A true expedition along the West Coast of Greenland
From Qaqortoq to Sisimiut
This expedition follows Greenland’s west coast from Qaqortoq to Sisimiut, combining coastal exploration, glacier sailing, and hands-on offshore passages. It is a journey with focus on sailing at sea and time spent ashore in some of the most remote and striking landscapes in the Arctic.
We begin in Qaqortoq, where we meet on board, complete safety preparations, and immediately go sailing to familiarise ourselves with the vessel and establish the rhythm of expedition life. From there, we head into the ice-filled fjords of Bredefjord, where the inland ice meets the sea in dramatic fashion, icebergs drifting silently past as we anchor beneath the vast ice cap and explore the glacier fronts by dinghy.
Paamiut, a small and Colourful Town & Nuuk, the Capital of Greenland
The journey north involves real offshore sailing. Overnight passages cover the distances between communities, with watches forming naturally as the crew settles into life at sea. These passages include navigation in changing conditions and active participation in sail handling and decision-making. Along the way we visit Paamiut, a small and colourful town once shaped by whaling and trade and home to one of the largest populations of white tailed sea eagles in Greenland, before continuing to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where the traditional and the modern sit side by side.
Eternity Fjord – Greenland’s wildest masterpieceÂ
Further north, the landscape becomes increasingly raw. Maniitsoq sits among jagged peaks and a maze of islands, and the detour into Eternity Fjord reveals glaciers spilling down steep mountainsides into still water on a scale that is difficult to prepare for.
The expedition ends in Sisimiut, crossing the Arctic Circle on the final approach, a moment marked by the traditional ceremony that has welcomed polar sailors for generations. After days of wilderness and open water, the colourful houses of Greenland’s second largest town feel like a fitting place to end the journey.
The Marine Ecosystem
The waters along Greenland’s west coast are among the most productive in the North Atlantic. The West Greenland Current sustains rich fisheries of cod, halibut, and Arctic char, drawing humpback, minke, and fin whales to feed along shallow coastal banks. Beluga whales appear in select fjords, and harbour seals are a constant presence throughout. Coastal cliffs support dense seabird colonies, and river mouths act as vital transition zones where freshwater and saltwater meet, concentrating fish and the wildlife that follows them. For a sailing expedition, this coastline offers encounters with the marine world at close range and in its most undisturbed form.
The Greenlandic Culture
Greenlandic culture is closely tied to the sea, with fishing and hunting central to life in coastal communities. Visits ashore offer insight into this relationship through small towns, local markets, and encounters with people living in close connection with the Arctic environment.
The Great Greenland Expedition 2027
Our Greenland Expeditions 2027 are divided into multiple legs, and participants are welcome to join one or several sections of the route. Together, the 8 departures form a complete exploration of Greenland, starting and ending in Iceland.Â
On all our expeditions we explore the fjords, glaciers, and remote settlements, using the boat as a base for going ashore. Hiking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing local culture are key parts of the journey, alongside the sailing itself.
The voyage is both an adventure and a hands-on learning experience. Throughout the expedition, you will take part in watchkeeping, navigation, sail handling, and decision-making at sea. This is an opportunity to build real offshore sailing experience while being part of a functioning expedition crew.
Join as part of the crew on board
From SeilNorge we will be skipper, co-skipper and an extra crew and guide on board. En route for sail or motor, we include everyone on board in the sailing. We will mostly sail around the clock, and divide everyone into watch teams. Where we rotate with 4 hours on and 8 hours off. In addition, we add a few shorter shifts each afternoon, so that the night shifts also rotate between the watch teams throughout the expedition.Â
Our expedition vessel, Valiente
On this expedition we’re using our 70-foot expedition boat Valiente. She is a very stable and comfortable boat built in steel for sailing in arctic waters. The boat is well equipped and has large outdoor areas, and a wheelhouse and a saloon with a 360-degree view. Read more about Valiente and see pictures and a movie here.
