From Iceland to Greenland’s mountainous south tip
It all starts with an Ocean Crossing
This expedition begins in Ísafjörður and combines a true ocean crossing with in-depth exploration of South Greenland’s alpine coastline. We start out by crossing the Denmark Strait, a 4–5 day offshore passage where our company is mainly the seabirds, dolphins and a floating greenland-whale if we’re lucky, and we run watches and work as a team to manage the boat in open ocean conditions.
Sailing through Prins Christians Sund
Our landfall depends a bit on the sea ice along Greenland’s east coast, but we aim to reach the spectacular entrance of Prins Christians Sund. From here, we transition from offshore sailing into sheltered waters, navigating one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world, surrounded by steep peaks, glaciers, and drifting ice. Prins Christian’s Sund does not only offer magnificent views, but is a short-cut to the more lush west coast.
Meet the locas!
Once out on the west-coast we move between remote anchorages, going ashore and into alpine terrain, fish in crystal-clear rivers, and experience the scale and isolation of the landscape in this greenest part of Greenland. On our way we aim to stop at places where people live, both smaller villages and bigger towns, among these places like Aappilattoq, Nanortalik, and Qaqortoq. We plan to meet some of the locals and learn more about their culture by being open minded, curious and invite ourselves to a ‘Kaffemik’.
Highlight; Tasermiut Fjord
On this trip the Tasermiut fjord is one of the highlights. This fjord has towering granite walls, sharp ridgelines, and excellent opportunities for hiking both high and low. This area is real wilderness, or like Linda put it when we first sailed there; “Norway on steroids”. There are no roads, cars, electricity lines, only fish in the rivers and the vastness of nature around you.
If time allows we will also visit the Uunartoq hot springs, one of the only hot-springs in Greenland; a peaceful and special place well worth a visit.
This leg of our Greenland 2027 Expedition offers a balance of offshore sailing, hands-on seamanship, and time ashore in a remote and mountainous environment, ending in the town Qaqortoq on Greenland’s southwest coast.
The Ecosystem & Wildlife at South Greenland
Wildlife in South Greenland is closely tied to the rich Arctic marine ecosystem. Cold, nutrient-dense waters support a variety of species, and we often encounter Humpback whales, Minke whales, and occasionally Orcas along the coast. Seals are common around ice and shorelines, while seabirds such as Arctic Tern, Puffin, and guillemots nest along cliffs and follow the boat at sea. On land, the tundra supports hardy vegetation adapted to a short growing season, along with animals like reindeer and Arctic foxes. This ecosystem is shaped by the constant interaction between ocean, ice, and mountains, creating a dynamic environment that changes throughout the season.
The Greenlandic Culture
Along the way, we experience Greenlandic culture in small communities where life remains closely tied to the sea. We aim for many visits ashore, including the chance to join a traditional kaffemik, provide insight into local traditions, hunting culture, and everyday life in the Arctic.
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.
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.
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.
The trip was a great adventure: Open water sailing for miles, sunny days in rarely visited fjords, and iceberg after iceberg.
Greenland-Iceland, Roger Voeller
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome on board in Ísafjörður
We meet on the dock in Ísafjörður at 12:00 on the first day. Here we get to know each other and the boat, go through safety routines on board and the plan for the first days. When our expedition ship is ready, we leave the quay that afternoon. We become a close-knit team quickly as we sail out into the Westfjords on the northwest tip of Iceland, practicing manoeuvres and settling into life on board as the coastline slowly fades behind us.
Day 2–5: Ocean Crossing & First landfall in Greenland
We set course across the Denmark Strait toward Greenland’s east coast. This is a true ocean passage, shaped by weather, swell, and the rhythm of the sea. We expect around four days before landfall, with long horizons and shifting conditions as we approach the edge of Greenland. Our first sight of land is the dramatic eastern entrance to Prins Christians Sund, where we make landfall at Ikerasassuaq. Ikerasassuaq sits on the Eastern entrance of the sound itself. An abandoned weather station clinging to the coastline, surrounded by steep mountains and glacial terrain. We go ashore here after the ocean crossing. Trails lead up from the station into the surrounding hills, offering our first elevated view into what lies ahead. From here we can glimpse down into the entrance of Prins Christians Sund, a preview of the immense fjord system waiting beyond, with towering peaks, glaciers, and drifting ice stretching into the distance. We take time here to stretch our legs, settle after the crossing, and take in the scale of the landscape before us. Depending on conditions, we may spend the night at anchor or alongside in this remarkable and remote place before continuing into the sound the following day.
