Where icebergs drift between 2,000-meter-high cliffs
MS Sea Spirit
Max. 114 passengers
11 days (10 nights)
from/to Reykjavík
11-day expedition cruise from/to Reykjavík to the world's longest fjord system | max. 114 passengers | German-speaking
+++ Up to 15% early-bird discount for new bookings made by July 31, 2026 +++
+++ German-Language Premiere: First Expedition in East Greenland Conducted Entirely in German +++
A first for German-speaking polar travelers: A small expedition ship sets sail Reykjavík conducted entirely in German in the Scoresbysund, the world's longest fjord system. You'll cross the Denmark Street, cross the Arctic Circle and arrive at an almost uninhabited icy landscape with Rock faces up to 2,000 meters high, massive icebergs, and, with a little luck, the Northern Lights.
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In Scoresbysund—known as Kangertittivaq in Greenlandic—massive icebergs drift through deep fjords and narrow passages, framed by steep cliffs. The itinerary includes a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, which features a museum, a post office, and a large number of Greenlandic sled dogs. Musk oxen and Arctic hares roam the autumn-colored tundra, and with a little luck, you might spot Arctic foxes. From the ship, keep an eye out for whales and seabirds.
The Northern Lights are the highlight: East Greenland is considered one of the best places in the Arctic to view the Northern Lights. The sky above Scoresbysund is at an ideal latitude and is often cleared by katabatic winds from the Greenland Ice Sheet. The dancing lights are reflected in the calm waters among the silhouettes of icebergs.
For the days surrounding the expedition, we recommend extending your stay in Iceland. Just on the outskirts of Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon entices visitors with its seven-step Skjól ritual and an infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic—a quieter, more authentic experience than the touristy Blue Lagoon. A day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature”—takes you to the iconic Kirkjufell, black lava beaches, and the seal colony at Ytri Tunga. If you’re staying longer, Hotel Rangá in southern Iceland offers accommodations perfect for hunting the Northern Lights, complete with its own observatory and nightly guided stargazing tours. Feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to put together a personalized itinerary for your pre- or post-trip activities.
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: The trip begins and ends in Reykjavík. You are responsible for booking your own international flights; however, we can assist with flight planning upon request. The hotel stay in Reykjavík prior to the start of the trip is included in the tour price.
Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required for Iceland and Greenland (Danish territory). You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the German Foreign Office for Iceland and Denmark (which has jurisdiction over Greenland).
Accepted forms of payment on board: U.S. dollars, euros, and major credit cards.
Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Scoresbysund / Kangertittivaq – The world’s longest fjord system, with icebergs nestled between cliffs up to 2,000 meters high.
- Northern Lights over Scoresbysund – September is considered the ideal time to see them; with a little luck, the lights will dance across the dark fjords.
- Ittoqqortoormiit – A visit to the region’s only permanent settlement, featuring a museum, a post office, and a large number of Greenlandic sled dogs.
- Musk oxen and Arctic hares —wildlife watching on the autumn-colored tundra; with a little luck, you might spot an Arctic fox or a lemming.
- Icebergs in fantastic shapes —giants calved from massive glaciers and sculpted by wind and water—drift through the intricate fjord system.
- Thule Sites – Archaeological evidence of the Inuit’s centuries-old relationship with this barren but habitable environment.
- The Arctic Circle and Whale Watching – Crossing the Arctic Circle and keeping an eye out for large whales and seabirds along the steep edge of the Greenlandic continental shelf.
- German-Language Premiere – The first expedition in this region to be conducted entirely in German. Lectures, briefings, and shore excursions will be held in German.
route
itinerary
From Reykjavík to the Northern Lights of Eastern Greenland
Day 1 | Arrival in Reykjavík
Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and the starting point of the Arctic expedition. It takes about 45 minutes to reach downtown from Keflavík Airport. After checking in at your hotel—which is included in the tour price—the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Recommended sights: the National Museum, the Culture House, Reykjavík’s landmark Hallgrímskirkja, or “Whales of Iceland,” featuring life-size models of all 23 species of whales found in Iceland. A dinner featuring authentic Icelandic cuisine rounds out the day.
