Northern Lights Cruise – BD1031

Planned Landings:

Reykjavik, Flatey, Látrabjarg, Reykjavik, Blomsterbugten, Botanikerbugt, Hofmann Halvø, Holm Bay, Ella Ø (Island), Ittoqqortoormiit, Ø Fjord, Røde Oya, Rødefjord, Scoresby Sund, Reykjavik

ICELAND

Flatey

This little island, whose name means “Flat Island,” is one of the largest in Breiðafjörður Bay and is inhabited mostly in summer. The colorful, century-old houses are so well preserved that a walk through the picturesque village feels like stepping back in time. Iceland’s oldest and smallest library is here.

Látrabjarg

The largest bird cliff in Europe is home to about 40 percent of the world’s razorbills, as well as guillemots, fulmars and auks, plus Atlantic puffins, which nest here in the summer. Látrabjarg was also the site of a dramatic rescue in 1947, when British fishermen were shipwrecked below, and local farmers, trained in scaling the steep cliffs to collect eggs, hauled the 12 survivors up in a rope chair.

Reykjavik

Iceland has been ranked by the United Nations as one of the best countries in which to live. Its capital, Reykjavik (which means “Smoky Bay”), was named by the country’s first settler, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson, who was inspired by the geothermal mist rising from the ground.

Vestfjords (Westfjords)

Rich in Viking history, Iceland’s oldest region is renowned for its dramatic and diverse landscape. The rugged coast of this untouched, remote peninsula is dramatized by a series of steep, soaring cliffs—with some colorful beaches in between—boasting an astounding abundance of seabirds, including the clown-like puffin.

EAST GREENLAND

Blomsterbugten

Known as the Bay of Flowers, Blomsterbugten boasts a colorful and lush landscape that is quite different from other Arctic regions like Spitsbergen. Expect spectacular fall colors, with possible hike to Noa Lake.

Botanikerbugt

In Kong Oscar Fjord (King Oscar Fjord), this bay is home to a variety of flora. It is on the south coast of mountainous Ymer Oya (Ymer Island), part of Northeast Greenland National Park.

Hofmann Halvø

This can be a great location for viewing muskoxen. The peninsula is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers while at sea.

Denmark Island.

Encounter stunning icebergs before hiking across Denmark Island, which offers stupendous views of Scoresbysund and Fønfjord below.

Holm Bay and Ella Ø (Ella Island)

Toward the northern end of Scoresby Land is Kong Oscar Fjord (King Oscar Fjord). Holm Bay is a common landing site here, offering panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding area. Within the fjord, and hence within Northeast Greenland National Park, lies Ella Ø (Ella Island). The Danish navy unit called Sirius Sledge Patrol trains here in summer. Muskoxen may also be spotted.

Ittoqqortoormiit

Around 500 people call this northern settlement home. Traditional hunting and fishing ways are alive and well here, as are the northern lights! This is known as one of the best places to have a chance of seeing the mysterious aurora borealis.

Ø Fjord

One of the many fjords in Scoresbysund, this deep fjord, which is also known as Island Fjord, is truly impressive, flanked by towering mountains and dotted with large icebergs.

Røde Oya

Touring Røde Oya, or Red Island, rewards with stunning views of white and blue icebergs against a background of soaring red sandstone cliffs. The unexpected contrast makes for striking photos.

Rødefjord

Red Fjord, or Rødefjord, is named for the colorful sandstone located on its western side. The stone has been “stained” red by hematite, creating an odd beauty in this part of Greenland.

Scoresby Sund

Revered by many as the most beautiful fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund is definitely the most extensive. The sound was named by William Scoresby Jr., a whaler, scientist and man of the cloth, who was famed for mapping more than 400 miles (640 km) of Greenland’s coastline.