Remote Greenland on a small ship
from Akureyri to Longyearbyen
14 days (13 nights)
MS Plancius
14 days (13 nights) Arctic expedition on the small ship MS Plancius (max. 108 passengers) from Akureyri (Iceland) via Scoresby Sund in East Greenland to Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) with possible northern lights sightings
Travel dates with German-speaking support:
August 25 – September 7, 2026 | MS Plancius, max. 108 passengers
On this ship expedition to northeast Greenland, you will travel along a rare route to rarely visited , dramatically wild coasts.
You will navigate through the world's largest fjord system – Scoresby Sund – and, with a little luck , encounter whales, seabirds, and walruses. Then you will continue north through some of the most beautiful straits and fjords in the north. Sea ice and polar bears accompany you on your route, and you will repeatedly reach exciting landing opportunities.
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During the hikes, it is always worth keeping a watchful eye on the horizon: musk oxen can often be seen grazing – and with a little luck , you may also spot Arctic foxes, snow hares, or other Arctic animals. Robust Zodiacs take you out to more remote areas. You glide through drifting ice to hidden landing sites. You may even spot a polar bear in the wild. In the summer months, there is also the chance to encounter small groups of narwhals, the mysterious "unicorns of the sea," deep in the fjords.
It is not only the experiences on the water and on land that make your Arctic expedition a long-lasting experience. A team of renowned scientists and experienced guides will also travel with you, so that you will not only take home fantastic impressions of the Arctic landscape and wildlife, but also a wealth of knowledge about history, geology, and ecology.
At the time of your trip, the probability of colorful auroras dancing across the Arctic night sky is also particularly high!
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer various individual travel packages including flights, hotels in Akureyri and Longyearbyen, as well as transfers and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.
Entry requirements: German citizens need a passport to enter Iceland. Current information from the German Foreign Office on entering Greenland can be found here. Read here to find out what you need to bear in mind when entering Svalbard.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord system with enormous icebergs
- Striking basalt columns in Viking Bay
- The striped rocky slopes of the Berzelius Mountains
- Impressive relics of the Thule culture in Eskimo villages
- Arctic everyday life in Ittoqqortoormiit, the "Gateway to the Arctic"
- Gigantic icebergs more than a kilometer long at Sydkap
- Possible sightings of Arctic hares, musk oxen, ptarmigans, walruses, whales, and polar bears
- Possible observation of auroras on clear nights
route
itinerary
advance information
Your journey to Akureyri and your departure from Longyearbyen are not included in the price of your trip.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Akureyri to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Day 1: Start of the trip in Iceland
Today, your ship will depart from the port of Akureyri in the early evening. The first whales can often be spotted at the mouth of the fjord. During the night, you will cross the Arctic Circle.
One option for your first day of travel: If you wish, you can take a charter bus from the bus stop at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in Austurbakki, Reykjavik, to the embarkation port in Akureyri. You will reach your ship after a scenic 6-hour drive through northern Iceland. (Transfer subject to a fee, bookable in advance)
Day 2: En route to East Greenland
During the journey north, with a little luck you will see fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, guillemots – and perhaps even whales. Towards evening, the first icebergs appear as you reach the east coast of Greenland at Cape Brewster. Anticipation of the discoveries of the coming days fills the fresh Arctic air.
Day 3: Entering Scoresby Sound
Today you will reach Scoresby Sound and cruise along the glacier-carved Volquart Boons Coast. You may also take a Zodiac ride along the glacier fronts or marvel at the basalt columns and ice formations in Vikingebugt.
In the afternoon, a trip along the east coast of Milne Land is planned, passing numerous enormous icebergs. If it is possible to land at Charcot Havn, you can walk to the Charcot Glacier. The journey then continues to the small archipelago of Bjørneøer, the "Bear Islands."
Day 4: Gigantic icebergs & polar hares
In the morning, you are very likely to encounter enormous icebergs. Dimensions of over 100 meters in height and more than a kilometer in length are not uncommon. Many of them have run aground in the shallow fjord (about 400 meters deep). This is followed by a landing near Sydkap with a magnificent view of Hall Bredning and a good chance of seeing snow hares.
Today's long hike leads from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km northeast), where the river from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. The plan is to walk along the coast in a southerly direction to Satakajik. Along the way, you will discover whale bones and the remains of Thule summer houses. Guests who do not wish to take part in the long hike will rejoin the group here for the second excursion of the day.