Day 6–7: Through Prins Christians Sund
We enter Prins Christians Sund and begin the passage westward through one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world. This is a place that has often been described as the most beautiful passage in the world. We have seen for ourselves that this is true. Massive peaks rise directly from the sea, with walls of rock and ice reaching over 1600 metres on both sides of a narrow, winding channel. Glaciers flow straight into the sound, calving ice that drifts silently in our path as we sail between them. The navigation is intimate and constantly changing, shaped by ice, wind, and terrain. We move slowly through the full 110 nautical mile passage, taking time to absorb the scale and silence of the landscape. We visit Aappilattoq along the way, a small settlement of around 100 residents, tucked into a natural harbour beneath steep mountains. Life here is simple and closely tied to fishing and the sea. From here we continue deeper into the sound, surrounded by glaciers, peaks, and drifting ice, before eventually exiting toward South Greenland’s fjord systems.
Day 7–8: Tasermiut Fjord and Nanortalik
We continue into Tasermiut Fjord, one of the most iconic fjord systems in South Greenland. Here the landscape changes again. Towering granite walls rise directly from the sea, with peaks reaching close to 2000 metres. The fjord feels almost vertical in places, with glaciers feeding into side valleys and waterfalls cutting through the rock. We explore the fjord by boat and on foot, moving deeper into this vast natural amphitheatre. There are opportunities for hiking into valleys and across moraine landscapes beneath some of Greenland’s most dramatic mountains. This is also one of the best areas for Arctic char fishing. We go ashore at the many crystal clear rivers that flow into the fjord, casting into freshwater channels where char move between inland systems and the sea. It is quiet, precise fishing in some of the purest water imaginable. When sailing out of the fjord we stop at Nanortalik, which is a Greenlandic word that means ‘the place where polar bears go’. It’s a community tied to the sea and we will meet the people living here for a ‘kaffemik’ and dinner to learn more about the Inuit culture. We have organised a Kaffemik and dinner with local friends here to get to know them better.
Day 9: Hot springs in Uunartoq & Sailing to Hvalsey Church
We sail to Uunartoq, where natural hot springs sit exposed to the Arctic air. We anchor in the bay next to the springs among grounded icebergs. We take the dinghy to the shore and walk up to the springs. Here we take time to relax, soaking in warm water while icebergs drift in the distance. It is a rare contrast of elements, warmth and ice in the same landscape, and a natural pause after days of sailing and hiking.In the evening we continue a short distance into the fjord of Hvalsey and anchor for the night next to the Norse ruins of Hvalsey church, dating back to 1300.
Day 10: Hvalsey Church to Qaqortoq
Long before Columbus sailed west, the Vikings settled here in Greenland and Hvalsey church is one of the best preserved sites of this era. We wake up overlooking these very ruins and launch the dinghy to go and take a look. The area is being considered as a UNESCO world heritage site and as we take a walk around and immerse ourselves in the stories, it is easy to see why. After we then transport ourselves back to our modern viking ship and sail out the fjord to Qaqortoq. Qaqortoq is one of the most vibrant towns in South Greenland and a place with strong cultural roots. Some of our Greenlandic crew members grew up here, and it is a place deeply connected to modern and historical Greenlandic life. We anchor off for the evening and take a walk ashore, maybe we find a place for dinner on the last evening.
Day 11: Trip end in Qaqortoq
This morning we bring the expedition to an end. We clean and pack the boat and say goodbye by at 09:00. For those with time before departure, there is the option to walk or enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in town.
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 Isafjordur, Iceland and ends in Qaqortoq, Greenland.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
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.
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?
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.