Day 2 | Boarding and Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have the morning free to explore Reykjavík. Perhaps take a stroll through a park, visit a thermal bath, or go birdwatching at Tjörnin, the tranquil lake in the heart of the city. You can also do some souvenir shopping or pick up any last-minute clothing for the cold weather. In the afternoon, you’ll board the transfer bus that will take you to the pier for boarding. You’ll check into your suite, and the expedition team will introduce themselves and conduct the safety briefing. During your first dinner on board, the ship will be crossing Faxaflói Bay. On the outdoor decks, you’ll have your first chance to spot whales.
Day 3 | Denmark Road and the Arctic Circle
On the journey north across the Denmark Strait toward East Greenland, you’ll celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle. In the nutrient-rich waters off the steep edge of the Greenlandic continental shelf, keep an eye out for large whales and seabirds. Talks by the expedition team will accompany this day at sea. After dark, you’ll have the first of many opportunities to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights —if you’re lucky.
Days 4–9 | Scoresbysund / Kangertittivaq
The heart of the journey begins in Scoresbysund. As with any true polar expedition, the schedule and route depend on the weather and ice conditions. The expedition leader makes new decisions every day. Deep fjords and narrow passages open up before you, framed by steep cliffs reaching heights of up to 2,000 meters. Massive icebergs, calved from gigantic glaciers and sculpted into fantastic shapes by wind and water, drift through the intricate fjord system.
Musk oxen and Arctic hares roam the autumn-colored tundra; with a little luck, you might spot an Arctic fox or a lemming. From the ship, you’ll keep an eye out for whales and seabirds. While the expedition team cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, those who are patient will usually be rewarded.
The itinerary includes visits to ancient Thule sites, which serve as a reminder of humanity’s centuries-old relationship with this barren environment, as well as a day in the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the region’s only permanent settlement and one of the most remote communities in the world. You’ll visit the museum, bookstore, and post office, see handmade crafts, and encounter a large number of Greenlandic sled dogs.
As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage. East Greenland is considered one of the best places in the Arctic to view the Northern Lights. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are reflected in the calm waters, while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and rugged mountains enhance the experience.
For the adventurous among you, the East Greenland portion of the trip is considered a world-class kayaking destination. Sea Kayak Club participants paddle among massive icebergs, through narrow fjords, and near tidewater glaciers.
Day 10 | Return trip via the Denmark Strait
After spending time in Scoresbysund, the route takes us back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Lectures and workshops led by the team of experts, as well as the ship’s facilities, ensure that this day at sea is well spent. Seabirds and whales can be spotted from the panoramic outdoor decks and balconies.
Day 11 | Disembarkation in Reykjavík
After one last breakfast on board, you’ll say goodbye to the Sea Spirit. The group transfer will take you to Keflavík Airport or to a centrally located hotel with luggage storage, in case you’d like to extend your stay in Iceland.
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.
activities
Landings with migrations (included)
Scheduled shore excursions with scenic hikes for all skill levels. The expedition team divides the groups by pace and distance so that everyone can find the right program. Hiking poles are provided by the ship.
Zodiac rides (included)
Zodiac trips among massive icebergs and along the fjord landscape. The small inflatable boats can go where the expedition ship cannot: through narrow passages, close to walls of glacial ice, and into bays where whales may surface.
Aurora viewing (included)
From the spacious outdoor decks, you can watch the aurora borealis over Scoresbysund. The expedition team will wake you up during periods of particularly intense activity, if you wish. The reflections on the calm waters of the fjord, set against the silhouettes of icebergs, make the view even more impressive.
Polar Plunge (included)
A dip in the Arctic waters for the brave among you, with the expedition team ensuring your safety. Those who don't want to jump in themselves can watch from the outer decks.
Whale watching (included)
In Faxaflói Bay at the start of the journey and in the Denmark Strait on the way north and back, there’s a good chance of seeing whales. The nutrient-rich waters along the steep edge of the Greenlandic continental shelf attract large whales and seabirds.
Visit to Ittoqqortoormiit (included)
The itinerary includes a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the region’s only permanent settlement and one of the most remote communities in the world. The village museum offers insight into its history and culture, the post office sends out postcards with a Greenlandic postmark, and the large population of sled dogs is a defining feature of the village.
Photo Program (included)
An expedition photographer will be on board to lead master classes and workshops on polar photography. During shore excursions, he will offer practical tips on composition, lighting, and animal behavior. After the trip, you will receive a curated selection of your photos.