Day 5: Landing in Ittoqqortoormiit
In the morning, you will dock at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only settlement in Scoresby Sound with around four hundred inhabitants. Visit the local post office to buy stamps for your postcards or simply stroll through the village, where you will discover sled dogs and the skins of seals, polar bears, and musk oxen hanging on display.
In the afternoon, the journey continues north along the picturesque coastal landscapes of Liverpool Land. During the night, you will enter Kong Oscar Fjord.
Day 6: Segelsällskapets Fjord or Alpfjord
Today you will reach Segelsällskapets Fjord, whose northern side is lined with the striking, striped slopes of the Berzelius Mountains. You will go ashore on the south coast, where ancient sedimentary formations lie at your feet. A hike will take you close to a small lake, where you will have a good chance of seeing musk oxen, arctic hares, and ptarmigans.
Alternatively, the ship will sail into Alpefjord, which owes its name to the pointed Alpine peaks that surround it. There, you can enjoy a Zodiac ride around the Gully Glacier, which used to block access to the interior of the fjord. This will take you deep into the fjord system.
Day 7: Discoveries in Antarctic Sound
Early in the morning, you will pass the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. You will then reach Devil's Castle, a striking mountain with impressive layered rock formations. On the opposite side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt, the planned landing area. In the afternoon, surrounded by icebergs, you will cross the majestic Emperor Franz Joseph Fjord and Mackenzie Bay.
Day 8: On the trail of the Thule culture at Eskimonaes
Today, a landing is planned at Eskimonaes on the south coast of Clavering Ø. This is the place where Douglas Clavering encountered a small group of people from the Thule culture in 1823. It was the only time that representatives of this culture were observed alive in northeast Greenland. However, the legacy of their life and work can still be found throughout Greenland today.
Day 9: Islands with polar history
From early morning until late evening, you will sail past historic islands where the first polar expeditions landed over a hundred years ago: Sabine Ø and Bass Rock (the Pendulum Islands), where Edward Sabine conducted his famous pendulum experiments in 1823 and where the huts of the Baldwin-Ziegler polar expedition were later erected. During the night, you will pass Shannon Ø.
Day 10: Koldewey Store
This elongated island was named after the second German polar expedition under Koldewey (1869–70). If possible, go ashore at the historic points of Cape Alf Trolle or Cape Ahrend. You are now deep in the climate of the High Arctic. The landscape becomes flatter and more rounded and is significantly less alpine than further south. Your ship may encounter stronger sea ice currents to the south. Some proposed landing sites may have to be abandoned due to sea ice, while others remain accessible.
Day 11: Germania Country
Today, you could go ashore at Thoms Thomsen Næs, Fyrretyvekilometersnæsset, or another location in Germania Land—a region known for musk oxen and where a lone wolf occasionally patrols. The choice of landing sites depends on ice and weather conditions, as well as the chances of wildlife sightings.
Day 12: Through the sea ice off northeast Greenland
The journey continues eastward along the rugged edge of the sea ice in northeast Greenland. Keep an eye out for whales, seals, polar bears, and seabirds. This landscape is constantly changing and forms a true frontier region for many species native to the Arctic.
Day 13: Spitsbergen
You are now on the open sea, sailing eastward in the northernmost arm of the warm Gulf Stream toward Spitsbergen. If time permits, you will go ashore in the late afternoon at the walrus colony at Poolepynten.
Day 14: Arrival in Longyearbyen
In Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, you can stroll through the former mining town. The parish church and the Svalbard Museum are particularly worth seeing. Alternatively, you can take the first flight to Oslo for your onward journey.
