GREENLAND The warmest welcomes in the Arctic

Greenland is a revelation. One of the world’s most enigmatic places, its natural beauty, fascinating culture and impressive wildlife remain a mystery to many. It’s this very mystery that draws in our most curious and intrepid travelers, and remains one of the many reasons to visit Greenland.

In expedition cruising, I recently discovered HX Expeditions—the world’s largest expedition cruiser, with sustainability and exploration at core—and believe they are offering something quite special, particularly in Greenland.

With HX, you’ll be accompanied by the industry's leading Expedition Team, which not only knows the land but loves it. They take pride and pleasure in sharing its beauty with you, walking you through streets of brightly colored buildings in the capital city, leading you through the scenic strait along Vaigat Sound and helping you spot its rich and varied wildlife, whether you’re in a kayak, on foot or onboard your ship.

Nature as it should be seen

This vast, interconnected ecosystem is most varied in the ice-free periphery of the island. Here you’ll have a chance to spot an incredible array of wildlife: everything from Musk Oxen and Arctic Foxes to White-tailed Eagles and Snowy Owls. Humpback, Blue and Fin Whales teem along the coastline, while Polar Bears are occasionally spotted in the Northeast Greenland National Park.

Greenland

A peek at the wildlife that awaits.

Warm blood in a cold climate

Greenland’s short summers and cold winters have given rise to visible adaptations in its mammal population, with thick fur insulating them from the harsh environments in which they thrive. Three species – Polar Bears, Arctic Hares and Arctic Foxes – have white or translucent coats for camouflage in the snow and lesser-spotted animals, like the Musk Ox, Arctic Lemmings, reindeer, Arctic Wolves and wolverines, have also evolved to flourish in this unique environment.

On sea and shore

As you skim the unspoiled coastline of Greenland, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the sixteen species of cetacean that have been recorded in coastal waters, including Minke, Humpback and Beluga Whales. You may see porpoises and dolphins, who sometimes feed in the food-rich waters around fjords, and observe different species of seal basking and playing on the shore. If you’re extremely lucky, you may even spot the near-mythical Narwhal.

Skies teeming with life

Greenland plays host to a diverse range of birdlife, with around 230 observed species either living there year-round or else visiting as a seasonal migrant from North or Central America. Around the shores you might see skuas, Northern Fulmars and Glaucous Gulls, while on land, Lapland Buntings and Snow Buntings are common breeders. You may even spot a Sea Eagle – a majestic bird of prey that’s the largest in Greenland, with a wingspan of up to 2.5m.

The HX experience

A day in Greenland

A peek at the HX experience.

Close-knit communities

The people of Greenland share a love of their land and maintain pride in its traditions. To get to know them better, you may be invited to a kaffemik – a casual social gathering at someone's home, where you'll enjoy strong, hot coffee and delicious food. Thanks to our strong connections with local communities, you may even get to see some beautiful national dress and hear traditional songs.

Explore in our expedition boats

Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the coastline, spotting seals, and whales and landing in remote areas to explore on foot. Then return to your stylish and comfortable expedition ship to relax and refuel before your next adventure.

Take to the waters by kayak

Enjoy a unique view of Greenland from the surface of the water, paddling serenely through the land that invented the kayak, or qajaq, thousands of years ago. It’s the perfect way to navigate the narrower fjords, get closer to Greenland’s wildlife in its own habitat and connect with traditional Inuit culture.

Experience Ilulissat Icefjord

The spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sight unlike any other, where icebergs calve from the planet’s fastest moving glacier. Not far away, you’ll find some of the island’s best hot springs, where you can immerse yourself in the natural warm water, surrounded by more towering icebergs and snow-dusted mountains.

One of the world’s smallest capitals

Enjoy the colorful and compact capital of Greenland, with its historic buildings, bustling waterfront and National Museum, home to the famed 500-year-old mummies of Qilakitsoq and a wide range of Viking finds. Stop for a moment at the charming wooden Nuuk Cathedral, gaze down at the water below and see the beautiful and iconic Mother of the Sea statue before exploring more of this fascinating window onto modern Greenland.

The best time to travel

Whale Watching

The best time to see whales in Greenland is from mid-summer to late autumn, usually during June, July, and August. Up to 15 species swim the waters of Greenland through the year and you’ll have the chance to spot Fin, Humpback and Minke Whales from the ship or our smaller expedition boats. In the winter, some lesser-spotted species visit Disko Bay and Qaanaaq, such as Beluga and Bowhead whales and even the much sought-after narwhal.

Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that graces Greenland in the summer, when the sun doesn't set for days or months. You can experience it in the land's northernmost regions from late April to late August, when the light paints Greenland’s beautiful scenery with pinks, purples and yellows, and the local buzz continues well into the early hours.

Seal Pups

There are six species of seal in Greenland and the most commonly spotted are Harped and Ringed Seals. These give birth in late March and early April, and you’re likely to see their pups learning to swim and play in the following months. Pups are born with a thick, white coat called lanugo, which is keeps them warm in their first weeks, and they’ll stay on the ice with their mothers until their initial coat moults and is replaced by a water-repellent one.

Warmer Weather

While Greenland's weather is always unpredictable, its summer season is usually the warmest. Summer in Greenland begins in June and usually ends in early September, with its highest temperatures in July, averaging at around 44°F. Typically, Greenland’s temperatures can vary widely, with some areas getting as warm as 68°F, but you’ll want to bring plenty of weatherproof clothes, just in case.

Ice Conditions

While Greenland is enchanting all year round, with every season offering its own charms, the ice conditions can vary widely. For example, summer in Greenland starts in June and lasts until early September – at this time the climate is temperate the melting ice makes it possible to navigate the fjords and bays along the coast. As the snow and ice melt, a new landscape is revealed, with blooming flowers and thriving wildlife, icebergs floating peacefully and whales breaching under the midnight sun.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one the world’s most awe-inspiring phenomena and one of the most sought-after sights of any Greenland expedition. The Aurora Borealis are visible all year in very dark skies, and the best time to see them is from the end of September to March or April, depending on your location. Your location may also influence the colour of the lights when you see them, ranging through yellow, green, red and white, and looking surprisingly different through your camera lens.

Adventure is All-Inclusive

A cruise to Greenland with HX includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Center, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.

Food
Enjoy daily culinary adventures in our onboard restaurants. Here you’ll be served beautifully prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting with a generous morning buffet and ending with an exquisite dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients by our onboard chefs.

Drinks
Your day begins with freshly brewed coffee and tea, followed by a selection of hot and cold drinks available at all times. After a day on the ice, relax with a glass of wine or beer, or toast your voyage with an expertly mixed cocktail. Drinks are served all day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).

Activities
Every day, you’ll be joined by our Expedition Team. Our guides are carefully chosen experts in fields like natural history and climate science, and they’ll lead you on hikes, community visits and small boat trips, offering vital information and insight all the way. They’ll also deliver fascinating talks in our onboard lecture hall, accompany you in our Science Center and brief you on the next day’s schedule.