Sea Kayak Club (for an additional fee)
The East Greenland portion of the trip is considered a world-class kayaking destination. Sea Kayak Club participants paddle among massive icebergs in fjords, surrounded by mountain panoramas, and near tidewater glaciers. The number of participants is limited, and a separate reservation must be made in advance of the trip.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
September 14, 2027 – September 24, 2027
Starting at €10,895 per person
11 days/10 nights
MS Sea Spirit (Maximum occupancy: 114)
Reykjavik (Iceland) Reykjavik (Iceland)
Up to 15% early-bird discount for new bookings made by July 31, 2026
Optional, for an additional fee: kayaking
Selected date
September 14, 2027 – September 24, 2027 (11 days/10 nights)
MS Sea Spirit | German-speaking | Northern Lights in Scoresbysund: East Greenland
Classic Triple Suite
Main Deck Suite
Classic Suite
Superior Suite
Deluxe Suite
Premium Suite
single suite
Owner Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 795,00 € | |
personal data
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Summary
Optional activities
Information
Included services:
- 1 night's hotel stay in Reykjavík before the trip begins (Day 1), including breakfast
- Group transfer from the hotel to the ship on the day of embarkation
- 10 nights aboard the Sea Spirit in your chosen cabin category
- Gourmet meals on board, created by the head chef
- 24-hour tea and coffee station, including cookies
- All-inclusive beverage package: soft drinks, house wine, house beer, and house spirits
- Scheduled shore excursions and outings (weather permitting); hiking poles are provided
- Expert guidance from the expedition leader and expedition team
- Photography Program with an Expedition Photographer: Masterclasses, Tips for Going Ashore, and a Curated Selection of Photos After the Trip
- BBQ on the outdoor deck on one day of the trip
- Polar Plunge: A Dive into Polar Waters for the Brave
- Expedition parka as a souvenir to take home
- Rubber boots for landing operations (on loan)
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Open-Bridge Policy: Access to the bridge whenever weather and navigation conditions permit
- Ship's doctor and infirmary on board
- AECO fees, government taxes, and port fees
- Group transfer to Keflavík Airport or to a centrally located hotel with luggage storage after disembarkation
- Comprehensive pre-trip information to help you prepare for your trip
- Digital travel journal with photos and a commemorative video after the trip
Not included:
- International flights to and from Reykjavík (we can handle flight planning upon request)
- Travel Cancellation and International Health Insurance
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 per person (we would be happy to advise you on the right policy)
- Sea Kayak Club (for an additional fee)
- Tips for the crew and expedition team
- Transfers from the airport to the hotel for guests arriving on their own
- Visa fees, if applicable
- Personal expenses (laundry service, satellite phone)
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
- Expedition language: German*
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
- In addition, emergency evacuation insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 per person is required for participation.
- The sea crossings across the Denmark Strait can be rough. The MS Sea Spirit is equipped with Rolls-Royce stabilizers.
- Filling out a medical questionnaire is mandatory.
German-Language Tour*
This voyage is the tour operator’s first entirely German-language expedition to East Greenland. The expedition team is entirely German-speaking, and the presentations on board are given in German.
* Only this special tour is conducted entirely in German. Other tours on the same route are conducted in English with German-speaking support and can be booked separately.
Your ship during the voyage
Your ship: The MS Sea Spirit
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in East Greenland?
In September, day and night are about the same length. The nights are already dark enough for vivid auroras, while it’s still relatively mild on land. The sky over Scoresbysund lies at a latitude favorable for the Northern Lights, and katabatic winds from the nearby Greenland ice sheet often clear the sky. The weather offers no guarantees, but the conditions are among the best in the Arctic.
How many guests are on board?
A maximum of 114 guests. That’s significantly fewer than on conventional cruise ships and is in line with the polar expedition class: a small ship, quick shore excursions without group rotation, and personal interaction with the expedition team and fellow passengers.
What language is spoken on board?
On the German-language premiere cruise, all presentations, briefings, and shore excursions will be conducted entirely in German. On the sister cruises, the onboard language is English with German-language support.
How warm does it get in East Greenland in September?
During the day, expect temperatures between 0 and +5 °C; at night, there may be light frost. Wind and snow showers are possible. The expedition parka, which you’ll keep as a gift, and the rubber boots provided on loan will meet your most important needs for protection against the cold and wet. Please bring your own multi-layered technical clothing.
Which animals can you realistically see?