Environment and sustainability
The Arctic is a vulnerable region under increasing pressure from both human activity and climate change. At SeilNorge, we aim to minimise our impact wherever we go.
We believe that small boats with fewer people, lower emissions, and minimal waste leave a much lighter footprint than large vessels and cruise ships. In the places we visit we collect litter rather than leaving anything behind — aiming to leave a positive handprint.
In Svalbard and Greenland, we follow AECO’s guidelines for encounters with wildlife, beach cleaning, cultural heritage sites and for visitors and operators in the Arctic. You can read more about AECO’s guidelines here.
This is a spectacular trip full of varied highlights. We explored this relatively unknown part of Greenland at a good pace and saw some spectacular sights. Life on board was comfortable, the food was good and it was great to go ashore to explore.
Greenland, Nikki Lindsey
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome on board in Qaqortoq
We meet in the harbour in Qaqortoq at 16:00. After a warm welcome, we get to know each other, go through safety procedures, and settle into life on board. We go for a short sail to familiarise ourselves with the vessel and get the expedition underway. As we leave the harbour, Qaqortoq begins to slip behind us and the coastline opens out into the surrounding fjords and open water. The boat settles into motion, and we take the first opportunity to handle sails, steer, and get comfortable moving around on deck. We spend our first night at anchor.
Day 2 Sailing to the Ice Cap at Bredefjord
Today we sail deeper into the fjord system. Over the next 40 nautical miles, the landscape gradually shifts, green slopes giving way to raw glacial terrain.
By afternoon, we reach the edge of the inland ice. Icebergs drift silently past as we anchor beneath the vast ice cap, preparing for a closer exploration, we put the dinghy in the water and plan to go ashore if the weather allows us.Â
Day 3 Glacier exploration and first overnight passage
We start the day with a morning cruise among the glacier fronts where the inland ice meets the sea. Over breakfast, we sail slowly past towering walls of ice, watching and listening for the deep cracks and distant thunder of calving glaciers as the ice shifts and moves around us.Â
By late morning or, we set our course north and begin our first major offshore passage. From here, the focus shifts to sailing and watchkeeping as we settle into life at sea, covering around 170 nautical miles toward Paamiut through the evening and night.
Day 4 Paamiut & Nuuk
We arrive in Paamiut, a small and colourful town rich in history, once shaped by whaling and trade, and home to one of the largest populations of white tailed sea eagles in Greenland. Going ashore by dinghy, we take a walk through the village, perhaps following old trails to viewpoints overlooking the Davis Strait. After some time exploring, we return to the boat and continue north. Back at sea, we settle once more into the rhythm of sailing, covering approximately 140 nautical miles toward Nuuk. If conditions allow, we may anchor near the historic old town of FrederikshĂĄb.
Day 5 Nuuk, Culture and Fjord Anchorage
We wake near Nuuk and go ashore to explore Greenland’s capital. Here, we can visit the National Museum to learn more about Inuit culture and history, stroll through town, and experience the blend of traditional and modern Arctic life. There may also be an opportunity to visit the hunters’ market and shop for local delicacies such as musk ox or mattak. In the evening, we return to the boat and sail into the surrounding fjords, perhaps Kobbefjord or Ameralik, where we anchor in a quiet, remote setting.
Day 6 Fjord Hiking, Fishing and Sailing North
We wake in a peaceful fjord anchorage, surrounded by steep mountains and still water. After breakfast, we go ashore for a hike, either a steady climb toward panoramic views or a gentler exploration through valleys and rivers. There is also the chance to try fishing, with Arctic char often found in these waters. In the evening, we lift anchor and sail north once more, covering around 95 nautical miles toward Maniitsoq.
Day 7 Maniitsoq Mountains, Wildlife and Exploration
Jagged peaks and a maze of islands surround Maniitsoq, one of Greenland’s most characterful towns. Known for its dramatic landscapes, rich bird and marine life, and nearby glaciers, the area offers excellent hiking opportunities. We go ashore to explore, climb above the town for sweeping views, and take in the unique atmosphere of this remote Arctic community.
