disko Bay and Uummannaq, 2026
Expedition Voyage from/to Ilulissat
This trip, which has a real expedition character, combines two main aspects: Disko Bay, which is particularly famous for its icebergs, but also offers plenty of scenery on land, and then exploring the Nuussuaq peninsula and the northern waters around Uummannaq as an introduction to the high Arctic north of Greenland. Glacier ice in all its diversity and an introduction to the high Arctic: this trip offers both. Humpback whales and perhaps fin whales and minke whales can often be observed in their natural habitat, and there are also exciting landscapes and insights into the life and history of the people in these Arctic regions in Ilulissat and small, more remote settlements. Almost all of these places can only be reached by ship, and thanks to its small size, the “Cape Race” is ideally suited to approaching the intact nature and the inhabitants in a respectful manner.
The planned itinerary
Ice and wind determine the daily course of the expedition. The itineraries listed here are therefore examples.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN COPENHAGEN OR ICELAND
Your Greenland trip starts with the journey to Copenhagen or Keflavík (the international airport of Reykjavík) in Iceland, where you will spend one night in a hotel.
DAY 2: ILULISSAT
Today you fly to Ilulissat. Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 3: EMBARKATION IN ILULISSAT
In the afternoon, the small, cozy MS “Cape Race” awaits you in the harbour with only 12 guests. With its many varnished timbers and historical details, it not only exudes the charm of classic tramp shipping, but can also call at the smallest and most remote bays. After a warm welcome from the crew and the obligatory safety briefing, you move into your cabins.
DAY 3 – 12: DISCO BIGHT AND UUMMANNAQDepending on the weather, we explore the bay by boat or hike to Sermermiut (“inhabitants of the glacier”), an old, abandoned settlement north of Ilulissat, which offers a fantastic view over the famous ice fjord. In the following days, your first sight on deck in the morning will be the huge icebergs that dominate the landscape of Disko Bay and surprise you with their unexpected colors, shapes and dimensions. The ice giants originate from Jakobshavn Isbræ, one of the largest glaciers in the world; from there they reach the sea at a flow rate of up to 40 meters per day and the unimaginable amount of around 35 cubic kilometers of ice per year.
We try to experience the roar of the breaking ice masses of the Eqip Sermia glacier, which flows directly into the sea and is considered the most active glacier in Greenland, from a close but of course safe distance. We then continue to Aasiaat, one of the best places in Greenland for whale watching. On the way north, we pass the remote, abandoned mining town of Qullissat, which was abandoned in 1972. Due to the forced resettlement of the population, the town became a symbol of Denmark’s problematic post-colonial policy in Greenland and the resulting social problems; the museum in Ilulissat deals with this in detail. The northern destination is Uummannaq, a town in the municipality of Qaasuitsup, located on a small island of the same name off the west coast of Greenland. The town has around 1400 inhabitants and is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, including glaciers, icebergs and fjords. One of the main attractions is the Uummannaq Fjord. We explore this spectacular nature not only by boat, but also on numerous short hikes. Overall, Uummannaq is a unique and beautiful destination that offers an insight into the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Greenland.
DAY 13 AND 14: RETURN FLIGHT FROM ILULISSAT TO COPENHAGEN OR ICELAND AND TO YOUR HOME AIRPORT
Disembarkation on the “Cape Race” in Ilulissat and return flight to Denmark or Iceland. Overnight stay in Copenhagen or Keflavík at the airport.
TRAVEL DATES 2026 Time on Board: 11 days / 10 nights |
PRICE PER PERSON IN EURO | |||
Triple Cabin Shower / WC |
Double Cabin Double Bed Shower/WC |
Double Cabin Twin Bed Shower/WC |
Single Cabin Shower / WC | |
02.07.2026 – 15.07.2026 (MARE 10-26) |
€ 12.095,– | € 12.395,– | € 12.395,– | € 12.995,– |
12.07.2024 – 25.07.2024 (MARE 11-26) |
€ 12.095,– |
€ 12.395,– | € 12.395,– | € 12.995,– |
Services included in the tour price
Services not included in the cruise price
Notes Mobility advice |
- German-speaking guided nature cruise
- Month of travel: July 2026
- Embarkation: Ilulissat (Greenland)
- Disembarkation: Ilulissat (Greenland)
- Length of stay on board: 11 days/ 10 nights
- Maximum number of participants: 12 passengers