Musk oxen, Arctic hares, and—with a little luck—Arctic foxes and lemmings are the most common sightings on land. In the Denmark Strait and Faxaflói Bay, keep an eye out for whales and seabirds. Polar bears live in the region but are usually found on the sea ice further north. The expedition team cannot guarantee wildlife encounters; however, those who are patient will usually be rewarded.
How rich in history is the region?
The Thule sites visited during the tour illustrate the centuries-old relationship between humans and this barren yet habitable environment. Ittoqqortoormiit is the region’s modern Inuit settlement and one of the most remote communities in the world. At the village museum, you’ll gain insight into the history and culture of its current residents.
How can I combine this trip with a visit to Iceland?
Reykjavík is on the itinerary on the day of arrival and the day of disembarkation. Many guests extend their stay by 2–4 days to visit the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, or take a tour of the south coast. We’re happy to book pre- and post-cruise itineraries for you and coordinate them with your flight times.
What is included in the tour price?
The 10 nights on board with gourmet full board, the all-inclusive beverage package, all scheduled shore excursions, the expedition team, the photography program, the complimentary expedition parka, rubber boots for rent, Wi-Fi, the Polar Plunge, the BBQ on the outdoor deck, and all port fees. Also included is one night’s hotel accommodation in Reykjavík before the trip begins, including breakfast and the group transfer. Not included in the price: flights, insurance, gratuities, and the optional sea kayaking program.
The MS Sea Spirit in an Arctic bay
The MS Sea Spirit in a quiet Arctic bay, with the snow-capped peaks of East Greenland in the background
MS Sea Spirit off the Glacier Mountains
The MS Sea Spirit off the coast of steep glacier-covered mountains; a Zodiac takes the guests ashore
On the open bridge of the MS Sea Spirit
The open bridge of the MS Sea Spirit: Guests are welcome to go up and look over the captain's shoulder
Outdoor Jacuzzi on board the MS Sea Spirit
Outdoor hot tub with a panoramic view of the passing Arctic landscape
Red sandstone mountain with an iceberg in the fjord at Scoresbysund
In the Shadow of the Red Giant | © Shayne McGuire
Colorful wooden houses in the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit on the mountainside
Ittoqqortoormiit — Colorful Houses on the Arctic Ocean | © Page Chichester
Iceberg sculptures resembling an ice city in the open sea
A City of Ice | © Shayne McGuire
Expedition ship and two Zodiacs off icebergs in the fjord
In Zodiacs among icebergs | © Shayne Mcguire
Aurora Borealis over an iceberg and a full moon at Scoresbysund
Northern Lights Over Ice and the Moon | © Shayne McGuire
Aurora Borealis Corona, violet-green, over eastern Greenland
Corona over East Greenland | © Shayne McGuire
A pointed iceberg with the moon during the blue hour, reflected in the still water
Moonrise During the Blue Hour | © Shayne Mcguire
Iceberg against a pastel-colored sunset with a reflection
Pastel-Colored Iceberg | © Shayne McGuire
Two musk oxen on the tundra with an iceberg in the background of the fjord
Musk oxen on the tundra | © Page Chichester
Arctic hare in its white winter coat on scree and moss
Camouflage in the Polar Winter | © Page Chichester
Three Greenlandic sled dogs with a puppy in Ittoqqortoormiit
Puppy among sled dogs | © Shayne Mcguire
Close-up of an iceberg with its characteristic blue veins
Blue Veins in the Ice | © Shayne McGuire
Layered sedimentary rock formations overlooking the fjord at Scoresbysund
Geology like the pages of an open book | © Shayne McGuire
A lone hiker in front of an iceberg lagoon with a mountain panorama
Alone in front of the iceberg lagoon | © Shayne McGuire
Four red kayaks in the fjord in front of an expedition ship in East Greenland
Kayaking in the Fjord | © Shayne Mcguire
Two Zodiacs in front of a turquoise-blue glacier edge with icebergs
At the turquoise-blue edge of the glacier | © Shayne McGuire
Zodiac in front of a monumental glacier face in East Greenland
In front of the glacier face | © Shayne McGuire
Hiking group on a rocky plateau with a snow-covered mountain panorama
On the rocky plateau | © Shayne McGuire
Two passengers in the hot tub on the sun deck at sunset
Hot Tub Under the Northern Lights | © Shayne McGuire
Ship's Bow Breaks Through Rough Seas in the Denmark Strait
Through Dänemarkstraße | © Shayne Mcguire
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