Day 8 Eternity Fjord and Arctic wilderness
We venture into the breathtaking Eternity Fjord. Here, glaciers spill down steep mountainsides into the fjord, and the scale of the landscape is immense. We spend the day exploring, sailing deeper into the fjord and hiking ashore.
Day 9 Final sailing to Sisimiut
We leave the fjords behind and sail the final stretch north, 77NM toward Sisimiut. back in our watch system one more time. As we approach, colourful houses appear against the rugged coastline, marking our arrival in Greenland’s second largest town. After days of wilderness and open sea, Sisimiut feels lively and welcoming. Today we cross the Arctic Circle becoming true polar sailors, there is even a traditional ceremony for those first-timers. We celebrate our journey in Sisimiut by meeting some of the local people for Kaffemik to learn more about their way of life and their culture, afterwards we gather together with a final evening in town.
Day 10 Goodbye for now in Sisimiut
We wake up in Sisimiut and enjoy a relaxed final morning. After breakfast, we tidy the boat, pack our gear, and say goodbye at 09:00.
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike in the mountains or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure! Are you?
Sailing Route
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper with local knowledge on board
- Co-skipper and crew/guide on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Survival suit and Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance for everyone on board
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Departure and arrival
This trip start in Qaqortoq, and end in Sisimiut, Greenland.
You find more information about the travel, equipment and packing under Practical information
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Our trips aren’t overly strenuous – we rotate positions and tasks, so everyone gets a mix of hands-on sailing and time to relax. Staying active helps prevent seasickness, and if it strikes, it usually passes quickly. Weather up north is unpredictable, one moment it’s smooth sailing and the next the wind picks up, and you’re in the middle of a proper Arctic adventure. Be ready for anything from calm winds to rough weather – because that’s what makes the journey unforgettable!
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.Â
When you’re sailing with us you will be taking part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it.
You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together is what creates the best and most memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?Â
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.
Safety and risk on our expeditions
As mentioned, we take safety very seriously. Even more so on our expeditions, as we then explore really remote waters and terrain, cross open oceans and sail into areas with additional risk factors such as sea ice or poor charts and uncharted waters. We deal with this by having an extra focus on the situations we may encounter among everyone on board, for each expedition. We sail in these remote areas only in the most optimal seasons; and we use larger and very solid boats for our expeditions. Which are both equipped and sized to cope with this type of expedition trips and waters very well.
We are absolutely certain that sailing is the safest and most accessible way to visit these very inaccessible places we go on our expeditions. However, all sailing in general, and particularly sailing in arctic regions and over open seas, involves a certain risk that you must be aware of when joining.
Level and goals of the expedition
Some have their first sailing experience ever, joining us on an ocean crossing! Please note that our expeditions require a certain physical health and mobility level.
The boats we sail on our expeditions are larger, robust and sit well in the sea. On our sailing expeditions we both sail in more coastal, sheltered waters, and cross open stretches of waters. On some of our expeditions even ocean crossings over several days at sea. An incredibly wonderful and special experience!
Weather dictates our journey, and we adapt each expedition’s program accordingly, often allowing extra days for flexibility in assessing and choosing optimal weather windows. Despite planning and preparations, we can’t control the weather, so be prepared for various conditions. Please understand that specific goals or landings, especially in areas lacking proper harbors or sheltered waters, are never guaranteed. Consequently, we cannot be held liable for changes to the itinerary or the inability to reach the planned goal, or set foot on specific islands due to sea state, wind, or weather conditions.
The proximity to nature’s forces on such expeditions is a rare and rewarding experience.
On expeditions, we sail with many participants, forming watch teams for a solid on board team spirit. Rotating watches around the clock ensures active involvement without without wearing you out.
As everyone participates actively during the week or more on board, seasickness is rare. If you anticipate seasickness, consider bringing remedies, such as seasickness plasters, often effective for longer expeditions. Consult your doctor for advice on seasickness and any necessary medications. Feel free to ask us about seasickness as well.