You have just completed an intensive ship expedition to some of the most remote places in the Arctic. The tranquil beauty and wild freedom of northeast Greenland have surely left a deep impression on you. You return home with memories that will linger for a long time to come.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
August 25, 2026 – September 7, 2026
from €10,100 per person
14 days/13 nights
MS Plancius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Akureyri Longyearbyen
Travel with German-speaking support*
plus EUR 140 for transfer from Reykjavik to Akuriyeri
September 4, 2027 – September 17, 2027
from $0 per person
14 days/13 nights
MS Hondius (Maximum occupancy: 170)
Akureyri Longyearbyen
plus EUR 155 for transfer from Reykjavik to Akuriyeri
Optional extra: Long hikes
September 6, 2027 – September 19, 2027
from €7,550 per person
14 days/13 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Akureyri Longyearbyen
plus EUR 155 for transfer from Reykjavik to Akuriyeri
Optional extra: Long hikes
Selected date
August 25, 2026 – September 7, 2026 (14 days/13 nights)
MS Plancius | German-speaking | Northeast Greenland Extreme
Four people with porthole
Three-person with porthole
Double with porthole
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
September 4, 2027 – September 17, 2027 (14 days/13 nights)
MS Hondius | Northeast Greenland Extreme – Aurora Borealis and Long Hikes
Four people with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
Junior Suite
Grand Suite with private balcony
cabin
options
| Long hikes (register in advance) | ||
| Person(s) | ||
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optional activities
Selected date
September 6, 2027 – September 19, 2027 (14 days/13 nights)
MS Ortelius | Northeast Greenland Extreme – Aurora Borealis and Long Hikes
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
| Long hikes (register in advance) | ||
| Person(s) | ||
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optional activities
Information
Included services:
- Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals, including snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the trip on board the ship
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip, including Zodiac excursions
- Expert lectures and leadership of an international expedition team on board and ashore
- Use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Transfers and luggage service between the ship and Longyearbyen Airport (limited, depending on the flight booked)
- All other taxes and port fees related to the ship program
- Comprehensive travel documents (boarding pass, travel information)
Not included in the price:
- Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
- Land arrangements before and after the cruise (e.g., hotel accommodations on land)
- Passport and visa fees
- Arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Excess baggage fees and all onboard services such as laundry, bar, beverage costs, and telecommunications costs
- Tips at the end of the trip for the service staff on board (guidelines available on request)
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- English-speaking expedition team
- Means of payment on board: US dollars, euros, and major credit cards
- Rubber boots available for loan on board
- Open bridge
- There is a doctor on board.
- The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
- Individual travelers: Shared cabins can be booked.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
*German language support
On board the expedition ships, the expedition team speaksEnglish and Germanduring the cruises.
For you, this means that all publications, such as ourin-flight magazine, daily programs, and notices, are also available in German. Menusare multilingual, so you can be sure you're always choosing the right thing. This also applies to announcements on board: to ensure you don't miss anything, these are always made in German as well. Do you have any specific questions or personal requests? Feel free to contact the German-speaking members of the expedition team at any time.
Your individual needs will also be taken into account during the diverse activities on the expedition cruises: for example, whenever possible, you will be divided into language groups for trips on Zodiac inflatable boats, and lectures will be held in German. You can always count on simultaneous translation.
Your ship during the voyage
MS Plancius on deck Dietmar Denger
On deck of the MS Plancius I © Dietmar Denger
northeast Greenland extreme aurora eloko67 AdobeStock 196057709
Aurora borealis over East Greenland
northeast-greenland-extreme_icebergs_katja-riedel_oceanwide-expeditions
Huge icebergs | © Katja Riedel
northeast-greenland-extreme_sydkap_gerard-bodineau_oceanwide-expeditions
At Cape Sydkap | © Gerard Bodineau
northeast-greenland-extreme-tundra-erwin-vermeulen-oceanwide-expeditions
Tundra in East Greenland | © Erwin Vermeulen
northeast-greenland-extreme_ittoqqortoomiit_katja-riedel_oceanwide-expeditions
Ittoqqortoomiit | © Katja Riedel
northeast-greenland-extreme_ittoqqortoomiit_gordon-luck_oceanwide-expeditions
Residents of Ittoqqortoomiit | © Gordon Luck
northeast-greenland-extreme_photographer_rob-tully_oceanwide-expeditions
Animal and landscape photography | © Rob Tully
northeast-greenland-extreme_blomsterbugt_sandra-petrowitz_oceanwide-expeditions
Blomsterbugt | © Sandra Petrowitz
northeast-greenland-extreme_spitsbergen-alpine-grouse_erwin-vermeulen_oceanwide-expeditions
A rock ptarmigan | © Erwin Vermeulen
northeast-greenland-extreme-hike-northeast-greenland_sandra-petrowitz_oceanwide-expeditions
Guided hikes through solitude | © Sandra Petrowitz
northeast-greenland-extreme_polar-hare_rinie-van-meurs_oceanwide-expeditions
A polar hare | © Rinie van Meurs
northeast-greenland-extreme_spitsbergen-arctic-fox_erwin-vermeulen_oceanwide-expeditions
Arctic fox on Spitsbergen | © Erwin Vermeulen
northeast-greenland-extreme_wool-grass_erwin-vermeulen_oceanwide-expeditions
Cotton grass | © Erwin Vermeulen
northeast-greenland-extreme_musk-oxen_erwin-vermeulen_oceanwide-expeditions
Musk oxen | © Erwin Vermeulen
northeast-greenland-extreme_humpback-whale_erwin-vermeulen_oceanwide-expeditions
Humpback whale | © Erwin Vermeulen
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