West Greenland Trip: From Disko Bay to Uummannaq

We recommend that you arrive at least one day before departure to allow for any flight irregularities and possible baggage loss. We also recommend that you book your entire trip, including arrival and departure as well as pre- and post-program activities, through inventia so that we can intervene in the event of any irregularities.

Days 2–9: Expedition to
You’ll enjoy breakfast with a view of the volcanic cliffs of Diskos Island. The island is unique for its geology and lush vegetation, standing out against the otherwise ice-covered bay. The island is perfect for beautiful hikes, and the columnar basalt rock formations bear witness to the island’s volcanic history.

You’ll visit Qeqertarsuaq —the settlement on the island—and explore the beautiful natural surroundings and the colorful town itself.

As the MS Balto leaves Qeqertarsuaq, it heads toward the caves on the east side, where humpback whales have often been spotted feeding. Occasionally, you’ll hear the mighty thunder of a massive iceberg calving in the bay. The journey continues up the picturesque Vaigat Strait. Along the way, you’ll pass several impressive glacier fronts and navigate among countless icebergs.

This part of Greenland is home to many impressive and active glaciers. One of the glaciers you can explore is Eqip Sermia, one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. It’s a unique experience to hear the explosive sound of air being released as the glacier calves.

Further northwest along the Vaigat Strait, you’ll be surrounded by impressively high cliffs and massive icebergs. You’ll round the tip of the Nuussuaq Peninsula, which separates Disko Bay from Uummannaq Bay. This area is known as the home of numerous wild animals, including whales, seals, walruses, reindeer, and foxes.

The MS Balto anchors off the remote village of Niaqornat, better known as “the village at the end of the world.” About 50 people live in the village, some of whom are proud hunters who display narwhal tusks, walrus skulls, polar bear skins, and antlers in their huts. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the local culture.

The approach to Uummannaq Island is a breathtaking sight in any weather, whether on a clear, sunny day or when the heart-shaped mountain or coastal cliffs rise out of the mist. You will most likely be accompanied by whales splashing around near the ship. Legend has it that a piece of visitors’ hearts remains on Uummannaq Island, always trying to call them back. Whether it is the magical mountain that defines the island’s landscape or the singing children on shore that draw them in remains to be seen.

The plan is to visit the town of Uummannaq, with its old settlers' houses, the church, the museum, and the remains of the failed Arctic expeditions in this area.

Further east, you’ll come upon several highly active glaciers, from which numerous shimmering blue icebergs are cast into the sea. Very few ships venture this far, and many of the fjord systems remain unnamed. The crew of the MS Balto, who were fortunate enough to explore this area, describe it as one of the most impressive landscapes in North Greenland.

As you head southwest, you’ll likely witness a spectacular display of massive icebergs and the phenomena they create—they’ll spin, break apart, and perhaps send huge plumes of water into the sea. The journey continues along the rarely visited western side of Disko Island, where you’ll explore fjords teeming with geological wonders.